A review by jenmcmaynes
Pale Horse, Pale Rider by Katherine Anne Porter

4.0

Of the three novellas in this book, I thought the best was Old Mortality. I loved the theme of family legends and myths and how they color the life and expectations of the younger generations brought up on these mythologized characters. It was excellent. Noon Wine was solid, about a Texas family and the migrant Swede who comes to work for them. It had a chilling ending and the character of Mr Thompson, in particular, was really well observed. The titular story, Pale Horse, Pale Rider, was my least favorite. Maybe a story about having the Spanish Flu was not the best to read during the current pandemic? ;) This aside, I also felt that its observations on death, love during war time, and the will to live (though all true) were not really earth shattering.