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geekwayne's review against another edition
3.0
‘All the Horses of Iceland’ by Sarah Tolmie is a novella about how horses might have arrived in Iceland.
Eyvind of Eyry takes on a grand trip that leads him to strange places. Along the way he gathers horses to take back with him to Iceland. He meets a variety of different people and races. Eyvind returns a changed man in more ways than one.
I had a hard time getting into this story, but there were things I really liked about it once I finished it and thought about it. The lyrical nature of some of the prose, the different races that he meets along the way, and the ultimate outcome of horses in Iceland were all interesting.
Eyvind of Eyry takes on a grand trip that leads him to strange places. Along the way he gathers horses to take back with him to Iceland. He meets a variety of different people and races. Eyvind returns a changed man in more ways than one.
I had a hard time getting into this story, but there were things I really liked about it once I finished it and thought about it. The lyrical nature of some of the prose, the different races that he meets along the way, and the ultimate outcome of horses in Iceland were all interesting.
___void's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
sydney_arcuri's review
dnf 30%
might revisit at a later date, maybe.
it’s giving more history essay than fantasy legend
might revisit at a later date, maybe.
it’s giving more history essay than fantasy legend
kleonard's review
5.0
This fable-like tale is a beautiful piece of writing that walks the reader through times and especially places rarely written about, following the star that is the founding mare of Icelandic horses. Anyone interested in stories of travel and trade among the Norse, Khazars, and others; in horses, of course; and in luminous writing. The framing device of a Christian priest relating the story is a bit weak, but does add an interesting layer in terms of religion.
maidinnah's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
The fable-like quality of the prose is beautiful, but I wasn't too emotionally invested in the story. I did enjoy following Eyvind's journey through 9th-century Central Asia, which evoked the fantastical nature of a distant past. It also had some insightful tidbits about cross-cultural exchange. A well-researched, quick read for lovers of horses and medieval history, that feels like an ancient origin myth passed down through the generations. Would have benefitted greatly from a map to avoid confusion and ground the story, though.
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Gore and Racism
spikeanderson1's review
5.0
I loved this book. Historical fiction meets fairy tale with intersectionality of the religions of the day (9th century). I am reading it next to an icy river in Iceland, so the majesty of the land informs my love and respect for this work.