Sweet William: A Memoir of Old Horse
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Book Overview
"A moving book, a warm, cranky book, in the end a book full of love of the horse."-- The Washington Post In his most engaging, accessible novel to date, John Hawkes brings to life the sad, stately voice of Old Horse, nee Sweet William, who recounts the trials and tribulations of his life: his days as a racehorse, as a riding school nag, and finally as the broken down mount of a strange old man whose kindness transforms his life. "Writing in this profoundly improbable yet ultimately moving and persuasive voice, Mr. Hawkes portrays not merely a mistreated animal but something akin to a tragic personality. . . . It's a remarkable achievement."-- The Wall Street Journal
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0140236163
ISBN13:9780140236163
Release Date:September 1994
Publisher:Penguin Group
Length:272 Pages
Weight:0.45 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 5.1" x 7.8"
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Sweet story.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Along the lines of Black Beauty. Can't miss if you love horses. It is a little sad but makes you think of a horse's life.
Sweet William Third Read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Briliant insight into the metaphor of the animal as being human. Expertly developed to serve as an insight to the mechanisms of human behavior. Each time I read it I learn and enjoy it more. I recommend it to all lovers of the "equine". As always Hawkes is in command page by page and word by word.
GIANT NEIGHS FOR SWEET WILLIAM!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
I have to say this is my favorite book of all time. I opened the book at a local bookstore and after the first paragraph I knew I had to buy it. Oldhorse is a vivid character and you will never forget him. Read this one 4 or 5 times! NEIGH!!
Poignant and grippingly accurate portrayal of a horse's life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 28 years ago
This is "Black Beauty" for adults (rated "R" for violence and sexuality)! It captures eloquently the life of a thoroughbred horse from birth through his struggle to find life after the racetrack. Although it is written from the horse's point of view, it isn't at all corny or juvenile. The author has drawn an accurate picture not only of horses in general, but of that unquenchable spirit that is only found in the thoroughbred breed. "Horsiness" aside, the book does superb characterizations of all players, from the women who influenced the horse's life as a baby to the wonderful old man who owns him in his old age. You DON'T have to be a horse lover to enjoy the story. It has everything from rage and violence to deep sensuality to simple pleasures to a poignant description of old age and dying.
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