War Horse

by Nick Stafford, Michael Morpurgo

Joey is a warhorse, but he wasn't always. Once, he was a farm horse and a gentle boy named Albert was his master. Then World War I came storming through and everything changed. Albert's father sells Joey to the army where the beautiful, red-bay horse is trained to charge the enemy, drag heavy artillery, and carry wounded soldiers not much older than Albert off of battlefields. Amongst the clamoring of guns and slogging through the cold mud, Joey wonders if the war will ever end. And if it does, will he ever find Albert again?

Genres: Plays, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Animals, Classics, Historical, War

165 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Maaike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book even though I had to read it for school. So I was quite surprised to find a NICE BOOK in the English books from the school library :)

[Eabha Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated by the way the horse was the actual narrator. It helped the flow and depth of the book. Overall it gave me an understanding of perspective. I would highly recommend this book.

[Ciaran Mcnamee · Rating 5 out of 5]

War Horse is historical fiction novel set around the First World War. It starts just before the outbreak of war and ends shortly after the Armistice.

The story is told from the perspective of a young horse named Joey. He is a young farm horse who is purchased by a British Army officer and taken to France at the start of the war. The officer is killed in an early battle. During the course of the war, Joey strays into no-man’s land and is separated from the British Army. For a time he is cared for by a young French girl and her grandfather. He is later commandeered by a German battalion. Towards the end of the war Joey is reunited with the farm boy who trained him at the start of the novel.

I enjoyed reading War Horse. Joey is an unusual choice of narrator. He allows Michael Morpurgo to avoid nationalistic perspectives while exploring World War One. Each of the characters he encounters has different perspectives on the war. Joey evaluates the character of the humans by considering their behaviour towards him rather than whether they are British, French or German. By using a non-human narrator, Morpurgo transcends nationalism and humanises his human characters.

The use of an animal narrator is also an effective way of conveying the horror of World War One. Joey’s descriptions are chiefly concerned with his senses: the noises, the smells, the tiredness, hunger and pain he feels. The reader therefore experiences key aspects of the war such as trench warfare, shelling and no-man’s land.

War Horse would be an excellent book for children in upper key-stage two. It could be read with groups during literacy lessons or read as a whole class during a series of history lessons to teach children about World War One. Children could write diary entries from the perspectives of different characters, write a newspaper article about key events during the war or conduct role plays where they discuss events they have read about.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story that combines the horrors of war with the heroism of not only the humans who lived through it but the relationship between a young man and a horse that spans the war years and has some interesting twists in a great adventure.

[Γιώτα Παπαδημακοπούλου · Rating 4 out of 5]

Τον τελευταίο χρόνο έπεσαν αρκετά βιβλία στα χέρια μου, οι ιστορίες των οποίων πραγματεύονται την σχέση ανθρώπου-ζώου. Ευτυχώς, η κάθε μία από αυτές είχε και την δικιά της, ιδιαίτερη βάση, κάνοντας έτσι το κάθε έργο ξεχωριστό στην καρδιά μου για διαφορετικούς λόγους κάθε φορά. Ένα εξ' αυτών, είναι "Το Άλογο Του Πολέμου", ένα λογοτεχνικό έργο το οποίο φέρει μεγάλη καλλιτεχνική αξία αλλά, και εκδοτική ιστορία πίσω του. Ήταν το 1982 όταν για πρώτη φορά η ιστορία που με τόσο τρυφερότητα αφηγήθηκε μέσα από τις σελίδες του ο Michael Morpurgo είδε το φως τις δημοσιότητας. Ωστόσο, και παρά την απήχηση που είχαν στο κοινό τα προηγούμενα, αλλά και τα επόμενα βιβλία του, παρά τις καλές κριτικές που απέσπασε, παρά το ότι προτάθηκε για το Μεγάλο Εθνικό Βραβείο για το εν λόγω βιβλίο, το οποίο όμως δεν κατάφερε τελικά να κερδίσει, παρά τα δεκάδες βραβεία που ακολούθησαν στην καριέρα του, οι πωλήσεις του "Αλόγου" παρέμεναν σταθερά χαμηλές, μέχρι το 2007 τουλάχιστον όπου όλα άλλαξαν, χάρη στην φιλοξενία του έργου του στο National Theater, όπου ο κόσμος το γνώρισε και το αγάπησε.

Η ιστορία περιστρέφεται γύρω από τον Τζόι ο οποίος όχι, δεν είναι άνθρωπος αλλά, ένα πανέμορφο άλογο με κατακόκκινο τρίχωμα. Πουλάρι ακόμα, ο Τζόι βρίσκεται στην ιδιοκτησία ενός μέθυσου αγρότη ο οποίος, παρά το γεγονός ότι δεν τον κακοποιεί, για να ακριβολογούμε δεν τον πλησιάζει καν, δεν τον συμπαθεί και αυτό είναι ξεκάθαρο εξ' αρχής. Φυσικά δεν ισχύει το ίδιο και για τον νεαρό γιο του αγρότη, τον Άλμπερτ, ένα παλικάρι με καλή καρδιά και ειλικρινή συναισθήματα. Ο Άλμπερτ και ο Τζόι μεγαλώνουν μαζί και με τον καιρό, η αρχική μεταξύ τους φλόγα γίνεται μια βαθιά και δίχως όρους αγάπη. Νιώθουν ευτυχισμένοι και ολοκληρωμένοι, έχοντα βρει ασφάλεια και τρυφερότητα ο ένας μέσα από τον άλλον. Όμως τα πράγματα αλλάζουν δραματικά όταν ο Α' Παγκόσμιος Πόλεμος ξεσπά και οι οικονομικές δυσκολίες αναγκάζουν τον πατέρα του Άλμπερτ να πουλήσει τον Τζόι στον στρατό. Φεύγοντας μακριά, ο Τζόι θα γνωρίσει την φρίκη του πολέμου αλλά και την αληθινή φιλία. Θα φτάσει πολλές φορές κοντά στον θάνατο αλλά ακόμα και μέσα στις ριπές του πολέμου, υπάρχουν άνθρωποι που τον αγαπάνε, τον νοιάζονται, αντιλαμβάνονται ότι είναι ξεχωριστός. Και εκτός αυτού, ο Άλμπερτ του έδωσε μια υπόσχεση πριν φύγει. Ότι όπου κι αν βρίσκεται θα τον βρει και θα είναι και πάλι μαζί.

Ίσως να αναρωτιέστε τι θα μπορούσε να μας πει ένα άλογο, τι θα μπορούσε να αισθανθεί. Κάνετε μεγάλο λάθος και σας το λέω εγώ που με τα συγκεκριμένα ζώα έχω εμπειρία. Η σχέση αλόγου-ζώου είναι κάτι περισσότερο σχέση αναβάτη-ίππου. Τα άλογα είναι υπέροχα πλάσματα, έχουν βαθιά και ειλικρινή συναισθήματα, αγαπάνε και μισούν παθιασμένα, καταλαβαίνουν πως αισθανόμαστε απέναντί τους, όλα όσα τους λέμε, κάθε τι που υπονοεί ένα άγγιγμα ή μια χειρονομία μας. Αν καταφέρεις να προσεγγίσεις με τον σωστό τρόπο ένα άλογο, τότε ο δεσμός που θα αναπτυχθεί μεταξύ σας θα είναι ισχυρός και θα διαρκέσει μέχρι τον θάνατο. Τα άλογα δεν αγαπάνε τα αφεντικά τους με την τυφλή δουλοπρέπεια των σκύλων. Πρέπει να παλέψεις για να κερδίσεις την εμπιστοσύνη αλλά και την εκτίμησή του, όσο παράδοξο και αν σας φαίνεται, και όταν το κάνεις θα έχεις όχι απλά έναν σύντροφο αλλά, έναν φίλο. Αυτή ακριβώς είναι και η σχέση που μοιράζεται ο Τζόι και ο Άλμπερτ, αγνή, ειλικρινής, ανιδιοτελής, γεμάτη αγάπη, εκτίμηση, σεβασμό και κατανόηση. Αυτή είναι η σχέση που μας συγκινεί και μας κάνει να ταυτιστούμε μαζί τους και με την ελπίδα ότι κάποτε θα ξαναβρεθούν. Αυτός ο δεσμός είναι που μας κάνει να πιστεύουμε ότι κάποια πράγματα δεν σβήνουν ποτέ, όπως η αληθινή φιλία, εκείνη που δεν έχει φραγμούς και μπορεί να κάνει κάθε θυσία.

Ο Τζόι κάνει ένα πολύ μεγάλο ταξίδι, γνωρίζει όχι μόνο νέους τόπους αλλά, και νέους ανθρώπους. Γνωρίζει τον πόλεμο και τα φρικτά αποτελέσματα που έχει, τις επιπτώσεις πάνω σε κάθε τι που αγγίζει. Χάνει φίλους και αποκτάει νέους. Καταλαβαίνει ότι πάντα υπάρχουν οι άνθρωποι εκείνοι που είναι σκληροί και αδίστακτοι όμως στην πραγματικότητα, όλοι θέλουν το ίδιο πράγμα. Την ελευθερία τους, το να γυρίσουν σπίτια τους, να αποκτήσουν και πάλι τις ζωές τους. Μπορεί στο πεδίο της μάχης να είναι στρατιώτες και να πολεμούν ο ένας ενάντια στον άλλον, σε έναν πόλεμο που ποτέ δεν επέλεξαν και ποτέ δεν θέλησαν να εμπλακούν ωστόσο αναγκάστηκαν, όμως έξω από αυτό είναι απλοί άνθρωποι, με αναμνήσεις, συναισθήματα και προσωπικές σκέψεις να τους βασανίζουν. Μακριά από τον πόλεμο θα μπορούσαν να είναι φίλοι και οι μικρές στιγμές που τους επιτρέπεται να έρθουν σε επαφή χωρίς όπλα στα χέρια, πραγματικά σε συνταράσσουν κάνοντάς σε να συνειδητοποιήσεις πόσες ζωές καταστρέφονται κάθε τόσο από την απληστία και τις εμμονές τρίτων. Ναι, αν λύναμε εμείς τις διαφορές μας και όχι οι αρχές εξουσίας, μπορεί ο κόσμος μας να ήταν καλύτερος. Αν μοιραζόμασταν απλόχερα την αγάπη, ίσως να μην υπήρχε τόσος πόνος και απώλειες.

Ο Morpurgo δεν θεωρείται τυχαία ένας από τους μεγαλύτερους και καλύτερους συγγραφείς στον κόσμο της παιδικής λογοτεχνίας. Αυτό δεν το αποδεικνύει μόνο η αναγνώριση, τα στατιστικά πωλήσεων των βιβλίων του ή τα βραβεία του. Το αποδεικνύει πάνω απ' όλα ο τρόπος γραφής του ο οποίος είναι πλημμυρισμένος από συναισθήματα που δεν διστάζει στιγμή να κρύψει. Μέσα από το βιβλίο του αυτό μιλάει για αγάπη, ανιδιοτέλεια, αυταπάρνηση, θυσία, θέληση και ενότητα. Κεντρικός του άξονας ο πόλεμος και πως η φιλία μπορεί να ανθίσει ή να αντέξει μέσα σε αυτόν. Μια φιλία ανάμεσα σε έναν άνθρωπο και ένα άλογο. Η φιλία ανάμεσα σε ένα άλογο και όλους όσους συνάντησε στο μεγάλο του ταξίδι για να τους θυμίσει ότι όπου υπάρχει θέληση, υπάρχει και τρόπος, όταν έχεις έναν σκοπό, αυτός είναι που σε καθοδηγεί. Ένα άλογο ξεχωριστό που όλοι αγάπησαν και πάλεψαν για να το βοηθήσουν, όχι απλά να ζήσει αλλά, για να ευτυχίσει, γιατί στην πραγματικότητα, με έναν παράδοξο τρόπο, αποτέλεσε το μέσον, ένα κίνητρο και για του ίδιους να παλέψουν. Μια ιστορία που ο συγγραφέας της αφηγείται, δοσμένη μέσα από τα μάτια αυτού του ιδιαίτερου αλόγου, με τρόπο απλό μεν ο οποίος όμως, καταφέρνει όχι μόνο να μας μεταφέρει την ζοφερότητα του πολέμου αλλά, και να γεννήσει μέσα μας την ελπίδα και εκεί είναι πραγματικά το ζητούμενο. Ότι όταν θυμάσαι ποιος είσαι και πως νιώθεις, δεν μπορείς να χάσεις τον δρόμο σου.

[Fatimah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend and to put it into a few words... I loved it.
I thought War Horse was brilliant! It is the most touching book I have ever read, and I would recommend it to anyone, even if they aren't animal lovers!This book has the most spectacular points of a horses view and it also shows that there is nothing to be scared about horses. I ride myself and love it so I can see where Albert is coming from when he is heart broken with his fathers decision to sell Joey to the army.

In World War I over ten million humans, mainly young men and six million horses died.It is this horrifying period of world history that forms the backdrop for War Horse. The book is told from the viewpoint of the horse, Joey. It is a tale that cleverly portrays the ridiculousness of war by showing the horse's complete in ability to understand what was unfolding in the trenches and on the battlefield. The horse was unable to comprehend how - or why - anybody would behave in such a violent, unthinking way and be able to commit such horrific acts. War Horse highlights human cruelty and human disdain for both animals and each other whilst also highlighting just how powerful love and courage can be. It is extremely well written,a book that will allow younger readers to understand the horrors their great grandparents faced in order to battle tyranny and retain freedom.

It was very easy to relate to the story because everyone has a love for their pet and would be distraught if it was ever taking away from them.A deeply moving book as I love horses and this book explains all about the compassion, partnership and love between the horse and his master. I recommend this because it's a very atmospheric book.

[Juani]

WarHorse is a great novel written by English-born author Nick Stafford. This book is based on the novel also titled War Horse, written by Michael Morpurgo. This novel takes Morpurgo’s character of Joey, the horse, during world war 1. I recommend this book to anyone who likes animals and can imagine themselves as the animal. This book impacts the reader since it’s during World War One and it changes perspectives from the horse, to the protagonist, Albert. The odessy and the adventure the young Albert embarks on to find his beloved horse are very impactful for the reader. I recommend this book for any reader who wants a great read.

[Kitty Golden · Rating 3 out of 5]

A amazing story about a horse sold by a farmer to the cavalry and his journey trying to survive so he can come home-told from the perspective of Joey the horse.

[Jayna Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning play! Absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful! I got to see it this year on tour and my life was changed! This script is different then the current tour that is happening so I hope they’ll release another version of this play because it just such a perfect story and an even better stage play!

[Jason Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed seeing this at the theatre

[Emma Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful play! I cried (obvs)

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

I daresay it is staged beautifully and is a wonder to behold, but this play reads clunkily, both in terms of its dialogue and its volatile structure. Characterization is almost nonexistent - even by dramatic standards, whereby we anticipate actors having to put flesh onto the bones provided in the script - the exosceletal horses on the stage exhibiting more flesh than anything on these pages. In its blocky way, the play covers a lot of ground: we witness war break out in a spirit of something like hasty enthusiam, survey the ravages to armies on both sides of the conflict, touch upon issues of animal welfare, and finally wrap up where we started - probably not without a tear. In summary, War Horse is simplistic yet, in its overall dramatic thrust, effective.

The clunky English dialogue (later, the Germans sprechen Deutsch) and the limping structure made for bemusing reading. For instance, I suspect Nick Stafford was eager to skip to puppets getting shelled but felt compelled to pen some family background when, in scene 5, Albert's mum threatens "I'll whop you harder than you can bliddin' imagine" and only a few lines later confidingly divulges her youthful yearning for his father that had led her to defy her family and get married. Randomness appears to determine the scene lengths, too, some suffering from a lack of development - such as those of Major Nicholls whom we're later expected to care about when he returns as a ghost - and the settings flit to and fro, sometimes across the Channel, for scenes lasting seconds before digging into one place for a long time and losing momentum.

The humans are seldom more than stereotypes - yokels, bluff working-class sergeants, one or two callous Germans - and scarcely characterized. The horses, especially Joey, are the main characters and get more time onstage, though their ambling set pieces are unavoidably sketchy and underwhelming, despite the abundant stage directions, making for an insubstantial reading experience.

During Joey's service with the Germans, the unnecessary lengthy chunks of dialogue (translated in parentheses) at least provide some amusing diversion for German-language learners. It's refreshing to see the war from both sides, but while the German conversations are at least coherent, most of what they say is historical padding. Incidentally, I'd be keen to know whether these lines are still spoken in German and if so whether they're captioned or if they're translated into English in the production currently touring the UK.

Because of Joey's fickleness in compliantly switching sides, I lost some sympathy for the horse, though to be fair (and in this anthropomorphic adventure it's a welcome mercy not to hear him talk) he doesn't have a say in the matter. Is there consistency in personifying the horse and giving him emotions like when he befriends others, on the one hand, and reducing him to base animality like when he's almost worked to death pulling a German gun to make a point about man's heartless utility of animals, on the other hand? Probably these questions of narrative consistency and animal rights would have been interwoven more cogently or at least have been pointed up ironically had Alan Bennett accepted the commission to adapt War Horse into a play (as he had successfully with The Wind in the Willows), but he turned it down and Nick Stafford has written an uncomplicated piece that probably suits Michael Morpurgo's book and its audiences better than anyone at the National Theatre could have dreamed.

Ultimately, I was pleased to finish this short book. Nevertheless, the end of Joey's journey was moving - though contrived and corny - and perhaps that's all the dramatist wanted.

[Niamh Delahunty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgpurgo has written other books using World War I as the setting [Private Peaceful]. The story of War Horse told by Joey, a horse taken from the rural countryside of England to the battlefields of France. Joey goes through a series of different owners and each offers a very different perspective of the horror and killing that defined trench warfare in World War I. The cavalry charges in the early months of World War I graphically represent the senseless loss of horses and humans.

By just examining the cover of this book, all sorts of children will be attracted to reading this novel - boys interested in war along with girls interested in horses. That being said, you're getting a book which delivers much more than a story on war and horses. Morpurgo discusses themes mostly only found in adult novels. Intimate friendships, devotion, dedication, love, angst, and sacrifice. This story is indeed about a horse and his owner, but goes much deeper than that.

[Brigid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook--This was a wonderful story to listen to as a family. It juxtaposes the harshness and moments of peace and beauty in farm life and war. Joey narrates his own story and what a story it is! From the auction that separates him from his mother to the farm and then off to war where he spends time working for both sides of the conflict, Joey tries to stay safe and sane. There's some sadness but ultimately a happy ending.

[Eliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book. Watching the movie is like reading the book, the characters I pictured while reading were actually very accurate in my opinion. I read this book in about 5 days and enjoyed every chapter. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the movie to see the characters that appear later in the story because they sound like really interesting people and I want to compare it to the book.

[Jennifer Daniells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's novel put me through quite the emotional rollercoaster. I wanted to read something to do with WWI after teaching it, and this book did not disappoint. It's an interesting perspective. I loved how the perspective was impartial so that students or children can realize (after learning about WWI) that the two "enemies" weren't so different. I'm still quietly sobbing over this book. It was well written and a refreshing P.O.V.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The War Horse by Michael Morpurgo was a fascinating book. You follow the horse Joey through out his journey. The book is told from Joeys point of view as human character and horses interact with him. Joey is a dynamic character as you seem him progress over the course of the book. An intresting read and suggest you pick it up.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most heart-renching tales you will ever read. I was literally sobbing through the entire book. Excellently written, you'll fall in love with the characters, and being a relatively easy length, you'll read it in a sitting and wonder how you had never read it before!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good little story. A great one for kids who want to learn more about the war and the roles animals played in it. I listened to this whole I was at the gym and that was kind of a huge mistake as this is a very emotional story and I got a bit teary on the treadmill.

[Sydney Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet sweet story about a horse in WWI. I didn't get to catch the play and didn't hear great things about the movie, but this was an easy way to hear the story. Loved it!

[Simon Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting story between a boy and a young horse. Shows the interesting relationship and respect between humans and animals.

[Tsana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming. Tear jerking. Lovely story.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, heart-warming story. Loved the movie and the book didn’t disappoint at all.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad story with a happy ending.

[Jolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always knew I would love War Horse; being a horse girl, a historian and a theatre buff, I was doomed before I even set foot in the theatre. No, I was already doomed when I first saw the trailer on youtube.
The first time I saw War Horse, I was alone. I was on vacation in London with a very dear friend, but she didn't care much for the play and we had already spent way more on seeing theatre shows than we ever intended to spend. But I had to see this play, I couldn't possibly go home without having seen it. The first time I saw this play that moved me to the core, I was in the theatre all by myself. The second the music started (and it really is a play, not a musical) and the foal Joey entered the stage I was moved to tears. Nothing had happened yet and I was sobbing at the sight of a puppet horse. Those weren't the last tears I cried that night, for I can honestly say that War Horse is one of the most beautiful pieces of theatre I have had the honour of seeing. The body language of the horses was spot on, the music and the setting were beautiful, as was the story. Normally I don't mind going to the theatre alone, being rather obscure in my tastes that is often my lot; not many people my age enjoy going to a live broadcast of La Bohème. This is the first time I walked out of the theatre buzzing with so much enthusiasm I wish there had been someone to whom I could talk about this amazing experience.
Needless to say, I went again. The second time with my sister, who was very angry with me for not being able to come with me to London the year prior. I remember looking at her during the opening scene and surely, she was crying just as I had the year before. I have seen the play four times now in total, the tickets for the fifth time are sitting patiently in my drawer. War Horse is the most impressive piece of theatre I have ever seen and it has permanently taken up a space in my heart. And because I am a bit of a push-over, I had the get the album, merchandise, the original novel and.... the script.
The script that has been published is not the version of the play that is currently performed on the West End, Berlin and come June in the Netherlands. It might be the script used for the original National Theatre run, before it was revived for the West End, but I'm not sure. So that means this script is different. The general outline, the message and the emotions are the same, but some of the dialogue differs from the current version. And it's very interesting to see how a play evolved.
For the most part I think the changes that have been made are justified, others I don't care about either way. Joey's mother is written out of the current version, which doesn't make a difference either way. An interesting alternative is the appearance of captain Nicholls ghost at the moment Albert breaks down and realizes that Joey is probably dead. I like the current version better, but there is something positively heartbreaking about hearing Albert literally say that he hopes that Joey died with Nicholls, because he suddenly realizes what kind of hell his horse must have gone through if he hasn't.
I was surprised to see that one of my favourite scenes wasn't in this version yet: the scene between Emily and Friedrich, where Emilie rides Joey. That scene, for me, is one of my favourite things about War Horse, because it doesn't take sides. War Horse is about universal human suffering and the tiny pinpricks of light visible in that never ending night the First World War was. It shows humans in a terrible war that in the end didn't have winners or losers, just suffering. That scene is one of those tiny pinpricks of light, where in the midst of war, war can be forgotten just behind the lines where a young French girl and a German soldier bond over a mutual love for those animals, only for their idyll to be destroyed the second you think that nothing can go wrong now. And at the exact moment you think that, a harsh light shines into the audience and two horses that are literally little more than skeletons pull a gun on stage. And at that point my heart literally dropped.
I read this while listening to the soundtrack and there were times I was so overcome with emotion I nearly cried again. That is how deeply this play continues to move me. I can hardly wait until I get to see it again.

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Separated By War Tested by Battle Bound by Friendship"
That's the line on the cover of this Book and it was spot on this is not my first and won't be my last Michael Morpurgo book. I love Morpurgos work he is my all time face children's author. I took my time with this book it may be short but there are moments in this story that will stick with you. If you have watched the film the book may disappoint or it may not but I am not hear to talk about the film that's a sperate entity. War horse as it suggests follows a horse called Joey and you meet Joey at a horse sale and he gets brought by a farmer Mr Narracot and there Joey forms a bond with Albert and Albert is kind to Joey and talks to him even though Joey doesn't understand him all through the book you read Joey's thoughts so he doesn't talk like you expect in some animal books but to me that's more like real life and as a reader its more personal and intimate. Unfortunately World War One Starts and the Army want equipment Horses etc and Albert s father has no choice but to sell Joey to the army and for me thats the first real gut rencing sacrifice that people made and Albert makes and Albert wants to sign up for the army just so he can be with his beloved horse but he is too young and Albert Promises Joey he will find him "Wherever you are I'll find you Joey". The Middle Part of the book is the time Joey spends time with both armies first he spends time training with the British Army were he meets Top-thorn who is another horse and is under the care of Captain Nichols and others. Joey is trained up to go fight on the front line. I like Captain Nichols as he keeps his promise to Albert and sends pictures of Joey. When they get to France they fight they go to No mans land and Murpugo writes this brilliant and builds it up he writes war for children very well and any child or adult will understand what does happen in this chapter of the book.After there time with the British army Joey and Top-thorn then help the German medical army and stay with Emil lie and her grandfather for a bit and again Emil-lie adores Joey and says that she will hide them after the army is finished with them. The medical army leaves the area and the Horses stay until a another German Army Group comes and take Joey and Top thorn to help with taking the massive gun to the front line I didn't like this bit if you have read the book you will understand why. The book then builds up nicely to that Iconic Scene of Joey galloping and getting caught in the wire out in the middle of no-mans land. The movie did Justice and i am glad that the movie kept a lot of the story. The scene with the two soldiers is very funny and heartwarming English and German coming together to help a horse free is such a powerful image and gives hope that 2 sides can work together. This book is about war so it makes sense for such content that this story has a happy ending and the reunion with Albert is a touching once when Albert is describing to his friend who is washing Joey what Joey looks like is funny "He was my Albert and there was no doubt about it he was My Albert " The ending with the grandfather buying Joey at the Horse sale and selling Joey back for a penny was touching and made me smile "I sell you this Horse for one English Penny and for a solemn promise that you will always love this horse as much as my Emile" What a lovely message to children and adults I will sell you a horse in exchange you tell everyone about my granddaughter.
I think Children and Adults would love this book powerful moving and is so believable its a good way to introduce children about war and the sacrifices that were made and still being made today. 5/5

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Determining the Value of a Horse”

Morpurgo’s poignant tale of a British farm horse sent off to World War I France proves interesting reading. Narrated straight out of the horse’s mouth by Joey, the title animal himself, this story focuses on War as seen from a horse’s viewpoint, yet it proves a very human story as well. Curiously, although the equine protagonist can understand English, French and German with ease, he is incapable of communicating verbally or even mentally with other animals—even horses—when alone. Despite being an animal Joey experiences many human emotions: gratitude, loyalty, jealousy, hope, fear and trust. As a non-speaking character he can only reveal his emotions by his actions and body language.

Purchased at an auction more out of spite than out of need or affection by a drunken brute of a farmer, Joey is brought to a small farm. There he soon learns to dislike his owner, but adores his young Master—a 15-year-old youth named Albert, who talks freely to his new friend about matters that he dares not express to his careworn parents. As Germany invades Belgium threats of war loom, causing general unease. Finally Albert’s debt-ridden father sells the horse behind Albert’s back to the cavalry, in order to save the farm he claims. Devastated the boy tires to enlist but is rejected as being
underage. His only cherished souvenir of Joey is an oil painting of the horse done by a kindly cavalry officer.

Until they are reunited by chance a few years later youth and
horse never forget each other, but both must wait and work stoically. Joey is shipped to France where ex experiences the horrors of war: first in the cavalry, being rammed against barbed wire, then as an ambulance horse slogging through endless mud with heavy loads.
While Albert is maturing in England Joey touches the lives of several individuals, especially an old French farmer under German thrall, and his adoring grand-daughter, frail Emilie, who shelter him for many winter months as one of the family. He even inspires a brief break in hostilities in No Man’s Land, as a German and a British soldier debate ownership of the riderless horse.

Even after horse and youth are reunited Joey is not entirely safe From the French knackers, for the British Army plans to auction off all horses, instead of transporting them back home--although the entire Veterinary Corps secretly hopes that Albert will be able to claim his long lost Joey and retire him to the clam greensward of England.
This is wonderful story of love and friendship, of sacrifice and faith—all inspired by the effect of this handsome horse upon mankind. Albeit
more like a novella, WAR HORSE stand proudly as a timeless tale of personal courage and devotion; a charming read for kids of all ages.
(October 27, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)

[Yannick ten Dam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het boek Warhorse gaat over een paard dat de oorlog doorgaat als een oorlogspaard (Warhorse). Het boek is geschreven door de ogen van het paard en het boek is geschreven door Michael Morpurgo. Het paard Joey wordt gekocht op een veiling en wordt daar gescheiden van zijn moeder. Dan wordt hij meegenomen naar een boerderij in een klein dorp in Engeland. Daar ontmoet hij Albert die uiteindelijk zijn beste vriend zal worden. Hij wordt na vele jaren met Albert te zijn geweest wordt hij weggehaald om in het leger te gaan. Hij gaat vechten tegen de Fransen. Hij steekt uit in het leger door zijn snelheid en wordt het paard van een kolonel. De kolonel gaat dood en hij blijft alleen achter in het Franse gebied. De Duitsers bewonderen dat en nemen hem in verzorging. Daar komt hij op een boerderij te staan bij Emilie en haar opa. Emilie neemt de rol die Joey ooit eerder had gehad. De Engelsen nemen dan het gebied in van de Duitsers. Daarbij raakt hij gewond. Hij wordt naar het ziekenhuis gebracht en wordt daar verzorgt. Hij raakt daar heel ziek, hij moet een verzorging krijgen die geen enkel paard tot nu toe had overleeft. Hij vindt Joey terug en hij zal alles doen om het te overleven. Hij wordt beter. Dan krijgt Joey te horen dat hij hem niet op de boot terug mag nemen. Dan maakt hij een plan om hem op een veiling te kopen en dan als eigenaar mee terug te nemen. Dan is het weer zo als in het begin samen op de boerderij.

- Het boek heeft geen prijs gewonnen.
- De schrijver is niet bekend en heeft ook maar een boek geschreven dat in Nederland wordt uitgegeven.
- Het heeft geen vervolg.



Wat vind ik van het verhaal?

Het verhaal zit goed in elkaar en het lijkt alsof het echt gebeurd had kunnen zijn. Het is wel moeilijk om je in de hoofdpersoon te verplaatsen, dat komt er vooral door omdat het een paard is en sommige situaties zijn moeilijk voor te stellen als mens. Maar dat maakt het boek wel origineel en leuk om te lezen. het is ook een boek dat fijn leest omdat het niet voorspelbaar. Je hebt bijvoorbeeld vele keren dat hij zijn beste vriend verliest of hij gaat dood. Hij verwisselt bijvoorbeeld ook van kant in de oorlog. Dat maakt het fijn om in te lezen. Vanwege het verliezen van vrienden en dat het oorlog is, wordt het verhaal heel meeslepend. Het is ook heel meeslepend omdat het lijkt alsof het echt gebeurd had kunnen zijn. De schrijver heeft er heel erg op gelet dat het verhaal realistisch is. Dat het niet zo is dat iedereen overleeft en dat hij overal makkelijk van af komt. De Taal die wordt gebruikt in het boek is niet erg moeilijk, het is makkelijk te begrijpen. Het einde is gesloten. Het eindigt dat met het paard dat weer terug is op de boerderij waar hij vandaan komt (er zal geen vervolg komen).

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a few things about War Horse that could make it quite easy to slate, for a very simple reason: it’s a book about the first world war, written for kids, and it shows. The story-telling is simplistic, with characters largely painted black or white, spouting exposition or historical context as necessary. More importantly, it’s about a horse. One that understands English, French and German it seems. And it’s told from his point of view. More importantly still, it’s about the pointless carnage of war.

The thing is, as you reach the closing pages of the book, none of those criticisms matter, precisely because of Morpurgo’s precise, emotive storytelling. Characters may be simplistically drawn, but we see the humanity of both sides; the bad guys are those who don’t care for horses and, presumably, don’t care for people either. The exposition allows for an epic sweep which covers the pain, misery, drudgery and inhumanity experienced by everyone throughout the entirety of the war. At the same time, the focus on Joey, the horse, means we are always reminded that it wasn’t just the people who suffered.

Back to those final pages. I knew where it was heading – it’s pretty obvious and, anyway, I’ve seen the (very good) play. But Morpurgo knows how to wring the emotions without getting mawkish; if you can get through them without at least a small lump in the throat you’ve a harder heart than me. Definitely for kids, but a good, very quick, read for all but the most cynical of adults.

[Phoebe Taregtt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But whenever I woke, dragged back to consciousness, by the guns, i found Topthorn was by me and would breathe his courage into me to support me. It was a slow baptism of fire for me..."pg49. This book was powerful to me as it held such strong emotions and a different point of view of war. It showed that war is not all full of bad but there are small parts of hope init.
I like how Michael Morpurgo wrote this book by showing the feelings of an animal as well as showing the feelings of people through their dialog without having to show their point of view. I also liked how he was able to make me smile and laugh in one chapter then be balling my eyes out in the next.
I would not change anything about this book as it is more of a classic to me so I like it as it is. Although I did get confused in some parts, it was most likely to do more with me as the reader then the writing.
To me the most important message the writer is trying to get across is that not all in war is bad. In the book there are many parts that show the bad but show that trust and friendship can help you out of those bad situations.
In conclusion I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it those who can handle a sad book as I needed a more then a few tissues throughout this book. It is well written with a decent movie to follow up. The book helped give me a different point of view of war and really showed me how strong trust can be and that I should never give up hope.