Shreevaani Dhungel - Jan 27 2025 Introduction:
War Horse - written by Michael Morpurgo, an English book author, poet, playwright, and librettist who is known best for children's novels. The story is about a horse named Joey who experiences the gruesome world war. The story is narrated from Joey’s perspective, offering a unique lens into the war and the bond between humans and animals.
Plot:
The story starts with a young farm horse who is separated from his mother in an auction. He is bought by a kind boy named Albert despite the drunken bidding of his father, Ted. The horse is named Joey. Albert’s family struggles financially but his father bought him thinking he would be good for the farm. Albert and Joey form a deep bond during Joey’s training for plowing fields.
However, it all backs down when World War 1 starts and the British Army requires horses for the war. Joey is sold to the army because Ted needed the money desperately though against Albert’s wishes. Albert wanted to be with Joey so he also tried to get into the army but failed because he was too young. Joey is taken to France, where he faces the bloodthirst of war. He is trained to carry soldiers for battle. He witnesses the reality of war, all the wounded soldiers and horses. During his training he meets a horse named Topthorn, they both face the dangers of war together.
During the war Albert who became a young lad enlists in the army and marks his destiny to meet Joey. Albert, in the risk and dangers of war, never forgets his beloved horse Joey. During the war Joey is injured and is in no man’s land when Albert finds him. Then the cold brutal war finally ends and Joey goes into veterinary care. Then later on Albert takes Joey back on the farm and then they live happily ever after.
Critical Analysis:-
This book I’d say is a classic. I’ve read 3 Michael Morpurgo books so far counting “War Horse”, and he usually writes about the world war. This book in question is about the world war, which I’d say is a good topic to inform children about but I’ve seen better from him. I think he needs to have a more creative theme. But I also didn’t really like this book because the writing style makes it boring. Sure it’s a book with less pages but if the writing style is good you can finish it in one sitting, if it’s not it takes days. But let’s jump to why it’s good. “War Horse” is good because it shows the bond between humans and animals, it shows animal’s importance in the world. Sometimes us humans tend to forget how important animals actually are and this book describes it.
Recommendation:
I’d recommend this book honestly, even if the writing style is boring but it relays a good message to the reader. So, I hope the young and the old read this book on a rainy night and hopefully feel something.
Name: Shreevaani Dhungel
Roll no.: 29044
Grade: 8 Gaurishankar
Book Review “War Horse by Michael Morpurgo”
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