A review by krismcd59
Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley

5.0

Smiley has written a sprawling, vivacious novel about the world of thoroughbred racehorses, their trainers, their owners, and their fans. The novel is a delight for anyone who's ever loved horses, although racing fans may find its pace a little slow. Smiley follows the fortunes of five different horses as they change owners, win and lose races, and otherwise fulfill their various destinies. The horses are often more compelling than the novel's human characters, but this is probably intentional on Smiley's part. Why else would she invest so much time in making sure we fall in love with the novel's most unique personality -- a Jack Russell terrier named Eileen? Still, the fantasies, delusions, dreams and plans of the human owners and trainers intersect in complex and fascinating ways for readers who are patient. Smiley's lyrical descriptions of the beauty of horses in motion, and her memorable animal personalities (particularly a saintly gelding named Justa Bob) make the time spent in the world of Horse Heaven well worth it.