What do you think?
Rate this book
Funerals for Horses
Funerals for Horses, Catherine Ryan Hyde's critically acclaimed first novel (initially published in 1997), is a deeply felt and heartrending story of redemption and love, disappearance and faithfulness, by the author who would go on to be known for the best-selling Don't Let Me Go and Pay It Forward.
Ella Ginsberg's brother, Simon, has disappeared. His clothing, shoes, and watch were found abandoned near a freight line track in Central California. His jockey shorts and wallet were never found. The police have no clue, and Simon's wife had no warning that anything was wrong.
Ella takes off on foot across much of California and Arizona, thinking she can find Simon using nothing but her knowledge of the way he might think. Her search leads her to the Navajo Nation in Arizona, where she is helped and befriended by three Native Americans and an aged paint horse named Yozzie.
Ella has serious mental health issues, and Simon, who raised her, is still the most important person in her shaky world. Only maybe it's not as unstable as it looks from the outside. Maybe inside Ella, a core of unexpected strength is emerging. Maybe Ella is even stronger than the brother who held her family's lives together for so long.
Ella Ginsberg's brother, Simon, has disappeared. His clothing, shoes, and watch were found abandoned near a freight line track in Central California. His jockey shorts and wallet were never found. The police have no clue, and Simon's wife had no warning that anything was wrong.
Ella takes off on foot across much of California and Arizona, thinking she can find Simon using nothing but her knowledge of the way he might think. Her search leads her to the Navajo Nation in Arizona, where she is helped and befriended by three Native Americans and an aged paint horse named Yozzie.
Ella has serious mental health issues, and Simon, who raised her, is still the most important person in her shaky world. Only maybe it's not as unstable as it looks from the outside. Maybe inside Ella, a core of unexpected strength is emerging. Maybe Ella is even stronger than the brother who held her family's lives together for so long.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
1974 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
72 books6,162 followersCatherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
August 11, 2015
3.5
I love Ms Hyde's writing style, her storytelling ability, how she can transport the reader into her story. This one however was a bit disjointed for me. the characters were more dysfunctional than others and I had trouble "getting into" their skin. I didn't find the depth I have found in her other books.
That said, she twines together a troubled upbringing with adults who don't know how to cope. The story goes from past to present when the siblings almost change their roles in their relationship. I enjoyed the sort of "seer" qualities of Ella and found myself rooting for her in her quest to find her beloved brother. I almost felt that if she succeeded she would save herself. I also liked the hint of the Native American legends and culture.
It was a bit tough to get through....not a page turner for me. Will it keep me from reading her again. Not at all.
I love Ms Hyde's writing style, her storytelling ability, how she can transport the reader into her story. This one however was a bit disjointed for me. the characters were more dysfunctional than others and I had trouble "getting into" their skin. I didn't find the depth I have found in her other books.
That said, she twines together a troubled upbringing with adults who don't know how to cope. The story goes from past to present when the siblings almost change their roles in their relationship. I enjoyed the sort of "seer" qualities of Ella and found myself rooting for her in her quest to find her beloved brother. I almost felt that if she succeeded she would save herself. I also liked the hint of the Native American legends and culture.
It was a bit tough to get through....not a page turner for me. Will it keep me from reading her again. Not at all.
November 14, 2012
This book is indescribable.
Written in a past and present context, the author's first scene throws you into this book, are you going to judge or are you going to accept who these people are that the story is about. I found it challenging reading the first page, the way the words were written involved me, forced me to decided, will I judge or will I accept and be open minded?
I chose open mindedness, I wanted to learn more, know more and this book gave me that. Other than Jesus, I doubt anyone could say they aren't judgemental for one reason or another. We all judge at some point and the characters are part of society that are frequently judged. Here we are drawn into it and this book allows insight into the 'what could' not the 'what if', given the chance, without judgement, what could these young people achieve?
The characters are in depth, and their stories are bold, timeless and captivating. The support characters are thought provoking and beautiful. Their support to the story allows a flow that makes it incredibly easy to read and be seduced by. The bond and love between brother and sister, stranger and friend is a strong theme in this book, not in an obvious, what would you do for someone else, there is just a knowing of meant to be.
The change between past and present parallels wonderfully and works well for this story, written in such a way that it ties together wonderfully, there are no what ifs at the end, each story line is complete.
An absolute must read, intelligently written, it will not disappoint.
Written in a past and present context, the author's first scene throws you into this book, are you going to judge or are you going to accept who these people are that the story is about. I found it challenging reading the first page, the way the words were written involved me, forced me to decided, will I judge or will I accept and be open minded?
I chose open mindedness, I wanted to learn more, know more and this book gave me that. Other than Jesus, I doubt anyone could say they aren't judgemental for one reason or another. We all judge at some point and the characters are part of society that are frequently judged. Here we are drawn into it and this book allows insight into the 'what could' not the 'what if', given the chance, without judgement, what could these young people achieve?
The characters are in depth, and their stories are bold, timeless and captivating. The support characters are thought provoking and beautiful. Their support to the story allows a flow that makes it incredibly easy to read and be seduced by. The bond and love between brother and sister, stranger and friend is a strong theme in this book, not in an obvious, what would you do for someone else, there is just a knowing of meant to be.
The change between past and present parallels wonderfully and works well for this story, written in such a way that it ties together wonderfully, there are no what ifs at the end, each story line is complete.
An absolute must read, intelligently written, it will not disappoint.
September 18, 2014
I'm sitting here staring at the usual Goodreads question "What did you think?" and hardly know where to begin. Wow. I've read many dark novels about dysfunctional families, tragic childhoods and mental illness, but this one is hands down the absolute most stunning book on these topics ever.
I don't know what kind of family the author came from, although I've done a bit of research on her (how can you not after reading this story?) and it was clearly not a happy home. Not going into details, because there aren't a lot unless she also writes a memoir, but enough is out there to know she had a troubled background. Although the story is fiction apparently, it's hard for me to believe there isn't a lot of personal stuff that came into play when writing this, her first novel. It is amazingly real and vivid and gut-wrenchingly honest.
When I finished, at first I wasn't sure what I thought. Was I sorry I read it? No, because the journey into mental illness taken with Ella and Simon gave me greater understanding of children who suffer and deal with the emotional pain however way they can.
A warning: there's some graphically perverse sexual scenes that really sickened me. I felt like the author went a little overboard on that part of it, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I'm sure it's in there for a reason. I can see that. But it was very hard to read and these are images I really don't want staying in my head. Fortunately, the rest of the story is so strong and beautiful it is able to overshadow the other.
I don't know what kind of family the author came from, although I've done a bit of research on her (how can you not after reading this story?) and it was clearly not a happy home. Not going into details, because there aren't a lot unless she also writes a memoir, but enough is out there to know she had a troubled background. Although the story is fiction apparently, it's hard for me to believe there isn't a lot of personal stuff that came into play when writing this, her first novel. It is amazingly real and vivid and gut-wrenchingly honest.
When I finished, at first I wasn't sure what I thought. Was I sorry I read it? No, because the journey into mental illness taken with Ella and Simon gave me greater understanding of children who suffer and deal with the emotional pain however way they can.
A warning: there's some graphically perverse sexual scenes that really sickened me. I felt like the author went a little overboard on that part of it, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I'm sure it's in there for a reason. I can see that. But it was very hard to read and these are images I really don't want staying in my head. Fortunately, the rest of the story is so strong and beautiful it is able to overshadow the other.
April 26, 2015
Not an easy read - but a wonderful one. This is her first published novel, and will be one of my favorites (working my way through all her books now). Told through an unreliable narrator POV, the main character is mentally ill throughout the book, and yet her insights regarding people and the way the world works are childlike and true. Her journey, though hard and downward spiraling, is uplifting. I sobbed at the end.
Pick this one up if you don't mind hard hitting novels with truth as a base.
I so enjoyed it.
Pick this one up if you don't mind hard hitting novels with truth as a base.
I so enjoyed it.
November 4, 2012
This book is wonderfully written and allows you to fully take on the perspective of the main character---feeling trapped in with her but with necessary times for go up for air when you start to drown. My tip - don't read on a dreary day. It's too much for a dreary day. But, do read it. It will change you a little bit.
August 10, 2014
Not everyone will understand. But then not everyone is Ella or Simon or me for that matter.
January 13, 2014
My second book by Hyde. It didn't enchant me as much as "when you were older", but this is also a,much earlier work. Still a very fine novel!
I am loving reading Hyde's books. Her character development is phenomenal. The stories are so unique, so original, they pull you in and don't let go until the very last page. This story of Ella and her brother Simon, of their very dysfunctional childhood is told simultaneously along with current day where they trade rolls and Ella is searching for Simon who has mysteriously disappeared. A journey on foot through death valley no less. With only her perseverance and Her willingness to put her trust in strangers along her travels to help her along....and a loyal horse. It is a harrowing tale.
I'd highly recommended Hyde 's novels to friends, and in fact I already have!
I am loving reading Hyde's books. Her character development is phenomenal. The stories are so unique, so original, they pull you in and don't let go until the very last page. This story of Ella and her brother Simon, of their very dysfunctional childhood is told simultaneously along with current day where they trade rolls and Ella is searching for Simon who has mysteriously disappeared. A journey on foot through death valley no less. With only her perseverance and Her willingness to put her trust in strangers along her travels to help her along....and a loyal horse. It is a harrowing tale.
I'd highly recommended Hyde 's novels to friends, and in fact I already have!
June 18, 2014
This was the first Catherine Ryan Hyde book I have read, and I will definitely read more. Her writing style is very efficient, her prose edited to only the most critical words (as we all strive to do) for maximum impact. It reminded me stylistically of Cormac McCarthy (although she does use quotation marks!) She uses an interesting "now and then" sort of structure, where she switches from current events to past events, with it all somehow coming together. This is a book that would be good if read in one or only a few sittings -- I got lost a few times because I put it down for days at a time. If you like crisp prose and a look at psychologically interesting characters (at least I thought they were) I would recommend this book.
February 27, 2020
This is the worst book of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books. I have loved most of her books. I didn’t like the whole premise of this story. I did not like the way it kept jumping back and forth between the present and past. I didn’t especially like parts of the story that were disgusting and could have been eliminated. Very disappointed.
August 7, 2017
Didn't enjoy this book at all! Wasn't what I expected I'm glad I've read ones by this author before or I wouldn't have read any more after this one.
January 12, 2020
I have to wait a while, except to say, this is a wonderful story about love, loss and mental illness. Catherine Ryan Hyde's first book. She gifted it to me and I am pretty sure this will be one I keep. I keep buying her books, reading them and then passing them on.
This is a messy story, not the writing, but the actual story. Lots of mental illness, a teenager forced to grow up long before it is time, a creepy father, etc. Simon and Ella are cast adrift by the illness that plagues their family. Even tho it is 20 years old, it speaks to many problems we are facing in our country right now.
I wrote the first sentence when I finished the book, then wrote the rest of the review a few days later. When a book leaves me somewhat breathless at the end, I often have to wait to review it. The author has a huge respect for Navajo traditions and these play in to the last 3rd of the book.
This is a messy story, not the writing, but the actual story. Lots of mental illness, a teenager forced to grow up long before it is time, a creepy father, etc. Simon and Ella are cast adrift by the illness that plagues their family. Even tho it is 20 years old, it speaks to many problems we are facing in our country right now.
I wrote the first sentence when I finished the book, then wrote the rest of the review a few days later. When a book leaves me somewhat breathless at the end, I often have to wait to review it. The author has a huge respect for Navajo traditions and these play in to the last 3rd of the book.
March 6, 2020
Funerals for Horses is one of the most poignant books I've ever read about families, mental illness and hope.
I couldn't put it down and I think fell a bit in love with Simon and Ella despite or because of their issues.
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a wonderful talent and even though this book is quite different from any of her others, I wasn't at all disappointed.
Wonderful, wonderful book!
I couldn't put it down and I think fell a bit in love with Simon and Ella despite or because of their issues.
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a wonderful talent and even though this book is quite different from any of her others, I wasn't at all disappointed.
Wonderful, wonderful book!
April 15, 2017
Very different from her other books. This one is raw, and the characters are delicately balanced between madness and connection. A good read, but surprising themes from Catherine Hyde. I recommend it.
September 14, 2020
Didn't know quite how to rate this book so 3 1/2 stars. This was her first novel and not at all like any of her other books. Not a happy story but interesting.
November 21, 2017
Well written but too much sexual material could done without.
March 25, 2015
Intricately-developed plot about overcoming a traumatic childhood
More than any of Hyde's books, this one leaves readers to search for potential understanding that I suspect can continue for years to come. Such a search may turn into the discovery of a personal set of hidden strengths, same as the woman in this amazing story finds.
More than any of Hyde's books, this one leaves readers to search for potential understanding that I suspect can continue for years to come. Such a search may turn into the discovery of a personal set of hidden strengths, same as the woman in this amazing story finds.
May 10, 2015
Story that has difficulty deciding what story to tell
Was this story about Ella or Simon? Why did Simon walk away from his life.? Why did Ella decide she had to walk to find him? What causes Ella's blindness? Why did Dee Dee kill herself? Too many unanswered questions. Definitely my least favorite works from this author
Was this story about Ella or Simon? Why did Simon walk away from his life.? Why did Ella decide she had to walk to find him? What causes Ella's blindness? Why did Dee Dee kill herself? Too many unanswered questions. Definitely my least favorite works from this author
June 25, 2020
This is Ms. Hyde’s first published novel. I found it harder to follow than other novels of hers that I have read but decided to stick it out since I am attempting to read her novels in order of publication. As always her characters were the heart of the novel but this one was a little depressing to me.
July 25, 2010
THIS is a great book! compelling disturbing enchanting..can it be all three? Lovely, sad, real lead character, Ella tells a wandering but oddly coherent tale...try to read just one chapter and you'll be sucked in for the whole wild ride.
April 27, 2015
Just a beginning
I bought the book for the title and got so much more. Never read anything by this author before, but will be checking out her other works. Humbling to remember that even the damaged have strengths deep inside and we are all damaged in some fashion.
I bought the book for the title and got so much more. Never read anything by this author before, but will be checking out her other works. Humbling to remember that even the damaged have strengths deep inside and we are all damaged in some fashion.
February 9, 2020
I'm glad I've read several of her others before reading this or I would be unlikely to ever read more. The author does say in the preface that it's her darkest book. It's well written, but don't expect to feel good during or after reading this.
February 19, 2022
I guess I shouldn’t really rate this book because I only got through about 15% of it. When the children watch their father performing sexual acts with several men and women, it became too much for me. She went into details that made me feel like I need brain bleach to get rid of. No thank you.
May 30, 2013
Amazing book. The main character is so well developed that you actually understand her insane perspective. A gripping tale that cost me a night of sleep because I couldn't put it down.
November 15, 2014
A fascinating story of a descent into madness and into sanity.
December 30, 2014
Incredibly hard book to describe. Very well written but very deep with few boundries. Must have an open mind. It's a book you won't forget.
December 31, 2023
First novel
I’ve read several of her most recent books, only realizing later that I knew her from Pay it Forward. So, I decided to read everything, got the list of her books in order and am working my way through them now. Working isn’t the right word, she is a treasure and a pleasure to read. Her books are impossible to put down, each a fresh look at life from an entirely different perspective.
This, as she says is her first, and it’s marvelous as are they all so far. This one will leave me thinking, I don’t understand Ella, though I’ve seen families like hers, with that level of disfunction, together with the various illnesses, mental and otherwise that can, and do, plague them. I understand Ella, as in a way I was her too, though my memory doesn’t go back as far as hers, I was every bit as aware and unaware of my own thoughts. I had the same experience in school, were I able I would not have gone so great was my unhappiness. I got through it but at 74, I’m still me.
This is just an amazing book in so many ways bringing in the hazards of of mental illness with poverty, with Native American traditions and the marvel of looking out a world you know you’re both part of and not. It’s a great story with I hope a happy ending, it ends on a hopeful note, but the rest of the story is still being written, as is my own. I’m truly going to enjoy these first months of 2024 as they will largely be spent in the words of Catherine Ryan Hyde and that’s something to look forward to. She made good choices back there in the beginning. I expect she will continue to do so and that’s good for all her readers. Her, too, I am sure.
I’ve read several of her most recent books, only realizing later that I knew her from Pay it Forward. So, I decided to read everything, got the list of her books in order and am working my way through them now. Working isn’t the right word, she is a treasure and a pleasure to read. Her books are impossible to put down, each a fresh look at life from an entirely different perspective.
This, as she says is her first, and it’s marvelous as are they all so far. This one will leave me thinking, I don’t understand Ella, though I’ve seen families like hers, with that level of disfunction, together with the various illnesses, mental and otherwise that can, and do, plague them. I understand Ella, as in a way I was her too, though my memory doesn’t go back as far as hers, I was every bit as aware and unaware of my own thoughts. I had the same experience in school, were I able I would not have gone so great was my unhappiness. I got through it but at 74, I’m still me.
This is just an amazing book in so many ways bringing in the hazards of of mental illness with poverty, with Native American traditions and the marvel of looking out a world you know you’re both part of and not. It’s a great story with I hope a happy ending, it ends on a hopeful note, but the rest of the story is still being written, as is my own. I’m truly going to enjoy these first months of 2024 as they will largely be spent in the words of Catherine Ryan Hyde and that’s something to look forward to. She made good choices back there in the beginning. I expect she will continue to do so and that’s good for all her readers. Her, too, I am sure.
October 6, 2017
"I knew I would have my work cut out for me, wondering whether I needed to feel bad or not." This quote sums up the general aura of this book, as the main character wavers between sanity and madness, coping as best she can. Ella's mother is crazy, her father is an absent pedophile, and her sister is a suicide. So Ella is left in the care of brother Simon, and the two of them stay close and manage to keep afloat amid the mess and confusion.
The story fluctuates between Ella's childhood past and her present adulthood in which Simon disappears and she makes it her mission to find him. Vanishing into the desert makes the journey with an ancient Navajo horse more adventure then a mature lady can handle. Her encounter with a hermit leaves you wondering whether she found Simon or not, and if she can put her quest to rest.
I will be searching out more books by this author, as I really loved her writing style.
The story fluctuates between Ella's childhood past and her present adulthood in which Simon disappears and she makes it her mission to find him. Vanishing into the desert makes the journey with an ancient Navajo horse more adventure then a mature lady can handle. Her encounter with a hermit leaves you wondering whether she found Simon or not, and if she can put her quest to rest.
I will be searching out more books by this author, as I really loved her writing style.
July 16, 2020
The Ending Makes It All Worthwhile
As I finished this book my first thought was that I loved it. But then I know that I didn’t feel that way all the time while I was reading it. On several occasions I had to put it down and walk away for awhile so that I could mull over what had I’d read. That’s the kind of story it is. It takes you places that many readers might find uncomfortable or even unbelievable. Unfortunately, for too many children and families these things are very real and they deal with them every day. It’s also true for adults who survived traumatic childhoods but never worked through the damage it left them with. This story follows one such damaged little girl who eventually begins to heal with the help of caring people. The end of the story really does make this worth your time. And yes, there are horses here too. Good read!
As I finished this book my first thought was that I loved it. But then I know that I didn’t feel that way all the time while I was reading it. On several occasions I had to put it down and walk away for awhile so that I could mull over what had I’d read. That’s the kind of story it is. It takes you places that many readers might find uncomfortable or even unbelievable. Unfortunately, for too many children and families these things are very real and they deal with them every day. It’s also true for adults who survived traumatic childhoods but never worked through the damage it left them with. This story follows one such damaged little girl who eventually begins to heal with the help of caring people. The end of the story really does make this worth your time. And yes, there are horses here too. Good read!
January 3, 2025
I really don’t know what to say about this book. It’s the third one I’ve read by this author (My Name is Anton and Do You know Luis Velez?). When I finished the others, I felt good. This one left me feeling a little troubled. I like the book, finished it quickly and was interested all the way. There are some pretty detailed descriptions of perverted sex which I’m not sure were necessary to the story or to Ella’s problems. That aside, the story moves along nicely. I liked the flashback style in which it is written as that seemed to give insight to her actions. I can’t say I recommend the book. I know that if this had been the first Catherine Ryan Hyde book I read I wouldn’t have read another. However, it wasn’t and I will try again.
July 6, 2017
Having loved the movie Pay It Forward but never read the book, I decided to read my way through Catherine Hyde's works. Though they have all been very enjoyable, none of them have felt as raw and real as PIF, until this book. It is much heavier and dark than her other work, but it also rings more true, less happily-ever-after, than her other work. I loved how real the characters' emotions were. I loved that there wasn't a tidy ending because it felt so real. I love the bravery in exploring characters combating mental health issues and traumas. My favorite read so far from a talented author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews