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!

it was a wonderful book to listen to.

I had seen the movie and I liked to book better. well written and well read.

"Excellent!"

A moving story that ends on a good note!! Could not have picked a better narrator!!

Much better than the movie

What made the experience of listening to War Horse the most enjoyable?

That the story was told by the horse

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

I don't know any that has moved me about an animal like this one did

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

Emily's grandfather

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

never do.....I listen to audible books when I walk my dog

Any additional comments?

love listening to all kinds of stories

Amazing tale of friendship , love and bravery!

What made the experience of listening to War Horse the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the narrator. His interpretation of the story was wonderful.

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

The "No Man's Land scene.... So poignant!

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

He intensifies the drama through his interpration of the text.

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

The end. I don't want to give it away. It was a great moment for the kindness of Man!

Any additional comments?

Better than the film and I LOVED the film. A completely different point of view!!!

Great Story Well Told

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

Inspiring, Entertaining, Rewarding

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joey. He rolled with the punches but never gave up.

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

Joey

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It both made me smile and brought a tear to my eye at several points in the story.

Any additional comments?

I saw the movie as well and the audio book was better. The story in the audio book was told by Joey - something you really couldn't pull of in a movie, and that really made a big difference for me.

GREAT FAMILY STORY -- FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH!

I have not seen the film. I very much enjoyed this story as told by the horse. The narration is good, moving from the horse to the boy, his father, various British and German men who are responsible for the horse, an elderly Frenchman and his grand-daughter. I had some long thoughts about the balance of good and evil, reality versus life the way we would like it, in this story. Yes, war is hell on horses, but Joey survived this war. Life is not easy on a farm, and we see the boy's father behaving badly, drinking from worry about the farm, etc. And things seldom work out just as kids want them to work out. We want the horse to go home with Albert, but Albert doesn't know anything about Joey's stay with Emily and her grandfather! Also, while most of the people survive, we do lose several of our favorite people, as well as horses, during the course of the story. Joey survives rough handling and a serious case of tetanus. So we watch him feeling well, getting in good condition, and also sick and injured, having to wait for healing. Life isn't fair; war isn't fair. I think the story balances out. There is no dwelling on the losses, so small children probably would not suffer or even get the tragedy. There are no boring spots. Everything moves along pretty well. There is considerable discussion of farming, the various types of horses and their conditioning and types of activities that are suitable for them. Also the pulling of the heavy guns using 6 horses who should be matched so that they pull evenly. Joey explains this. And he differentiates between people who love and know horses, people who are willing to learn and take care of horses, and uninspired people who are just sick and tired of the war. I don't know what age this book was marketed to. I think anyone old enough to pay attention would get something from it, especially with adults listening also and able to discuss the events. I am grandmother age and I liked it!