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

Enjoyable for 6 hour roadtrip with 12 year old son

What did you like best about this story?

Very engaging storyline full of empathy and suspense. The plot really pulls you forward and never lulls.

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

Excellent narrative performance. Very engaging and wonderful accents for various characters.

Classic

Would you listen to War Horse again? Why?

I would listen to it again because, like Black Beauty and other classic horse stories or stories of courage and struggle, it will always be inspiring.

Any additional comments?

My feeling is that WAR HORSE was written for children and at times I felt that it had that quality, but it was well written and the scene toward the end with the soldiers in No-Man's land gave it depth. Whatever I might say, obviously, if this book was good enough to be made into a movie directed by Steven Spielberg, you know it has to be good.

Even Better than the Movie

The movie was powerful and moving but the book really made the people the story was about come to life for me even more so than the movie did I loved and I know I will listen to it time and again.

great book

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

this was a wonderful book and I enjoyed it very much.

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

the last part when they got the horse home

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

no

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

I could have, but I don't have that kind of time.

Any additional comments?

Hope the movie is as good as the book

Easy listen

The narration for War Horse here was top-notch. I never had any issues with tell characters' voices apart, mispronunciations, or technical issues. I did not expect the story to be narrated by a horse, which gave the story telling a really excellent twist. I am a horse person myself and I found that using the horses's POV was neither untrue to the fractious nature of a horse nor gave the reader a too-small view of the action and drama. However, I did find the plot to be too much on the simple and sweet side to give it 5 stars. Regardless, War Horse was an excellent listen and a great download.

Listen BEFORE seeing the movie

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

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it -- more than the movie.

What did you like best about this story?

Told from the horse's point of view.

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

The horse.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending.

Any additional comments?

Would not have been able to follow the movie had I not first read the book. Do NOT think the movie was a very good adaptation of the book, despite its many nominations.

Not quite like the movie but still a great listen

Would you listen to War Horse again? Why?

Yes. because I like history & even thou this isn't a true story. it' history nun the less. & history being told through the eyes of a horse's was quite a different experince.

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

I don't know how to answer this qustion. I normally dont listen to fiction. I got this book cause I liked the movie & wanted to see how they were diffrent

What about John Keating’s performance did you like?

Excellent! When doing the diffrent voices German or English was very entertaining.

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

I could have. I listen to books at work. Being a little over 4 hours i was done with it before lunch.

Not the thoroughbred I had hoped for

The story seemed contrived and a bit kitchy for my taste. On the other hand, for a younger audience, this might make a fine read.

great story

this book made me put everything else down, glued to and loved every chapter. Will share!

great story and great narration

loved it! the story was well told and the narration was perfect with the different accents.