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Book Review of The Hearts of Horses

The Hearts of Horses
The Hearts of Horses
Author: Molly Gloss
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
GeniusJen avatar reviewed on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4


Reviewed by LadyJay for TeensReadToo.com

It is the winter of 1917, and the United States has finally aligned itself with the allies of World War I. Times are hard. Young men are being shipped overseas at an alarming rate. Ranchers and farmers are scrambling to find adequate help. They must settle for older hired hands and young women looking for work.

Nineteen-year-old Martha Lessen has left her family in search of such work; specifically, horses that need "gentling." She makes her way to Eastern Oregon territory and sets up a circle with several horses that need breaking. During her stay in Elwha County, Martha becomes a part of the ranchers and farmers lives. She learns their secrets and listens to their stories. The female broncobuster who wished only to tame horses becomes a part of their community.

THE HEARTS OF HORSES has a quiet profoundness about it. Readers will not find anything flashy about this story, and in this time of thirty-second sound bytes and fast-food media, that sounds just fine. Gloss' main character is a worthy protagonist. A sturdily built young woman who has dreamed of the places mentioned in Western romance novels, she only wishes to roam free amongst her horses. It is a beautiful, poignant story that many people will enjoy reading.

Horse lovers will be especially drawn to the novel because of the care that Gloss takes while describing each animal and his/her temperament. Take the time to read this tale of a female horse whisperer - it will not disappoint.