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128 reviews for:
The Sport of Kings: Shortlisted for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction 2017
C.E. Morgan
3.52 AVERAGE
128 reviews for:
The Sport of Kings: Shortlisted for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction 2017
C.E. Morgan
3.52 AVERAGE
Sport of Kings has all the pieces of a great American novel, but it has yet to be recognized as such. What is most poignant and relevant about this book is its discussion of the racism that persisted (and still persists) through the 1950's and onward. I was at first put off by the first few chapters because they are centered on the wealthy, white, Forge family, and the patriarch's violent racism and racial "purity" that he philosophizes to his son, Henry. Philosophies which he puts into physical action in his house and home. Much to my relief, the book switched emphases and showed the other side of the coin: Henry's foil, Allmon. Allmon, a troubled African American man, who, very much rightly, believes that the world is set against him and his brethren. The story that follows is an unlikely pairing that leads to acts of uncanny karma and justice in Henry's perfect world. In an epic mode of novelization, C.E. Morgan also manages to bring to light the inequity of poverty and wealth, the curse of untreated chronic disease, the abuses of thoroughbred racing, and the injustices of the justice system. This is a book about a horse... but this book is not just for the horse-lover but a lover of people and life. Morgan also sheds light on the fact that American society has difficulty with women who refuse to sit cleanly in one place as seen by the fate of Henry's daughter whom he sexually abuses and then, ultimately, loses. Overall a slow read, but it was worth it. The resolution of the novel is fantastically poignant and moving, suggesting that, in the end, the two hated characters who fought against their respective worlds found final rest in one another's arms.
What an exercise in frustration. This book grapples with some big, challenging themes and the prose is beautiful - but all of this is hampered by a terribly meandering stream-of-consciousness style, frustrating pacing and some plot choices by the author I found extremely annoying (namely, how many mothers and women are absent and killed off). A generously rounded up 2,5 stars.
So, my thoughts. Firstly I was, because of the horses and the racing, pretty sure I would hate this book. So imagine my surprise when within 50 pages I was sold, gripped in the dynastic tale of the Forge family who are all frankly horrid and bonkers but oh so read able. The book then takes a huge twist into the life of Allmon and soon starts to look at class and race in America from the 1960's onwards. This book is jam packed. There is a but coming. I can't decide if Morgan does something clever with the slightly rushed ending, or if she does something that totally betrays one of the characters. If it's the former then it's probably a 4.5/5 star and if it's the latter it's a 3 star. So I'm settling on a 4 star for now.
Needless to say, if I wasn't reading this for the Baileys Prize shortlist, I probably would have DNF'd it.
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
God, it’s sad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Incest, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury
Probably closer to 4.5/5 stars, but I'm holding back because I'm convinced some of this went over my head. C.E. Morgan's writing is as majestic as her plot, alternating between 1st/2nd/3rd person narration, playwriting, interludes, sermons, and excerpts from (further fictionalized) diaries and books. This is all in service of a sweeping plot about horse-racing and slavery, with a narrative that spans between the Revolutionary War to 2006. Most of the action occurs in the late 20th century and centers on three characters investing their blood, sweat, and tears into a filly named Hellsmouth, an unlikely candidate for Secretariat status.
I have no interest in horse-racing, but once this got its hooks in me, I couldn't put it down. Morgan's writing is awe-inspiring despite being admittedly esoteric and showy at times. It's also rare to find a contemporary novelist so adept at balancing post-modern techniques with old-fashioned, plot-driven storytelling, and what a timely story at that.
I have no interest in horse-racing, but once this got its hooks in me, I couldn't put it down. Morgan's writing is awe-inspiring despite being admittedly esoteric and showy at times. It's also rare to find a contemporary novelist so adept at balancing post-modern techniques with old-fashioned, plot-driven storytelling, and what a timely story at that.
life sucks and people are racist and then you die: the novel
This book was a bit of a journey. That was the first thing that came into my mind when I read the final page. A bit of an experience. Whether it is an altogether positive one, I am not so sure. It left me feeling a bit unpleasant and uncomfortable, but there is no denying that the author created a journey.
When I read the first third or so, I thought this book could end up being one of the best books that I read this year, but as the story grew grimmer and darker and more drawn out, it just fizzled out a bit for me. Normally I don’t really mind unlikable characters, who do bad things, but really in this novel there were so few redeeming qualities in the second half of the book that it just turned into a bit of a negative spiral.
We see generations of a single rich family and their relationship with the world around them. The books is full of racism, prejudice and not to mention rape and incest. It’s not a lighthearted read by any means.
I do think the backdrop of horseracing makes a commentary on that industry that is certainly partially valid. It shows both the beauty and the ugly side of a sport ruled by the rich. But the main thing the novel does in my opinion is showing the ugly side of humanity and there is a lot of it.
This author sure can write. There are beautiful passages and observations in this book worth reading. I just feel that in the end this story was not for me. It just grew darker and darker and filled me with dread, and not in that nice suspenseful way.
Will I read a book by this author again? Maybe. There were definitely things I liked. I just did like the way it made me feel in the end.
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Rape, spousal abuse/rape, child death, murder, suicide, terminal illness, incest, confinement, animal abuse & death, and so much racism/prejudice
Beautifully rich prose and an impressive narrative arc of vast scope. Yet, it's definently overwritten and a challenging read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Incest, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Suicide, Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Physical abuse