|
Post by Claire on Jul 15, 2022 15:13:55 GMT 1
Hi all, as promised a dedicated thread for the new Caroline Akrill book which I think we are all reading as part of the Summer Reading Challenge. Please feel free to comment on the book here so that there are no spoilers regarding the book in the main challenge thread.
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Jul 15, 2022 20:19:32 GMT 1
In some ways elements of the story ended how I half expected it to, and yet it was a complete surprise and a directional twist I hadn't expected, all at the same time!
I love how so many of the much loved characters from previous instalments, human and equine, made an appearance and I'll admit at a couple of parts my eyes almost leaked a little. Not as much humour as previous books, it felt a little more serious and aimed at a slightly older audience, but then we are 30 plus years older now to be fair and this was mainly written for us, the the fans.
Couple of bits I didn't really feel the need to be included, and didn't really work for me if I'm critical, 20 years too late for the Monty Roberts mention, we have (I hope!) moved on from chasing horses round in circles, and its a bit too far apart from eventing in reality to work together, as the story suggests they could?
I guess that's to the individuals perception, The O'Connors were heavily into Parelli after all, and Luca Moneta is very unconventional in his views, but he is a minority. It will also quickly date the book, however if the book is supposed to be set late 80's then perhaps the Monty mention is actually spot on. Overall i'm not a fan of real people mentioned in fiction.
It also didn't quite finish the story off either, with an ending that parallels Ticket To Ride we see Elaine walking off into the sunset, but the future isn't set in stone as it was a little more for some of other characters. There is probably a 5th in there!
But overall I absolutely loved it, reading it in two sittings over 24 hours.
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Jul 15, 2022 20:21:57 GMT 1
Oh yes The Black Horse that never Stood Still being called Walt, just no! I know she made it up on the spot, but did she seriously work for them all that time and never enquire (or give) the nameless horses names!
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Jul 16, 2022 20:17:51 GMT 1
Agree with most of what you said Haffy. Would have liked a little bit more humour and the Fanes seemed to have lost their eccentricity somewhat. No laugh out loud moments such as trying to make a cup of tea with a dead mouse! In that respect more like The Silver Bridle books being more serious but with a little humour. Ending also seemed a bit pat and drifted somewhat into a romance novel as all the girls got paired off! But on the whole loved it - and it's going to take a really good read to knock it off the star book spot I reckon. Was it set in the late 1980s? I need to re-read it to look for references! In two minds as to whether the author should continue the series or start something new. A bit puzzled as to the cover art. Is it supposed to be jokey or ironic or something, as can't think why someone would choose a photo of a horse's big butt obscuring the head!
|
|
|
Post by trixiepony on Jul 22, 2022 7:03:24 GMT 1
Sounds interesting
|
|
|
Post by darkhorse on Oct 16, 2022 18:13:35 GMT 1
Just realised I forgot to comment here. Agree with most of the comments. Not as funny as the others and a bit too Mills and Boon - ish for my taste with all the various love affairs going on But overall very good. Is there going to be a fifth book, does anyone know yet?
|
|