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War Horse  By  cover art

War Horse

By: Michael Morpurgo
Narrated by: Dan Stevens
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Publisher's summary

Beautifully performed by Dan Stevens, 'War Horse' has taken the world by storm. First published back in 1982, the book was adapted to the stage and was performed at the National Theatre back in 2007. It's well-deserved success means that it has now gone into it's third year at the New London Theatre and will be later debuting on Broadway in New York City.

At the outbreak of World War I, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to the trenches to find him and bring him home.

©2010 HarperCollins Publishers (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about War Horse

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Stevens brings adult sensibility to child's tale

If you could sum up War Horse in three words, what would they be?

Unique, moving point-of-view

Who was your favorite character and why?

It would require a heart of stone to answer other than Joey, the braver-than-brave horse was my favorite.

What does Dan Stevens bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have read the book but did not have nearly the repertoire of amazing voices in my head that were at the complete command of Dan Stevens to entertain and entrance me. His voice and characterizations added so much depth to the experience.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

War through the eyes of the innocent

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Truly engaging, emotionally and intellectually

Would you listen to War Horse again? Why?

No, because there are so many other books on my list to "read".

What other book might you compare War Horse to and why?

Charlotte's web by E.B. White, as it brings you inside the mind and soul of a non-human entity (spider versus horse), and both stir the emotion while at the same time providing much" food for thought".

Which character – as performed by Dan Stevens – was your favorite?

Can't say. All characters extremely well portrayed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh no, I seldom have the time to listen to an entire book in one sitting; but this is a short book and would lend itself to listening in one sitting compared to many others.

Any additional comments?

I quite enjoyed this book. Very engaging emotionally and intellectually.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Good

Any additional comments?

The book was much better than the film. Too much was lost from the nature of the horses in the film.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Well done!

A story told from a non-human perspective is unusual . . . but, to have one set during WWI is truly remarkable. The story is captivating, but (narrator) Dan Stevens does an incredible job of story telling.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Dan Stevens is a fantastic narrator.

My 14-year old son and I listened to this audiobook on a road trip. We both loved it. We know a bit of World War I history, and that was what hooked us into the story. Neither of us are horse lovers per se, and I was wondering what I'd think of hearing a story told from a horse's point of view. But it really works! Joey the horse does duty as a farm horse, a cavalry horse, and a cart horse during the course of the whole book. Dan Stevens makes it all come alive with his various voices and accents. He keeps the dialogue lively and fun. He brings real warmth and depth to the human and horse characters. I learned a few more things about life during World War I too. I recommend it!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
  • BL
  • 08-10-12

A letdown- overlooked the fact it was abridged

Would you try another book from Michael Morpurgo and/or Dan Stevens?

Most likely not.

Has War Horse turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, but in fairness this book may have been better if I had not gotten the abridged version. It felt like there was so much missing. My rule is never read (or listen to) abridged books.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Not really, but didn't add to it either.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

It lacked that certain something which attracts me to characters in a well written book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A book that holds you to the end

Would you consider the audio edition of War Horse to be better than the print version?

It has been the first audio book that I have had. It was very easy to listen to. It still allows you to have your own imaginal input into it. The accents where done very well. It would have been harder for me in my time restraints to read it. I would definately recommend it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of War Horse?

There where a few. When he gets taken away and the heartache that Albert feels. When the two soldiers meet to save him from the fence. When he is reunited with Albert. When he has to watch his friend die and carn't leave him. When he is taken away from his mother.

Have you listened to any of Dan Stevens’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes but I did it over a week.

Any additional comments?

Loved it, thank you very much. It is a great thing that people with busy schedules, long driving times or being able to lie in bed and listen so that you don't interupt your partner.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

If you love horses, you will love this book

Very heart wrenching story, well narrated. Paints a brutal but realistic picture of WWI, what the horses and men of the calvary went through. Fascinating seeing it through the horse's eyes.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Worth your time!

Beautiful story with a beautiful narration from Dan Stevens! I will definitely come back and listen again to this one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Love this story

Wonderful, touching story. Told from the horse’s (Joey) perspective was a bonus. The story made me laugh, cry and think about what it must have been like being a soldier in the Calvary during a time of war (English, German or French). The narration by Dan Stevens really brought the characters to life. I would highly recommend this version even if it is abridged.

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