What do you think?
Rate this book
Why Do Horses Run?
A lyrical and profound debut novel that celebrates the kindness of strangers and those living in pain who recognise that in others.
He walked not feeling he was connected to the earth, but on the edge of something he couldn't reach. He pushed on through mist and darkness and clutched the blanket tight under his neck with his bony fist. Nothing in the darkness could scare him. He was darkness itself.
Missing in every sense of the word, a man walks into the landscape and doesn't stop. In all weather and across all kinds of terrain, Ingvar walks until he can go no further, then gets up and does it again the following day, week after week, month after month. For three years he doesn't know why he keeps going, or whether he is walking towards something or away from it.
Until he comes to a remote tropical valley harbouring secrets and misfits. There a recently widowed woman, Hilda, allows Ingvar to live in a shed on her property. He hasn't spoken for three years and Hilda chats frequently with her dead husband, but somehow they tolerate each other as they both struggle with the haunting impact of their pasts and grief that won't let them go.
Steeped in mystery and foreboding, Why Do Horses Run? asks crucial questions about love and loss, and what might make a person never want to be found. Simple, profound, transformative and deeply moving, this indelible debut explores the propensity of the natural world to both heal and harm, as well as the ineradicable power of kindness and community.
Why Do Horses Run? depicts the darkest aspects of life with frankness, humour and lyrical brilliance. It is a novel that will stay with you.
He walked not feeling he was connected to the earth, but on the edge of something he couldn't reach. He pushed on through mist and darkness and clutched the blanket tight under his neck with his bony fist. Nothing in the darkness could scare him. He was darkness itself.
Missing in every sense of the word, a man walks into the landscape and doesn't stop. In all weather and across all kinds of terrain, Ingvar walks until he can go no further, then gets up and does it again the following day, week after week, month after month. For three years he doesn't know why he keeps going, or whether he is walking towards something or away from it.
Until he comes to a remote tropical valley harbouring secrets and misfits. There a recently widowed woman, Hilda, allows Ingvar to live in a shed on her property. He hasn't spoken for three years and Hilda chats frequently with her dead husband, but somehow they tolerate each other as they both struggle with the haunting impact of their pasts and grief that won't let them go.
Steeped in mystery and foreboding, Why Do Horses Run? asks crucial questions about love and loss, and what might make a person never want to be found. Simple, profound, transformative and deeply moving, this indelible debut explores the propensity of the natural world to both heal and harm, as well as the ineradicable power of kindness and community.
Why Do Horses Run? depicts the darkest aspects of life with frankness, humour and lyrical brilliance. It is a novel that will stay with you.
314 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2024
20 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Stewart
1 book16 followersCameron Stewart grew up in Australia on farm near Mullumbimby, by way of Alice Springs, Canberra and Cairns. After living and working in Sydney for many years, Cameron now resides in Seoul, South Korea. Diversity of place informs much of his writing as does an interest in flawed characters trying to do their best. Cameron holds an MA (Creative Writing) from the University of Technology, Sydney and a BA (Performing Arts) from the University of Western Sydney (Theatre Nepean). Cameron is an award winning, short fiction writer and has been published in Australia, the UK and the USA. Why Do Horses Run? is Cameron's debut novel. He is currently working on his second novel, Cosmonaut.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 28, 2024
Why Do Horses Run? is an unusual, yet memorable debut. We follow Ingvar, a man who has been walking across the country for three years, riddled with grief. He eventually comes across a widow, Hilda, and stays in the banana shed on her property.
“During daylight hours he walked across the countryside to avoid people, but at night he stuck to roads so he wouldn’t trip over uneven ground or run into fencing.”
Stewart reeled me in with his beautifully descriptive prose. The vivid depictions of nature and landscape transported me into the terrain alongside Ingvar. It was atmospheric writing at its best. It's slow-burn, with a vibe hard to place. At first, it took a while to grab me, but the well-developed, likeable characters soon worked their way under my skin, and into my heart.
I found myself turning the pages, needing to know more. What was Ingvar running from? Why doesn’t he speak? Where are his wife and child? Why did he stop at Hilda’s? There’s a savage gentleness in the storytelling; traumatic pasts colliding with kindness. The Lotte chapters were particularly tender, yet powerful.
“We passed a large dam and a pair of horses cantered across a moonlit paddock and I wondered why. Why were they running? Were they running away, or towards something?”
I enjoyed Ingvar’s revealing diary entries, which peeled back layers of character. These first-person chapters were effective at breaking-up the third-person narrative. Ingvar was a captivating individual – testament to Stewart’s writing, as the character didn't speak much.
Mick was fascinating too; an Aussie larrikin that reminded me of people I’ve met. The side characters were just as impactful and authentic, yet my favourite character was Hilda. The conversations she had with dead husband, Col, often made me smile. She had a kind heart that inevitably seeped through her tough exterior. I loved how Stewart could seamlessly transition from darkness, to hilarious.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the ending. Hilda's story deserved better. There’s also a considerable number of animal deaths. I lost count - from wildlife being hit by traffic, to pigs being shot, a calf torn apart, and story involving a puppy and incinerator. I felt this aspect became repetitive and was unnecessary.
Why Do Horses Run? is sure to generate discussion. It’s an intriguing exploration on trauma and grief, with plenty that will linger in the reader’s mind. An author to look out for.
“Maybe fiction is just a rehearsal for real life, he thought. The more you experience, the less possibility or less desire there is to discover new things on the page.”
“During daylight hours he walked across the countryside to avoid people, but at night he stuck to roads so he wouldn’t trip over uneven ground or run into fencing.”
Stewart reeled me in with his beautifully descriptive prose. The vivid depictions of nature and landscape transported me into the terrain alongside Ingvar. It was atmospheric writing at its best. It's slow-burn, with a vibe hard to place. At first, it took a while to grab me, but the well-developed, likeable characters soon worked their way under my skin, and into my heart.
I found myself turning the pages, needing to know more. What was Ingvar running from? Why doesn’t he speak? Where are his wife and child? Why did he stop at Hilda’s? There’s a savage gentleness in the storytelling; traumatic pasts colliding with kindness. The Lotte chapters were particularly tender, yet powerful.
“We passed a large dam and a pair of horses cantered across a moonlit paddock and I wondered why. Why were they running? Were they running away, or towards something?”
I enjoyed Ingvar’s revealing diary entries, which peeled back layers of character. These first-person chapters were effective at breaking-up the third-person narrative. Ingvar was a captivating individual – testament to Stewart’s writing, as the character didn't speak much.
Mick was fascinating too; an Aussie larrikin that reminded me of people I’ve met. The side characters were just as impactful and authentic, yet my favourite character was Hilda. The conversations she had with dead husband, Col, often made me smile. She had a kind heart that inevitably seeped through her tough exterior. I loved how Stewart could seamlessly transition from darkness, to hilarious.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the ending. Hilda's story deserved better. There’s also a considerable number of animal deaths. I lost count - from wildlife being hit by traffic, to pigs being shot, a calf torn apart, and story involving a puppy and incinerator. I felt this aspect became repetitive and was unnecessary.
Why Do Horses Run? is sure to generate discussion. It’s an intriguing exploration on trauma and grief, with plenty that will linger in the reader’s mind. An author to look out for.
“Maybe fiction is just a rehearsal for real life, he thought. The more you experience, the less possibility or less desire there is to discover new things on the page.”
June 13, 2024
Sometimes a book comes along and the reader thinks 'how'. I always appreciate the craft of collating a fictional story, but right now I am quite in awe of what I have just read. My reviews are often long, I don't know why, I tend to just talk a lot. This doesn't need to be the case this time around, in keeping with themes of scarcity.
This book developed the opposite feelings of saying too much. A beautifully crafted book, gently told without fanfare. Lyrical prose that seemed to skim along the surface, lots of content weighing heavily, yet not heaped in a way that is too much to bear, an immeasurable suffering in a man involved in something so sad that he would put himself through much torment.
The serious story unfurls without pace, this man who is punishing himself for living while he encounters all kinds of kindness as he runs.
A split second incident to change the lives of two remaining people, with other encounters telling more stories of the human psyche and the way this man interacts with these folk. I loved this man, the humans he collided with on his journey, and the haunting feel which has definitely captured my heart.
When a writer produces a debut that reads as a seasoned piece of literature. That's all I've got to say.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library, excellent narration by Cameron Goodall.
This book developed the opposite feelings of saying too much. A beautifully crafted book, gently told without fanfare. Lyrical prose that seemed to skim along the surface, lots of content weighing heavily, yet not heaped in a way that is too much to bear, an immeasurable suffering in a man involved in something so sad that he would put himself through much torment.
The serious story unfurls without pace, this man who is punishing himself for living while he encounters all kinds of kindness as he runs.
A split second incident to change the lives of two remaining people, with other encounters telling more stories of the human psyche and the way this man interacts with these folk. I loved this man, the humans he collided with on his journey, and the haunting feel which has definitely captured my heart.
When a writer produces a debut that reads as a seasoned piece of literature. That's all I've got to say.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library, excellent narration by Cameron Goodall.
August 4, 2024
It is a measure of how powerful the writing is in Cameron Stewart's debut novel Why Do Horses Run? that I have mixed feelings about it.
As it says on his website, Cameron Stewart is interested in flawed characters trying to do their best. His flawed character in Why Do Horses Run? is Ingvar — who walks out of his own life and tramps like a modern-day swaggie for three years in the solitude of the Australian bush, rendered in exquisite detail by an author who knows it intimately.
Ingvar sleeps rough, and he speaks to no one, but carries a notepad to briefly communicate his needs when necessary. Refusing all engagement with other people, he keeps a journal which gradually reveals his pain and guilt to the reader, and his daughter Lotte 'speaks to him' from the afterlife.
Ingvar's wanderings halt when he encounters the widow Hilda, who is not yet ready to cast off the remnants of the life she had with a philandering husband, and there are intimations that some kind of healing could begin. He encounters both kindness and cruelty in the local community, but he's not ready for friendship and he rejects any kind of solace.
Mayor, a wise old Bunjalung man, finds Ingvar drunk down at the river, and tries to give Ingvar a sense of perspective. He knows that the books can't ever be balanced, and he recognises the self-inflicted harm:
But Ingvar blunders off into the bush with his tequila. He has to get away from humans and their words.
No reader could be indifferent to this man's profound grief as he punishes himself for what he has done. And yet...
... I kept thinking of the character who is offstage and has no voice for the entire novel: Lotte's mother Isobel who has lost both her daughter and her husband. She is doubly bereaved.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/08/04/w...
As it says on his website, Cameron Stewart is interested in flawed characters trying to do their best. His flawed character in Why Do Horses Run? is Ingvar — who walks out of his own life and tramps like a modern-day swaggie for three years in the solitude of the Australian bush, rendered in exquisite detail by an author who knows it intimately.
Ingvar sleeps rough, and he speaks to no one, but carries a notepad to briefly communicate his needs when necessary. Refusing all engagement with other people, he keeps a journal which gradually reveals his pain and guilt to the reader, and his daughter Lotte 'speaks to him' from the afterlife.
Ingvar's wanderings halt when he encounters the widow Hilda, who is not yet ready to cast off the remnants of the life she had with a philandering husband, and there are intimations that some kind of healing could begin. He encounters both kindness and cruelty in the local community, but he's not ready for friendship and he rejects any kind of solace.
Mayor, a wise old Bunjalung man, finds Ingvar drunk down at the river, and tries to give Ingvar a sense of perspective. He knows that the books can't ever be balanced, and he recognises the self-inflicted harm:
'Youve done a number on yourself, young fella. Driven yourself into a ditch. Come over to my place. I'll get some food into you.' (p.217)
But Ingvar blunders off into the bush with his tequila. He has to get away from humans and their words.
No reader could be indifferent to this man's profound grief as he punishes himself for what he has done. And yet...
... I kept thinking of the character who is offstage and has no voice for the entire novel: Lotte's mother Isobel who has lost both her daughter and her husband. She is doubly bereaved.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/08/04/w...
September 15, 2024
This would have to be far and away the best book I have read this year! Gorgeous writing where you can even imagine being a fly on the wall. Tender and humane
December 10, 2024
Don't do what I did and mistake Why Do Horses Run? for non-fiction. It is most definitely fiction and a wondrously good debut fiction at that! I was thrilled when @cameron_a_stewart reached out to offer me a copy to read and review. It meant I finally read the blurb which had me intrigued. And then I noticed that Tim Winton and Inga Simpson had blurbed the cover. Umm sold!
This was a beautifully written but very sad story. A man walks out into the world and doesn't stop. He walks for three years, walking away from his life and his grief and just keeps going never knowing when he will stop. But one day he does stop. In a remote valley he meets Hilda, a recent widow, who
lets him stay in a rundown shed on her property. Ingvar hasn't spoken in three years and Hilda regularly talks to her dead husband but somehow they manage to communicate with each other. Both struggle with their grief and their past but their unlikely connection might just help them both.
Why Do Horses Run was haunting and mysterious. It was clever with the perspective shifts which slowly unfolds Ingvar's past and his grief. It was also a love note to the Australian landscape which gave me Robbie Arnott vibes.
I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book which I had overlooked upon release. I'd definitely recommend it if you get a chance to pick it up. Thank you so much @cameron_a_stewart for sending me a copy!
This was a beautifully written but very sad story. A man walks out into the world and doesn't stop. He walks for three years, walking away from his life and his grief and just keeps going never knowing when he will stop. But one day he does stop. In a remote valley he meets Hilda, a recent widow, who
lets him stay in a rundown shed on her property. Ingvar hasn't spoken in three years and Hilda regularly talks to her dead husband but somehow they manage to communicate with each other. Both struggle with their grief and their past but their unlikely connection might just help them both.
Why Do Horses Run was haunting and mysterious. It was clever with the perspective shifts which slowly unfolds Ingvar's past and his grief. It was also a love note to the Australian landscape which gave me Robbie Arnott vibes.
I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book which I had overlooked upon release. I'd definitely recommend it if you get a chance to pick it up. Thank you so much @cameron_a_stewart for sending me a copy!
July 23, 2024
Another one of those stories that will stay with me, will remain in my awareness and influence my connections with others.
A powerful debut novel. Love, laughter, loss and grief, all trying to find a foothold when the very fabric of your life’s structure has crumbled beneath your feet and all sensitively and beautifully explored.
Quite astounding. The thoughts and questions that the reading of this stirred up are still circulating and developing.
A powerful debut novel. Love, laughter, loss and grief, all trying to find a foothold when the very fabric of your life’s structure has crumbled beneath your feet and all sensitively and beautifully explored.
Quite astounding. The thoughts and questions that the reading of this stirred up are still circulating and developing.
October 22, 2024
Cameron Stewart’s Why Do Horses Run? is a beautifully written debut novel that explores grief, isolation, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. The story follows Ingvar, a man who has been walking for three years without really knowing why or where he’s headed. Along the way, he encounters all kinds of weather and terrain, but keeps moving until he stumbles upon a remote valley and meets Hilda, a recently widowed woman.
Ingvar hasn’t spoken in years, and Hilda is still mourning her husband, but somehow, they form a quiet bond. Living on her property, Ingvar slowly begins to confront his own grief, and together, they navigate their way through pain and healing. The novel’s setting—the wild, untamed landscape—plays a huge part in the story, almost like a character in itself, reflecting the emotions of both Ingvar and Hilda.
Stewart’s writing is both poetic and down-to-earth, with moments of real beauty and sadness. The book touches on some heavy themes, but it’s ultimately a hopeful story about how we can find connection and comfort, even in the most unexpected places. It’s a heartfelt and memorable read that really stays with you
Ingvar hasn’t spoken in years, and Hilda is still mourning her husband, but somehow, they form a quiet bond. Living on her property, Ingvar slowly begins to confront his own grief, and together, they navigate their way through pain and healing. The novel’s setting—the wild, untamed landscape—plays a huge part in the story, almost like a character in itself, reflecting the emotions of both Ingvar and Hilda.
Stewart’s writing is both poetic and down-to-earth, with moments of real beauty and sadness. The book touches on some heavy themes, but it’s ultimately a hopeful story about how we can find connection and comfort, even in the most unexpected places. It’s a heartfelt and memorable read that really stays with you
January 5, 2025
There are so many good things about this book. The first thing that grabbed me was the first character we meet, Ingvar, is one we very rarely hear from - a homeless man. He is trying to out walk his guilt and grief. In doing so, he meets up with Hilda, who is trying to deal with her own grief as well as anger.
Ingvar feels guilt about an event over which he had no control. Hilda feels anger, also about something that someone else did to her.
I feel like this book is all about how we deal with life when it hands you its worst. Grief and acceptance are a common thread in this book. The excellent writing really draws this out.
As an aside, the scattering of ashes appears to be pivotal in this book. It was the scattering of Ingvar’s daughter’s ashes by him and his wife that prompted his long walk. Hilda’s scattering of her husband’s ashes signposted her letting go of anger, but it was also where she was killed by a wild dog.
I also think that having Hilda die was a way to underscore the randomness of events. Good and bad things happen to good and bad people in equal measure and for no reason.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s well worth a read.
Ingvar feels guilt about an event over which he had no control. Hilda feels anger, also about something that someone else did to her.
I feel like this book is all about how we deal with life when it hands you its worst. Grief and acceptance are a common thread in this book. The excellent writing really draws this out.
As an aside, the scattering of ashes appears to be pivotal in this book. It was the scattering of Ingvar’s daughter’s ashes by him and his wife that prompted his long walk. Hilda’s scattering of her husband’s ashes signposted her letting go of anger, but it was also where she was killed by a wild dog.
I also think that having Hilda die was a way to underscore the randomness of events. Good and bad things happen to good and bad people in equal measure and for no reason.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s well worth a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
A very simple story with a lot of heavy themes that really hit me hard at times. I enjoyed the first half of the book, and the second half was intriguing but my two issues are:
1. Unanswered questions. There was a lot raised throughout the story regarding particular characters, and it was just left for interpretation rather than giving some conclusions, or at least something for the reader to make guesses on!
2. The ending left me saying - why? What was the point?
Good, but frustrating.
1. Unanswered questions. There was a lot raised throughout the story regarding particular characters, and it was just left for interpretation rather than giving some conclusions, or at least something for the reader to make guesses on!
2. The ending left me saying - why? What was the point?
Good, but frustrating.
October 9, 2024
The basic premise is that of a man, Ingvar, dealing with grief and whether it is possible to accept horrific things, or is giving up the answer? The narrative plods along, like that of the main character's journey, and slowly builds in tension as things come to a head for Ingvar, internally, prompted through his reckoning with the landscape and those around him, most of whom are unbelievably open to this stranger turning up out of nowhere.
Stand out for me was its strong exploration of the way strangers can impact our lives, shifting us in different directions, as well as the slippery quality of 'weirdoness' ie the (mis)perception of someone's weirdness can belie goodness or depth. There's a lot in this one to ponder and I think it would be a great one for a book club because it sets up some really interesting ideas in ambiguous ways, so you can really go to town in interpreting it. Would love to dissect the repn of women in this one, for example. I did it as a buddy read and feel really thankful I had someone to bounce ideas off. It's full of some detailed and intricate depictions of both the brutality and the power of the Australian bush and wildlife and some of the characters are stupendous, intricate character studies.
Stand out for me was its strong exploration of the way strangers can impact our lives, shifting us in different directions, as well as the slippery quality of 'weirdoness' ie the (mis)perception of someone's weirdness can belie goodness or depth. There's a lot in this one to ponder and I think it would be a great one for a book club because it sets up some really interesting ideas in ambiguous ways, so you can really go to town in interpreting it. Would love to dissect the repn of women in this one, for example. I did it as a buddy read and feel really thankful I had someone to bounce ideas off. It's full of some detailed and intricate depictions of both the brutality and the power of the Australian bush and wildlife and some of the characters are stupendous, intricate character studies.
February 2, 2025
Goodreads Review, ‘Why Do Horses Run?’ By Cameron Stewart.
A debut novel! Always exciting to read the first published novel of any writer. Writing and publishing a novel is bloody fucking hard. The amount of effort, time and networking required to actually get a book on a publisher’s desk is a miracle of creative endeavour. So when a novel is picked up and published by a leading publishing house one thinks that the work has jumped through the various hoops required to get into bookshops! Allen & Unwin do not mess about when it comes to commercial success. Ok so after all that is Stewart’s novel worth the effort? According to publishers and critics it is. ‘Why Do Horses Run’ is a torturous narrative that drags itself through over 300 pages. There is something buzzing in the story but it simply doesn’t reach any point of relief. The death of a child must be one of the most horrific and frightening aspects of contemporary life. A father wanders the landscape (reminiscent of the 1984 movie Paris, Texas). The loss of meaning and grief in this novel does not reach the depths of hell one would imagine. I have no idea if Cameron Stewart has experienced this life changing savage damage. The novel meanders and loses itself in the description of landscape. I found the narrative smooth and simple, yet like a one arm bandit (slot machine) it does not pay out in silver dollars. Stories are created and ended with superficial conclusions. I fully enjoyed the first 150 pages but the incessant and banal self destruction wears thin and dull. The opportunities for taking his story elsewhere. I hoped there would be a sexual reconciliation with the older woman living in the house above his shack. A great opportunity to get some grit into the book. A chance to reinvigorate the lives of both characters. Still that is my opinion and I suppose Stewart was attempting to continue the angst of his infinite landscape wandering character. Well written but a sluggish telling. Bought for $16.00 from Big W Library. Enjoy.
A debut novel! Always exciting to read the first published novel of any writer. Writing and publishing a novel is bloody fucking hard. The amount of effort, time and networking required to actually get a book on a publisher’s desk is a miracle of creative endeavour. So when a novel is picked up and published by a leading publishing house one thinks that the work has jumped through the various hoops required to get into bookshops! Allen & Unwin do not mess about when it comes to commercial success. Ok so after all that is Stewart’s novel worth the effort? According to publishers and critics it is. ‘Why Do Horses Run’ is a torturous narrative that drags itself through over 300 pages. There is something buzzing in the story but it simply doesn’t reach any point of relief. The death of a child must be one of the most horrific and frightening aspects of contemporary life. A father wanders the landscape (reminiscent of the 1984 movie Paris, Texas). The loss of meaning and grief in this novel does not reach the depths of hell one would imagine. I have no idea if Cameron Stewart has experienced this life changing savage damage. The novel meanders and loses itself in the description of landscape. I found the narrative smooth and simple, yet like a one arm bandit (slot machine) it does not pay out in silver dollars. Stories are created and ended with superficial conclusions. I fully enjoyed the first 150 pages but the incessant and banal self destruction wears thin and dull. The opportunities for taking his story elsewhere. I hoped there would be a sexual reconciliation with the older woman living in the house above his shack. A great opportunity to get some grit into the book. A chance to reinvigorate the lives of both characters. Still that is my opinion and I suppose Stewart was attempting to continue the angst of his infinite landscape wandering character. Well written but a sluggish telling. Bought for $16.00 from Big W Library. Enjoy.
July 3, 2024
A glorious book! The beauty of the Australian flora and fauna is well captured in this book and acts as the backdrop to the story of a lost soul trapsing around regional NSW on the back of a family shattering event.
Ingva (not sure of the spelling, as I listened as an audiobook) does not speak and found himself seeking temporary shelter in a farm shed on Hilda's farm.
With shifting timelines, the author takes you on a journey of loss, grief, compassion, joy, and general humanity. A wonderful book.
The narrator had a couple of mispronunciation (plover, for example) , which as an Australian should know, but otherwise a great voice to convey this story.
Ingva (not sure of the spelling, as I listened as an audiobook) does not speak and found himself seeking temporary shelter in a farm shed on Hilda's farm.
With shifting timelines, the author takes you on a journey of loss, grief, compassion, joy, and general humanity. A wonderful book.
The narrator had a couple of mispronunciation (plover, for example) , which as an Australian should know, but otherwise a great voice to convey this story.
June 15, 2024
My state library’s book of the month, this had some really lovely moments. A quintessentially outback Aussie voice which I vibed with. But even with liking the voice, I didn’t quite fully click with the characters in the way that the payoff probably required.
Super mild spoiler (find out in first quarter or so), but main dude accidentally killed his preteen daughter in a car accident when he was driving, and has spent the last 3 years in a numbed state of shock, had abandoned his wife unable to face her with the immensity of what he’d done, and has been living a vagrant life wandering Australia doing odd jobs. I really felt for him, I can’t and don’t even want to begin to imagine going through that. And first half was pretty beautiful in a deadened kind of way.
He eventually unintentionally finds his way to the small town he grew up in, and starts to put down some minor roots, doing construction jobs. He meets some lovely characters and some weirder characters. But he also, by chance, finds a girl the age his daughter would have been, living in the house he grew up in. And while both this girl and her mum independently were cool characters, I didn’t buy or even really feel the connection that developed between him and this daughter substitute. I also - I don’t know it was needed to be (slightly) shoehorned in to fit his narrative arc - what there was of it.
The 2 main other characters in this cast were pretty cool. Mick the down to earth larrikin was pretty great, true to form for that character type. And the widow on the farm he lived on was awesome too. Kinda enjoyed that she was still having old couple arguments with the ghost of her dead husband. (Although lol wtf at the random ending she got!) Some of the other characters didn’t quite work outside of showing some oddballs in small town life, but they still worked ok.
All up, I really liked the voice of this book, and felt for the main character even if I couldn’t fully jive with all his actions, particularly main one of abandoning his wife. But story didn’t fully click for me and probably because of that not fully jiving. Still enjoyed though, and good narration from audiobook. 3.5*
(2nd review - this book contained zero answers to the reasonings behind any internal deliberations that result in equine scarpering! Terribly bad manners on the false advertising front 0*)
Super mild spoiler (find out in first quarter or so), but main dude accidentally killed his preteen daughter in a car accident when he was driving, and has spent the last 3 years in a numbed state of shock, had abandoned his wife unable to face her with the immensity of what he’d done, and has been living a vagrant life wandering Australia doing odd jobs. I really felt for him, I can’t and don’t even want to begin to imagine going through that. And first half was pretty beautiful in a deadened kind of way.
He eventually unintentionally finds his way to the small town he grew up in, and starts to put down some minor roots, doing construction jobs. He meets some lovely characters and some weirder characters. But he also, by chance, finds a girl the age his daughter would have been, living in the house he grew up in. And while both this girl and her mum independently were cool characters, I didn’t buy or even really feel the connection that developed between him and this daughter substitute. I also - I don’t know it was needed to be (slightly) shoehorned in to fit his narrative arc - what there was of it.
The 2 main other characters in this cast were pretty cool. Mick the down to earth larrikin was pretty great, true to form for that character type. And the widow on the farm he lived on was awesome too. Kinda enjoyed that she was still having old couple arguments with the ghost of her dead husband. (Although lol wtf at the random ending she got!) Some of the other characters didn’t quite work outside of showing some oddballs in small town life, but they still worked ok.
All up, I really liked the voice of this book, and felt for the main character even if I couldn’t fully jive with all his actions, particularly main one of abandoning his wife. But story didn’t fully click for me and probably because of that not fully jiving. Still enjoyed though, and good narration from audiobook. 3.5*
(2nd review - this book contained zero answers to the reasonings behind any internal deliberations that result in equine scarpering! Terribly bad manners on the false advertising front 0*)
August 5, 2025
I’m kicking off the #aussieaugust2025 hosted by @the_bookdragons_den with this moving debut that doesn’t shout but settles in slowly. It’s subtle, reflective, and well worth the read.
For three years Ingvar has not spoken a word. He has been walking that whole time. He doesn’t know if he’s walking
towards something or away from it. Eventually he comes to a remote valley, where a recently widowed woman, Hilda, allows him to live in a shed on her property.
Poignant, tender, and quietly powerful — Why Do Horses Run? by Cameron Stewart is a beautifully written story about grief, memory, and finding your way through the quiet moments of loss.
This novel really snuck up on me. It’s character-driven and emotionally layered, with spare but evocative prose that captures so much in so few words. The emotion is raw and real, and the exploration of love and healing is deeply
affecting. This is a reflective debut about love, loss, and the silences that sit between people.
Cameron Stewart captures the deep ache of absence — but also the quiet power of kindness and the role of community in the healing process.
Thanks to the @cameron_a_stewart for this #gifted copy.
For three years Ingvar has not spoken a word. He has been walking that whole time. He doesn’t know if he’s walking
towards something or away from it. Eventually he comes to a remote valley, where a recently widowed woman, Hilda, allows him to live in a shed on her property.
Poignant, tender, and quietly powerful — Why Do Horses Run? by Cameron Stewart is a beautifully written story about grief, memory, and finding your way through the quiet moments of loss.
This novel really snuck up on me. It’s character-driven and emotionally layered, with spare but evocative prose that captures so much in so few words. The emotion is raw and real, and the exploration of love and healing is deeply
affecting. This is a reflective debut about love, loss, and the silences that sit between people.
Cameron Stewart captures the deep ache of absence — but also the quiet power of kindness and the role of community in the healing process.
Thanks to the @cameron_a_stewart for this #gifted copy.
March 20, 2025
This was an intriguing and unusual book about grief, love, and depression. The harshness of life and the kindness of strangers.
I listened to it in audiobook and was taken in by the narrator. I didn't like the ending, Hilda deserved better (this isn't a happily ever after) and I wanted to know what happened with Ingvar.
I found the sexual references jaring, crude and uncessesary to the storyline at times, I had the same feeling about some of the animal deaths but this all links into the harsh reality of the story and what you feel reading it.
I listened to it in audiobook and was taken in by the narrator. I didn't like the ending, Hilda deserved better (this isn't a happily ever after) and I wanted to know what happened with Ingvar.
I found the sexual references jaring, crude and uncessesary to the storyline at times, I had the same feeling about some of the animal deaths but this all links into the harsh reality of the story and what you feel reading it.
September 23, 2024
This was an intriguing read and it very quickly drew me into the story. I thought about how I would best review the book when I was finished. The writing was so realistic that I strongly felt the emotions of the main character as we trudged together through the Australian bush. Great understanding and portrayal of persons coming to terms with grief and beginning to move forward with a measure of hope in the future. Looking forward to more writings by this author.
September 23, 2024
(Cursory review) Set on mid north coast...enjoyed the narrative and getting to know the characters- and why they do what they do. How hurt, loss and grief can destroy, how kindness is perceived and how humans relate to each other. I would have like to know more about Hilda....felt let down at the end of the novel
August 29, 2024
“I heard things that only silence can bring.”
Why Do Horses Run is the mysterious and lyrical debut novel from Australian author Cameron Stewart. It’s both sparse and rich in its characters and setting, a book that I fell into and didn’t want to resurface.
Ingvar leads a nomadic existence and hasn’t spoken for the past three years. He is isolated and full of self loathing as he wanders through the wilderness, until he reaches a remote tropical valley harbouring other outcasts and misfits. Here he meets the recently widowed, Hilda, who allows him to live in her shed. Hilda has frequent conversations with her dead husband and Ingvar doesn’t speak, but somehow they exist together, haunted by their pasts.
This hard hitting narrative explores themes of guilt, grief, trauma and family and the interspersed vignettes about the Thylacine and its extinction gave me chills, especially when it was compared to Ingvar’s own experiences of living on after the death of a loved one.
The short, punchy chapters had me hooked and wanting to read just one more chapter, which of course turned into several more. I loved reading Hilda’s scenes, especially her chats with her dead husband, which were darkly humorous, but also revealing and raw.
The landscape played a starring role in this story with the vivid descriptions transporting me to a wild and forgotten valley where people go to hide away from the rest of the world.
Why Do Horses Run is a stark, but also beautiful and moving book that offered up equal amounts of heartbreak and hope. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long while to come.
Why Do Horses Run is the mysterious and lyrical debut novel from Australian author Cameron Stewart. It’s both sparse and rich in its characters and setting, a book that I fell into and didn’t want to resurface.
Ingvar leads a nomadic existence and hasn’t spoken for the past three years. He is isolated and full of self loathing as he wanders through the wilderness, until he reaches a remote tropical valley harbouring other outcasts and misfits. Here he meets the recently widowed, Hilda, who allows him to live in her shed. Hilda has frequent conversations with her dead husband and Ingvar doesn’t speak, but somehow they exist together, haunted by their pasts.
This hard hitting narrative explores themes of guilt, grief, trauma and family and the interspersed vignettes about the Thylacine and its extinction gave me chills, especially when it was compared to Ingvar’s own experiences of living on after the death of a loved one.
The short, punchy chapters had me hooked and wanting to read just one more chapter, which of course turned into several more. I loved reading Hilda’s scenes, especially her chats with her dead husband, which were darkly humorous, but also revealing and raw.
The landscape played a starring role in this story with the vivid descriptions transporting me to a wild and forgotten valley where people go to hide away from the rest of the world.
Why Do Horses Run is a stark, but also beautiful and moving book that offered up equal amounts of heartbreak and hope. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long while to come.
Read
January 21, 2025This book thoroughly surprised me in a good way. Typically a thriller reader, the story and character development were refreshing. Seeing how Hilda softened and Ingvar
It felt like a true testament to what battling your demons can do. You can literally walk and be mute for 3 years but at the end of the day, until you stay put and deal with your shit, it will never get easier. Moping around feeling sorry for yourself was Ingvar. And then on the other hand, you have Hilda who seemed to take how she was feeling in her marriage, into her widowed life, and kept herself shut off. The two coming together and creating their own language was simply beautiful.
All that being said, it was a struggle anytime Isobel was mentioned because I felt deep sorrow for that woman. It also made me get angry at Ingvar for his selfishness - but I tried to focus on his story and the duality of life - you can make mistakes but you still deserve to come to an internal resolve.
It felt like a true testament to what battling your demons can do. You can literally walk and be mute for 3 years but at the end of the day, until you stay put and deal with your shit, it will never get easier. Moping around feeling sorry for yourself was Ingvar. And then on the other hand, you have Hilda who seemed to take how she was feeling in her marriage, into her widowed life, and kept herself shut off. The two coming together and creating their own language was simply beautiful.
All that being said, it was a struggle anytime Isobel was mentioned because I felt deep sorrow for that woman. It also made me get angry at Ingvar for his selfishness - but I tried to focus on his story and the duality of life - you can make mistakes but you still deserve to come to an internal resolve.
August 26, 2024
Another review wrote “tender and compelling” and I totally agree. What a debut! But… the old woman?
July 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
It's a great character novel. Each character is damaged in various ways, but how they deal with that damage is very different.
Beautiful descriptions of Australian country as the main character Ingvar walks through it.
A fascinating journey with some surprises. A carefully crafted book that will linger in my mind.
It's a great character novel. Each character is damaged in various ways, but how they deal with that damage is very different.
Beautiful descriptions of Australian country as the main character Ingvar walks through it.
A fascinating journey with some surprises. A carefully crafted book that will linger in my mind.
July 29, 2024
A bit of a slow burn - very ruminative. I found some of the premise lacking credibility (e.g. Ingvar's ability to survive for several years walking around the bush and his sudden ability to talk after 3 years of not talking), which affected my reading. Quite tender and loving in the depiction of the characters.
May 4, 2024
I found this very moving - a man dealing with guilt and grief, and the characters he meets as he approaches the end of 3 years of wandering at the edges of society. The audiobook was narrated very well and I listened to it in one day.
July 28, 2024
It's gentle, sad and wonderful! Just nothing to not love. I loved that it was Australian not crime. I could smell the Australian bush, hear the Australian birds.
I loved the no sugar coat no neat ending. It's truly wonderful.
I loved the no sugar coat no neat ending. It's truly wonderful.
August 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Sad, but the story of 'why' comes out in the duration. Sad for both Ingvar and Hilda, but they both finally work out how to deal with their respective pasts. Other interesting characters involved - Taxi, Hemingway and Tracey, and of course Mick.
Sad, but the story of 'why' comes out in the duration. Sad for both Ingvar and Hilda, but they both finally work out how to deal with their respective pasts. Other interesting characters involved - Taxi, Hemingway and Tracey, and of course Mick.
June 9, 2024
‘Now I eat roadkill.’
Ingvar has been walking for three years. He doesn’t speak, avoids towns wherever he can and while he isn’t sure why he is walking, he knows that he must keep going. If he needs to communicate, he writes notes. And to begin with, we gradually learn more about Ingvar from the diary he keeps. He is acutely aware of his surroundings.
Ingvar comes to a remote tropical valley. Here he meets Hilda, a recently widowed woman, doing the best she can to manage the property she once shared with her husband Col. There are others living in the valley as well, or in the nearby township, who will also (albeit briefly) become part of Ingvar’s life. For Ingvar stops in this valley, for a while: something has drawn him there. Hilda agrees that he can stay in the rundown banana shed on her property. In return, he does some work for her.
Gradually Ingvar’s story and the cause of his distress unfolds. He is restless and unable to settle. In his walking he has met both kindness and abuse.
Two lonely people. Hilda chats with her dead husband, Ingvar observes his surroundings but tries to remain detached. We learn, together with Hilda, about what has driven Ingvar to walk. He starts talking again, communicating with Mick and his mates, collecting ticks with Hilda, and meeting Ginger and her mother, Bev.
‘Maybe fiction is just a rehearsal for real life, he thought. The more you experience, the less possibility or less desire there is to discover new things on the page. Or maybe I’ve lost the capacity to savour anything new.’
I could wish for a happy ending and, perhaps, for Ingvar there might be. But somehow, I doubt it. As the story closes, still overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, Ingvar is moving on. Can he ever find peace?
This novel grabbed my attention and held it from beginning to end. Guilt, kindness, loneliness, and savagery each have a part in the story. Mr Stewart makes both people and place come to life, and both are still occupying space in my mind.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Ingvar has been walking for three years. He doesn’t speak, avoids towns wherever he can and while he isn’t sure why he is walking, he knows that he must keep going. If he needs to communicate, he writes notes. And to begin with, we gradually learn more about Ingvar from the diary he keeps. He is acutely aware of his surroundings.
Ingvar comes to a remote tropical valley. Here he meets Hilda, a recently widowed woman, doing the best she can to manage the property she once shared with her husband Col. There are others living in the valley as well, or in the nearby township, who will also (albeit briefly) become part of Ingvar’s life. For Ingvar stops in this valley, for a while: something has drawn him there. Hilda agrees that he can stay in the rundown banana shed on her property. In return, he does some work for her.
Gradually Ingvar’s story and the cause of his distress unfolds. He is restless and unable to settle. In his walking he has met both kindness and abuse.
Two lonely people. Hilda chats with her dead husband, Ingvar observes his surroundings but tries to remain detached. We learn, together with Hilda, about what has driven Ingvar to walk. He starts talking again, communicating with Mick and his mates, collecting ticks with Hilda, and meeting Ginger and her mother, Bev.
‘Maybe fiction is just a rehearsal for real life, he thought. The more you experience, the less possibility or less desire there is to discover new things on the page. Or maybe I’ve lost the capacity to savour anything new.’
I could wish for a happy ending and, perhaps, for Ingvar there might be. But somehow, I doubt it. As the story closes, still overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, Ingvar is moving on. Can he ever find peace?
This novel grabbed my attention and held it from beginning to end. Guilt, kindness, loneliness, and savagery each have a part in the story. Mr Stewart makes both people and place come to life, and both are still occupying space in my mind.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
October 13, 2024
"Why Do Horses Run?" took me on a journey I never anticipated. At first glance, the story of a man aimlessly trudging across a valley seemed an exercise in monotony. Yet, as I read, I was completely absorbed, as though the book had pulled a swiftie on me. The protagonist's battle with inner demons is mirrored in the wild landscape, which, through his sharp-eyed musings, becomes an almost sentient presence.
Cameron Stewart doesn't shy away from life's gritty contradictions and bizarre serendipities, inviting readers to laugh one moment and feel a pang of melancholy the next. What struck me most was the author's tender portrayal of the kindnesses that arise from chance encounters. There's an unmistakable celebration of the outlier here—the motley band of drifters, the old-timer who has seen it all, and even the young girl who, with her messed-up quirkiness, steals a bit of the limelight.
The deliberate pacing may not suit everyone, but for me, it had a mesmeric quality. It allowed the deeper themes of love, forgiveness, and the unbidden price they extract to unfurl naturally. This isn't the kind of yarn you rush through; it's more of a slow burn, a contemplative amble that invites you to ponder life's big questions along the way.
There is, however, one narrative choice near the end that left me scratching my head, and I'm still not entirely sure what Stewart was driving at. While it didn't quite derail the experience, it did strike a wrong note.
Still, it's an impressive debut that manages to dig beneath the surface of human suffering and resilience without ever becoming mired in bleakness. The book lingers, encouraging you to examine your own assumptions about isolation, despair, and the elusive art of reinvention.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Cameron Stewart doesn't shy away from life's gritty contradictions and bizarre serendipities, inviting readers to laugh one moment and feel a pang of melancholy the next. What struck me most was the author's tender portrayal of the kindnesses that arise from chance encounters. There's an unmistakable celebration of the outlier here—the motley band of drifters, the old-timer who has seen it all, and even the young girl who, with her messed-up quirkiness, steals a bit of the limelight.
The deliberate pacing may not suit everyone, but for me, it had a mesmeric quality. It allowed the deeper themes of love, forgiveness, and the unbidden price they extract to unfurl naturally. This isn't the kind of yarn you rush through; it's more of a slow burn, a contemplative amble that invites you to ponder life's big questions along the way.
There is, however, one narrative choice near the end that left me scratching my head, and I'm still not entirely sure what Stewart was driving at. While it didn't quite derail the experience, it did strike a wrong note.
Still, it's an impressive debut that manages to dig beneath the surface of human suffering and resilience without ever becoming mired in bleakness. The book lingers, encouraging you to examine your own assumptions about isolation, despair, and the elusive art of reinvention.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
October 23, 2024
Why do horses run? Is a well written book and nothing to do with horses running as the title would make you believe. Ingvar leads a life of not staying in one place too long escaping a tragic past. He hasn't spoken a word for three years. As he wanders around the wilderness he is full of remorse and self-loathing. He reaches a spot and meets Hilda, she allows him to stay in her shed while he does work around the farm. Hilda speaks to her deceased husband. She tries to get so many unanswered questions answered but never gets to the bottom of anything. Especially the hidden money in the house.
I absolutely loved this book. What an amazing debut. The book is about grief, loosing yourself and kindness from stangers. It reminds us to be kind to everyone as you do not know what people are going through. I enjoyed reading Hilda's conversations with her deceased husband and of course learning about Ingvar's past and how he ended up wandering on to Hilda's farm. I also enjoyed the side characters especially the Aussie larrikan Mick. This book will stick with me for some time to come, it was very emotional at times but I did find myself having a few laughs along the way too. I especially loved the chapter titles. It was a nice touch.
A massive thank you to the author Cameron Stewart for sending me a gifted copy of his debut novel for my honest book review.
I absolutely loved this book. What an amazing debut. The book is about grief, loosing yourself and kindness from stangers. It reminds us to be kind to everyone as you do not know what people are going through. I enjoyed reading Hilda's conversations with her deceased husband and of course learning about Ingvar's past and how he ended up wandering on to Hilda's farm. I also enjoyed the side characters especially the Aussie larrikan Mick. This book will stick with me for some time to come, it was very emotional at times but I did find myself having a few laughs along the way too. I especially loved the chapter titles. It was a nice touch.
A massive thank you to the author Cameron Stewart for sending me a gifted copy of his debut novel for my honest book review.
July 21, 2024
Why do horses run?
Perhaps because they can’t moonwalk. Or waltz.
But seriously.
Come take a walk with Ingvar.
A substantially lengthy stroll.
But don’t worry; he has been walking for three years but we just jump in on the last few days of it- there’s plot to be had.
Beautiful plot.
This was meditative for me.
I just got lost in the ebb and flow, the beauty of the landscape, the complexities of survival, the harshness, the hints of why Ingvar came to land in this situation.
It’s atmospheric, deeply symbolic, perfectly crafted writing.
How far someone can fall.
And how simple kindnesses and gentle interactions can restore the soul.
There’s a cast of refreshingly unique characters. Nuanced; no carbon-copy stereotypes to be seen.
I really enjoyed Hilda, Mick and Major.
This would be a great text to study. Each word is considered. So much is shown and not told.
And a powerful ending.
Life is a fragile gift indeed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘And keep on with your fishing. A person needs something in life that doesn’t just boil down to sweat and work.’
Thank you to @cameronastewart for sending me a #gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review AD-PR.
Perhaps because they can’t moonwalk. Or waltz.
But seriously.
Come take a walk with Ingvar.
A substantially lengthy stroll.
But don’t worry; he has been walking for three years but we just jump in on the last few days of it- there’s plot to be had.
Beautiful plot.
This was meditative for me.
I just got lost in the ebb and flow, the beauty of the landscape, the complexities of survival, the harshness, the hints of why Ingvar came to land in this situation.
It’s atmospheric, deeply symbolic, perfectly crafted writing.
How far someone can fall.
And how simple kindnesses and gentle interactions can restore the soul.
There’s a cast of refreshingly unique characters. Nuanced; no carbon-copy stereotypes to be seen.
I really enjoyed Hilda, Mick and Major.
This would be a great text to study. Each word is considered. So much is shown and not told.
And a powerful ending.
Life is a fragile gift indeed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘And keep on with your fishing. A person needs something in life that doesn’t just boil down to sweat and work.’
Thank you to @cameronastewart for sending me a #gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review AD-PR.
June 9, 2024
3.5 stars. A well told sad story of Ingmar, a man who unfortunately was involved in a car accident that killed his young daughter. Two months after the accident he desserts his wife, disappearing. He spends the next three years not talking, living the life of a homeless man, walking across the land, letting his hair grow, not really looking at himself. He is totally distraught about his role in the death of his daughter. After three years he comes to a remote valley where he decides to rest for a time. He resides in a disused banana shed on the property of Hilda, a recently widowed woman. Hilda’s husband of many years, Colin, recently shot himself dead.
Ingmar starts concreting a driveway for Hilda.
The novel starts off a little slowly. Gradually the reader gains an understanding of Ingmar and his issues. I particularly liked the conversations Hilda has with Colin, her dead husband. Good plot momentum, interesting characters and some dry humor made for a satisfying reading exerience.
This book was first published in 2024.
Ingmar starts concreting a driveway for Hilda.
The novel starts off a little slowly. Gradually the reader gains an understanding of Ingmar and his issues. I particularly liked the conversations Hilda has with Colin, her dead husband. Good plot momentum, interesting characters and some dry humor made for a satisfying reading exerience.
This book was first published in 2024.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews