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Post by Claire on Feb 1, 2013 21:11:56 GMT 1
Oh yes, rallycairns thread about Peyton ponies has just reminded me - what do people think about the bits in the book which were from Buffoon's viewpoint? Do you think they fit in with the rest of the story? I actually think they were very well done. It was like she had given him a voice to show his side of the story without making him into an anthromorphosised (sp?) talking animal - which just would not have fit in with the rest of the story. I thought it was a very unusual style - but effective. It also rounded out his character and made you even more attached to him!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2013 8:23:33 GMT 1
I think it was just right having Buffoons point of view on things, agree it really made me love his character even more, if that's possible!
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Post by darkhorse on Feb 3, 2013 16:17:03 GMT 1
I loved the book, but I did not wholly like the character of Tessa I thoght she was very selfish. I realize she had a bad upbringing but she still seemed to only think of herself most of the time. I even felt that she loved Buffoon in quite a selfish way. This would tie in with what Claire and Rosie were saying abou the operation. I don't think she would have put him through it if she had loved him selflessly - or made him race again. I couldn't let a horse I loved run in the Grand National as too many horses get killed. On the other hand I liked her spirit and determination and did sympathise with her a lot. She does get more caring later on when she sees the jockey Tom in hospital and wants him to recover for his own sake not for her.
I felt the stabbing was in character. It wasn't just the fact he has stolen Buffoon's pony friend but years of resentment and hatred boiling up. He is certainly a horrible character. I felt like stabbing him myself! ;D
I liked the ending. I don't think another more realistic ending would have worked. It was nice that Tom and Tessa got together too.
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Post by Claire on Feb 6, 2013 13:59:10 GMT 1
I noteiced we have 6 votes but only 3 people have made comments - anyone else got something to say about the book?
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Post by trixiepony on Feb 7, 2013 10:37:08 GMT 1
I liked the book, Buffoon is a darling horse, Tessa isn't very lovebul tho I know she had a ruff start and well the stepfather what a nasty piece. I like the budding romance with Tom.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2013 13:11:39 GMT 1
Buffoon sure is a popular horse! He's mine, I saw him first! ;D
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Post by Claire on Feb 7, 2013 13:21:56 GMT 1
What is it about Buffoon do you think that makes him so loveable?
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Post by kunuma on Feb 7, 2013 15:46:10 GMT 1
Wait for me folks, book on way!! ;D ;D
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Post by rallycairn on Feb 7, 2013 18:25:21 GMT 1
Don't worry, Kunuma, I've read the book but still haven't gathered my thoughts together to post! It's dense stuff for a pony book, meaning that in a very good way, of course! No doubt when I do post I shall be extremely wordy, as usual! So you won't be left behind. Which reminds me, again as I mentioned somewhere (this thread or another), I actually think a new author every other month makes sense. Gives everyone more time to read up on the designated books and any others they may want to read and comment on.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2013 18:57:23 GMT 1
Wait for me folks, book on way!! ;D ;D Yay! Glad you've decided to read it ;D
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2013 19:01:11 GMT 1
What is it about Buffoon do you think that makes him so loveable? For me it's his kind nature and laid back personality. He's a horse you could cuddle lots, I do like a horse you can cuddle. I know that sounds soppy Also Tessa thought him very comfortable to ride, another bonus. And his willingness to please his rider too. Can you imagine sitting on a horse like that zooming along at great speed, he would give so much confidence to even a nervous rider I'd have thought.
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Post by Claire on Feb 7, 2013 22:45:12 GMT 1
Wait for me folks, book on way!! ;D ;D Yay! Glad you've decided to read it ;D Me too, don't worry just join in when you can. Thats the beauty of doing these on the internet rather than reading clubs where you have to turn up on the night to discuss the book. This way you can even join in a year later like Rosie with Black Hunting Whip ;D It will be interesting to get a viewpoint on the book from someone who is perhaps not as big a KMP fan as some of us on here.
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Post by Claire on Feb 7, 2013 22:50:54 GMT 1
What is it about Buffoon do you think that makes him so loveable? For me one of the reasons is that he is so odd looking and ugly* and no-one else rates him. I am always drawn to that sort of animal. When I see the cats with one eye or 3 legs or just the downright scraggy animals that no-one wants at the cat shelters for example, they are the ones I always want to take home! I wonder if thats another reason why Tessa is drawn to him as she is an outsider and unwanted too. I do love his willingness to please and his laid back personality too after enduring lots of totally bonkers ponies in my youth. (Yep the ones no-one else wanted - see above!) *Altho I don't really think an animal can be ugly in the way humans can.
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Post by rallycairn on Feb 10, 2013 23:47:33 GMT 1
Re: Buffoon -- definitely when I was a pony-mad kid, and just taking lessons on school horses but reading a steady diet of young adult horse books -- I preferred the beautiful, spirited horse archetype. The Black Stallions, the Shantihs, etc. But over time my tastes changed and, for example, now I'd probably take Bramble or Sue Horton's Pippen over Shantih or Buffoon over the Black Stallion -- give me quiet and kind type every time!
Ok, I've written out a bunch of thoughts and reactions to the book. I'll post a few of them at a time so as not to overwhelm!
-- "If you're not angry with yourself, you're no good" -- Tom says this to Tessa after her first race. Do you agree with that, as a trait for success in sporting or other endeavors? I would tend to think so, but on the other hand I think that kind of mentality can lead to unhealthy perfectionism that makes one be too hard on oneself and too judgmental of other people, as well. In this book I think it is presented as a huge part of what gives Tessa her drive and determination.
-- I love the race descriptions, especially Tessa's first outings as she learns to keep her wits about her and we get her thoughts unfolding much as the race tactics unfold around her. And of course the second National race is described in such detail -- a whole long chapter on just the race!
-- After Lucky is kidnapped, I do think Tessa or someone might have thought to search the farm where Lucky was held. Tessa strongly suspected Morrison, and the others seemed to consider him at least a possible suspect -- even if they figured he took the pony straight to the knackers, it would have been worth checking, and they did conduct a search, after all.
-- After Tessa finds Lucky and sends him galloping home, Tessa does stop for a few moments to consider her actions. I do wonder that it didn't occur to her to be concerned about what would happen to Buffoon, who would be his groom and take care of him, to think about how she would miss him once taken away for a major crime -- yes, I know she had the blind rages but still she did pause at that moment. I wish those concerns had occurred to her!
Buffoon at the sale -- bewildered -- and after being turned out by the Campbells in the wintry field to starve -- so heartwrenching. The hardest sections of the book to read, by far. Such well drawn descriptions of Buffoon's thoughts and reactions. Not thinking "why?" or "It's not fair!" but bewildered, cold, hungry, alone. Gives me nightmares.
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Post by Claire on Feb 11, 2013 13:25:36 GMT 1
-- After Tessa finds Lucky and sends him galloping home, Tessa does stop for a few moments to consider her actions. I do wonder that it didn't occur to her to be concerned about what would happen to Buffoon, who would be his groom and take care of him, to think about how she would miss him once taken away for a major crime -- yes, I know she had the blind rages but still she did pause at that moment. I wish those concerns had occurred to her! You've put that so well. Its one of the reasons I didnt find this part wholly convincing. I know Tessa had emotional problems, but she didnt have mental problems. She understands the consequence of her actions - look at how she manipulates the schools into making them expel her. I think if she was going to punish him she'd do it in a more calculated way. Lots of other great points there rallycairn - must digest them all before adding more.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2013 13:39:05 GMT 1
I'm just filling up thinking about those bits again!
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Post by Claire on Feb 11, 2013 15:34:18 GMT 1
Its the bewilderment element which makes animals suffering more affecting to me than humans.
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Post by kunuma on Feb 11, 2013 17:24:02 GMT 1
It will be interesting to get a viewpoint on the book from someone who is perhaps not as big a KMP fan as some of us on here. Aaargh, no pressure then!! Book just arrived, very tatty copy but that's apparently Amazon's idea of good condition, however perfectly readable so will read it tonight!
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Post by tintin on Feb 11, 2013 17:48:27 GMT 1
I have skim read much of this discussion so as not to be pre-warned as I am still only at p 200. I am finding this hard going although intriguing enough to keep going. Maurice is a truly vile villain and, unfortunately very believable. Tessa is believable too, like many of the lads that come out of childrens homes in all kinds of ways. The stabbing is utterly believable, though she was better at it than most people, or more likely the victim was so arrogant he did n't see it coming and got it in the chest - usually hands (fighting back) or head (ducking away) in this type of domestic.
Her real father is a pretty accurate type I'm afraid as well. Him missing the prison visit is one of the sadder and more anger provoking things I've read, though it brought back a couple of names from the past.
I was toying with the thought of dropping out until Lucky was taken and then either the book, or my involvement, had a total gear change.
I don't really go for racing stories so would have liked a bit more explanation, though I know a little bit I don't know how the book would have read to someone who knew nothing at all about it. Very good at horse psychology though.
When I started this I had just finished "The Lost Pony" and "For Want of a Saddle" so I feel like I have been watching the old "Play for Today" kitchen sink dramas back to back. Combined with that most of my reading of this has been during 45 minutes stuck on a cold platform due to train delays (got to its coldest when Buffoon was n't eating - he had my profound sympathy and total involvement). On Sunday I played truant and read "Tex Haines - Culver Trooper" which was very different - sorry.
I am just past the stabbing and sense the poor girl is about to get another emotional kick in the teeth (used and/or let down in love?)
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Post by Claire on Feb 11, 2013 22:14:52 GMT 1
Surprised you found it hard going and almost dropped it, Tintin - why do you think that was? (Could have something to do with where you were reading it - I doubt i could read anything on a freezing cold train platform!)
Good point about the lack of explanation of the racing world - I know a lot about racing so I guess this passed me by.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2013 7:48:15 GMT 1
I'm glad there wasn't! It would have bored me silly if there had been
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Post by kunuma on Feb 12, 2013 19:40:11 GMT 1
Not finished yet, but (ducks behind sofa) I hate all the characters!!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2013 21:42:43 GMT 1
Well agree some of the characters weren't nice that's for sure! But you don't hate Buffoon do you?
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Post by rallycairn on Feb 12, 2013 23:49:42 GMT 1
Hmm, not liking anybody? Wow! For me, Tom, Buffoon, Peter, and (to some degree, Jimmy) were fantastic -- Tom especially. What a supportive guy! But I was not at all keen on Myra. Is her story arc believable? First of all, would she so gladly give up the horsey life to marry a man like Mucky Morrison, even for the financial security? And then, if she was strong enough to bounce back so quickly after she moves to the farm, and to thrive so well with the horses, would she really have gotten that cowed by Morrison at all? Sure, the understood psychology of an abused person is to not feel they can escape, there are no options, etc., but I did feel Myra just turned herself around too quickly for belief. And with her horsey past, I'm surprised she was so willing to take Tessa from Shiner and the racehorse world. Didn't she realize that Tessa's emotional troubles began the moment she was taken from Shiner? I didn't have much sympathy for Myra as a mother for not realizing that key thing about her daughter. I did think Tessa could be too selfish and driven, but taken overall, I liked her, especially when she began thinking of others and realizing how good to her many people had been.
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Post by Claire on Feb 13, 2013 2:36:39 GMT 1
Well kunuma has said earlier she didnt particularly like KMP characters! There were some horrible characters and some hopeless ones like the father, but I loved Tom and Buffoon. I would quite happily settle down with a man and a horse like them (I should be so lucky haha!) I also liked whats her face - the head lad - name escapes me as just got in from pub! I think she was a sort of mother or big sister figure to Tessa and really helped her. Rally I agree with your character analysis of Myra. She was supposedly very volatile when married to her first husband and they were always arguing and she eventually left him cos he drank too much - then she changed to a very meek and controlled person who didnt leave a husband who was far worse than an amenable drunk.
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Post by rallycairn on Feb 13, 2013 3:05:59 GMT 1
Claire, oh, yes, Sarah I think was her name -- sad that she had an unrequited, quiet love for Jimmy. C'mon, man, I'm a dog lover, but there's more to life than your lurcher!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2013 8:16:35 GMT 1
lol Claire and rallycairn. I'd settle for Tom or Jimmy I liked Sarah too, a supposed hard nut but soft on the inside really.
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Post by Claire on Feb 13, 2013 15:15:53 GMT 1
Yes I think Sarah is one of the most interesting characters. I would have liked to find out more about her. She had another doomed (in some way) love affair before coming to the yard didn't she? When Tessa is beside herself over Buffoon's operation and she tells Sarah she doesnt know how bad it feels, Sarah replies that she does and for a man not a horse. I think her back story would make an interesting book - ripe for fanfic if I was into that sort of thing!
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Post by kunuma on Feb 13, 2013 17:50:58 GMT 1
Well, no one is going to be speaking to me soon I think!! Finished it last night and the first thing I have had to do is reclassify it in my head as not a pony book. My pony books are comfort reads, and I realised that I obviously do need a heroine I can identify with even slightly as part of the package. So if I don't call it a pony book it helps! It's a good book, a good story - but for me managed to push too many of the wrong buttons - I much preferred the first half of the book, and was terribly relieved that the long description of the Grand National was the sanitised version without the dead horses. The characters are well written or I wouldn't hate them so much - the mother gets the medal as my most hated. Yet another of my 'things' being mothers who put their boyfriends before their children. The book did get off on the wrong foot with me because one of my biggest rants is the past and certainly present, overbreeding of horses! The thought of a so called breeder deliberately breeding from a mare with such appalling problems just sent my blood pressure through the roof. I mean; want to breed faster horses, then mate horses with speed in their bloodlines - want to breed horses with sight problems - then mate horses with no eyes!! Seriously, do you think that was based on fact?? (No, on second thoughts - I don't want to know!) Even if you didn't care about the genetic implications, what about the psychological stress on the foaling mare (they did at least mention that part to KMP's credit) btw Discussing how I feel about characters I do of course only mean the people!!! I wanted to rescue Buffoon right from the start, when she punched him in the stomach on first meeting because he was ugly - from that moment on I wanted to get him away from her, and never changed my mind!
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Post by tintin on Feb 13, 2013 18:25:59 GMT 1
Don't worry Kunuma, I have 100 pages to go and I have n't found anything yet to reassure me I won't be joining you in the out castes club..
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