Post by Claire on Oct 11, 2014 15:20:51 GMT 1
Blitz by Hetty Burlingame Beatty
Edition reviewed - Scholastic paperback (pictured)
VERY SLIGHT SPOILERS ONLY
SUMMARY:
This is an Anerican historical pony story. Blitz is a fire-horse who pulls one of the town’s horse drawn fire wagons. He soon becomes the fastest horse in the town. But after a shady businessman causes a fire to claim the insurance money, Blitz and his owner are injured and Blitz loses his nerve. Blitz is sold and ends up with some bad owners but eventually is bought by a kindly doctor and is restored to health and happiness. But can he regain his courage to save a life?
REVIEW:
Told mainly from the horse’s viewpoint, this is a ‘Black Beauty-esque’ tale, but better than the average, with the added originality of Blitz’s unusual role as a fire horse. Well-written, at times sad, but overall heart-warming and life affirming. Although like Black Beauty, it demonstrates that Blitz falls on hard times through the greed and scheming of humans, yet it is also shows the goodness of mankind when he is helped by the Burns family. Not too cloyingly sentimental - which considering the subject matter it could have been. There is also a little more pyschological depth in this story compared to the usual book of this type, as it focuses on how Blitz loses his nerve as well as his outward physical comforts. The backdrop of the world of the firehorses and the firemen is fascinating and is the most interesting part of the book. All in all one of the better of the Black Beauty type stories and will especially appeal to those who are interested in history. Unfortunately I haven't come across any other of the author's books yet but I would certainly read more based on the quality of this story.
PONYMAD RATING: 4 HORSESHOES
Edition reviewed - Scholastic paperback (pictured)
VERY SLIGHT SPOILERS ONLY
SUMMARY:
This is an Anerican historical pony story. Blitz is a fire-horse who pulls one of the town’s horse drawn fire wagons. He soon becomes the fastest horse in the town. But after a shady businessman causes a fire to claim the insurance money, Blitz and his owner are injured and Blitz loses his nerve. Blitz is sold and ends up with some bad owners but eventually is bought by a kindly doctor and is restored to health and happiness. But can he regain his courage to save a life?
REVIEW:
Told mainly from the horse’s viewpoint, this is a ‘Black Beauty-esque’ tale, but better than the average, with the added originality of Blitz’s unusual role as a fire horse. Well-written, at times sad, but overall heart-warming and life affirming. Although like Black Beauty, it demonstrates that Blitz falls on hard times through the greed and scheming of humans, yet it is also shows the goodness of mankind when he is helped by the Burns family. Not too cloyingly sentimental - which considering the subject matter it could have been. There is also a little more pyschological depth in this story compared to the usual book of this type, as it focuses on how Blitz loses his nerve as well as his outward physical comforts. The backdrop of the world of the firehorses and the firemen is fascinating and is the most interesting part of the book. All in all one of the better of the Black Beauty type stories and will especially appeal to those who are interested in history. Unfortunately I haven't come across any other of the author's books yet but I would certainly read more based on the quality of this story.
PONYMAD RATING: 4 HORSESHOES
