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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
My daughter read this, so I did too.
Charmingly stilted, heavy on the morals, but a fun read.
Charmingly stilted, heavy on the morals, but a fun read.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Moderate: Animal death
Most books with animal narrators that I read as a child made a good, kind, caring person, normally a child, the exception in a cruel culture, but this book not only made characters of all ages, sexes, and occupations good to and for horses, but added discussions of the moral failings of ignorance and indifference toward cruelty.
A simple yet engaging read with memorable characters and a strong message, I found Black Beauty to be very enjoyable and an insightful look into animal welfare in the Victorian era.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was another favorite of my mom's growing up. I enjoyed the story, but remember being pretty scared of horses. I think this may be another that would be good for me to re-read.
Another Charlotte bedtime book. I remember loving this when I was her age, but it's really not grabbing me now.
I give it a 3, kid would give it a 5, because horses! I do not even remember all the dead horses and poor living conditions from when I was a kid. Yikes.
I give it a 3, kid would give it a 5, because horses! I do not even remember all the dead horses and poor living conditions from when I was a kid. Yikes.
"Do you know why this world is as bad as it is?... It is because people think only about their own business, and won't trouble themselves to stand up for the oppressed, nor bring the wrong-doers to light... My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt."
I used to watch the movie adaptation of this all the time when I was young. It's been on my tbr for ages and I finally got around to reading it. Let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. It is written so beautifully and emotionally. I just loved seeing everything from Black Beauty's perspective, particularly the various different characters. The book really captures the hardships that so many horses went through and often still go through. It just has so many great messages, and it invites and encourages compassion in every chapter. For everyone, that is, not just for the horses.
There were so many quotes that made me stop and think; so many things that Anna Sewell wrote that could absolutely still be applied today. I would recommend this book to everyone, children and adults alike.
A wonderful read all around.
I had lots of emotions while reading this story. What a sad story! I am so happy to have read it now. The characters are well written. I wished I could have saved some horses. A great classic read!