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3.79 AVERAGE

medium-paced

This book was my one true love for the week it took my hungry 9 year old mind to read it. I shall love it forever.
adventurous inspiring slow-paced

Black beauty follows the horse perspective and I found it interesting and heartfelt. Wish I read this as a kid

52Books2023 Reading Challenge: An alliterative title

The story of my life is being traumatized by this story over and over again

It's so sad that Anne died three months after her book was published but wherever she is I just want to say,her book is fantastic! In my opinion,I think Anne was really passionate about horses and felt the need for people to be in the shoes of a horse even if for a moment. It goes more deeper than just the life of a horse. It describes the cruel some horses are being treated,the kind of owners they have and the horses' feelings.To lovers of horses,you're definitely going to love this!

I can clearly see why this book is a classic now. It defines abuse for horses and a horse's life. It was a new perspective and quite refreshing.

I remember having this book read to me as a very young child, as well as watching the original movie. As an animal lover, I remembered the messages of kindness and the humane treatment of animals. The author even expresses her support for euthanasia, told in a way that a child could understand.

I wanted to reread the original version, even though it's considered a "children's classic" because I know that these books often contain additional messages for adults. Wow, I wasn't wrong.

Anna Sewell only wrote one book, and although it is told from the perspective of a horse, it's very apparent that she had a multitude of strong beliefs that she needed us to hear. Lessons for adults. Lessons told in 1877 that everyone would do well to heed today. She breaches the subjects of division in religion and politics. She repeatedly expresses her feelings related to what we recognize today as "see something, say something". She opines on war. Most of all, she talks about character and reputation, from vanity to excessive drinking, timeliness, honesty, kindness and respect. She even addresses family and work life balance.

It's a soft sell, and you can simply enjoy the tender story of Black Beauty's life, if you so choose. It takes us back to "simpler" times when travel relied on a good horse and buggy. If you're paying attention though, this book is quite complex. Apparently Sewell did not intend for it to be a children's book.

i'm glad I chose to reread it in 2022, as an adult who shares many of Ms. Sewell's views. I wish I'd known her.
adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated