A review by mooncrab
Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel by Jeannette Walls

3.0

Interesting yet dry at the same time. Rather than being intensely driven by deeply well-developed characters or an action-packed plot, the story just kind of meanders through what is very clearly oral family history. It is ultimately an exciting gift to be transported to the KC Ranch and explore a pre-industrial/urbanized America. The characters we meet experience struggle; the theme of yearning in vain weaves itself throughout and results in a painful resentment toward existence. This is universal and creates much empathy between readers & character. It also feels like a cathartic writing experience for Walls, and something wonderfully historic for her future kin. However, the book often lacked a charming depth which made it easy to disengage. I’m glad I read this one before diving into the Glass Castle, and now I’m even more excited to spend more time with Rose Mary and Rex to see how the karmic cycles shift while setting off a continued lineage of trauma.