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

A GREAT READ

What did you love best about War Horse?

WORLD WAR I FROM A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

Who was your favorite character and why?

EMILY, BECAUSE OF THE STRESS OF HER SITUATION

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

NEEDS VOICE CHANGE WHEN HUMANS SPEAK

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

WORLD WAR I THROUGH THE EYES OF A THOROGHBRED

Absolutely Enjoyable

What did you love best about War Horse?

This story is truly beautiful and unique. I am still overwhelmed by the brilliance of telling a war story from a horse's perspective. It really gives some wonderful insight on the reality of war. The descriptions are true to my observations of the battlefields I saw in Europe. I can't say enough good things about this book.

excellent book

this was a very good story that kept my interest and I have listened to twice. if you enjoy stories about horses, this is a must.

Interesting Perspective of WW1

I decided to read this book because I am interested in WW1 and because I watched the movie. I honestly thought the movie was better than the book because the movie took all the drama of the book and turned it up about 100%. Still I’d say it’s worth reading if you are interested in WW1 because it is a unique perspective on The Great War.

"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!

Great

A great story told from the horse's point of view. The horrors of the trenches in ww1 are brought to life. A great listen- can't wait to see the film.,