War Horse

By: Michael Morpurgo

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 4 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1914, a beautiful foal with a distinctive cross on his nose is sold to the Army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western front. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

©1987 Michael Morpurgo (P)2010 Scholastic Audio

Don't think the movie is the same as the book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I read this book as a child because I loved horses. I re-read it as an adult for the same reason, but I thought the movie was off. I was correct. As usual, the book is so very much better.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course Joey, the horse is my favorite character. Through his innocent, but not dumb eyes, he tells the stories of war, friendship, love & struggles. Yet I loved Albert, his first owner and Topthorn, his equine buddy. The relationships and observations are adult & real. I don't know why I always thought this was a children's story.

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

The reader was excellent. He added, not detracted from a beautiful story.

Any additional comments?

I'm not a real history fan, but I like historical fiction. This book is about the horrors of WWI. Graphic enough to be compelling, but not overly so. And it has a happy ending - the best part! I encourage you to listen to this book with your horse loving child or grandchild - or by yourself.

Ever so enjoyable

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely recommend this short classic story about war, but from the horse's point of view. Nothing like Mr. Ed or those type of talking horses. This is just a warm soul talking to the rest of us about his life. Kind of like listening to grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles talking about their experiences living through major events.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joey - he comes alive with the words by Morpurgo and the voice of Keating.

What about John Keating’s performance did you like?

Wonderfully read -

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

Wish I could have read in 1 sitting, but then I'd have been disappointed because it would have ended.

One of best books ever!

This is one of the most entertaining, best books ever written for all ages. This book was written from the point of view of the horse and it takes him through several owners and WWI. Joey is a magnificent animal with a great love for his one true owner, Albert, who has his love and devotion for all time. This book shows the devotion and love that can exist between an animal and their owner. It also displays the horrors and the unfairness to everyone and everything in war. Although it depicts tough times and the horrors of war, it still leaves the reader with good feelings and understanding for Joey and Albert.

My biggest problem with the book was that it ended too quickly. I wanted it to continue and smiled when I was done. Michael Morpurgo hit this one out of the ball park. Although he writes for the younger reader, this particular book is great for any age. I would definitely recommend it.

Wonderful Book!!!

This book is wonderful. A very heart felt tale of WWI through the eyes of a horse. It is now among my favorites!

Answers all of the questions

The book is even better than the movie and that’s saying a lot considering the movie is great. Interesting that in the book, the horse is the narrator since the story is from his point of view this makes sense and obviously would not work in a movie.

Possible Spoiler Alerts:

With that said, I love how the book answered all of the questions I had after watching the movie such as:

Unlike the movie, the father was supposed to buy a cow instead.

I hate the name of the horse, until I read that it was named Joey b/c the kid already had a horse named Zooey.

In the book, there is no mention of the father drinking because he went to war and they never had a war badge of honor that was carried around as it was throughout the movie.

Two German kids who abandoned the war because of a promise to their mother, weren’t in the book at all.

And after watching the movie, I was wondering why the Grandfather looked different at the end and in the book, it states that he looked different because it was supposed to be years later.

A good story for boys (and many girls, too.)

Would you listen to War Horse again? Why?

Yes, especially if my grandson was with me. He loves audible, and I got it to listen with him if I found it suitable. I most certainly did.

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

I think the love of many for the horse, and the faith of his young owner that he would find his horse friend again.

Which character – as performed by John Keating – was your favorite?

I happen to love Keating, and that influenced my purchase. He narrated the story from the horse's viewpoint very well.

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

It's not very long, so yes, I did.

Any additional comments?

I have not seen the film, but think lots of 10-13 year old boys who are a bit reluctant to read would enjoy this.

Great read/listen

Taken very well from a horses perspective if that could truly be captured. Highly recommended

I really enjoyed listening to this book.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the bond everyone shared with this horse and other horses as well. I was proud of the compassion man had for these animals during such a daunting time.

Love horses? Interested in WW l? Read this.

A very good story depicting the real possibilities re the relationship of man with the horse. Proven from earlier times in history, the horse once again, like the dog and the dolphin, shows its capability for loyalty, trust, and care with mankind. In addition, the story is set during World War I and offers a horrifying view of modern fighting methods meeting outdated methods.

Can't wait to see the Movie!

The story is wonderful. The reading however lacked animation and was a bit matter of fact. I can't wait to see what Steven Spielberg does with it. I know it is going to be a masterpiece!