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The Grey Horse
Set against the colorful and magical backdrop of Ireland, The Grey Horse chronicles a time when the Irish people suffered under harsh English overlords who sought to destroy their culture and way of life. Into the Irish town of Carraroe, a magnificent, completely grey stallion appears. The horse brings with him the promise of better times and magical happenings, for he is actually the shape-shifted form of Ruairi MacEibhir, journeyed to such a time of danger in order to win the hand of the woman he loves.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
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About the author
R.A. MacAvoy
18 books199 followersRoberta Ann (R. A.) MacAvoy is a fantasy and science fiction author in the United States. Several of her books draw on Celtic or Taoist themes. She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in 1984. R. A. MacAvoy was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Francis and Helen MacAvoy. She attended Case Western Reserve University and received a B.A. in 1971. She worked from 1975 to 1978 as an assistant to the financial aid officer of Columbia College of Columbia University and from 1978 to 1982 as a computer programmer at SRI International before turning to full-time writing in 1982. She married Ronald Allen Cain in 1978.
R.A.MacAvoy was diagnosed with dystonia following the publication of her Lens series. She now has this disorder manageable and has returned to writing. (see http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/non...)
R.A.MacAvoy was diagnosed with dystonia following the publication of her Lens series. She now has this disorder manageable and has returned to writing. (see http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/non...)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 22, 2014
This book was originally published in 1987, which, wow, is an awfully long time ago now. It’s set in Ireland, and the grey horse is a pooka — mischievous in this case, but not willfully cruel. At least not to people who don’t deserve it.
I’m noticing so much about this book now that I re-read it, stuff that really I wasn’t capable of noticing almost thirty years ago. Like: I love how important characters are seventy years old. And another important character is nine or so. Both feel right, both the old Anrai and the young Toby.
I love how the romantic interest is not conventionally pretty, and has a “punch on her like the kick of a horse.” I love how the Catholic priest is presented, and how the conflict between Christianity and the fairy world is presented as . . . far from irreconcilable, shall we say.
Some of the family relationships are pretty sad, though. In fact, every single family is shown as having one serious conflict: Blondell and his snobbish English wife, Maire and her unkind father and sister, and most of all Anrai and his wastrel son. All of these relationships drive the real conflicts in the story and lend the whole novel depth, which would be lacking if the major conflict was, say, the race between the “native-bred” pooka and the English Thoroughbred.
I really enjoyed all the characters — I appreciated even the characters I didn’t like. I already knew I loved Ruairi MacEibhir, the pooka. That, I remembered. I love how he is not conventionally heroic, drawing instead from the Trickster tradition, but nevertheless has a good heart. The first scenes, where he seduces Anrai into sitting on his back and then runs away with him in a good-natured but slightly malicious way, is priceless. Anrai is not in the slightest danger of anything but embarrassment, since he’s a fabulous horseman and the pooka isn’t trying to drown him or anything. There is so much for horse lovers to enjoy in these scenes.
I love how Ruairi courts Maire, too. I love the house he builds for her, and how he had no idea one could buy slate tiles for your roof as you can buy cabbages — such a baffling problem for him until someone explained it.
And, yes, I enjoy MacAvoy’s writing. “A little moment later, as the horse was rising up (very fast, as though on springs), it occurred to Anrai that the thing to have done was to put the halter on the horse before climbing on. Simple mistake. Because now the animal had bounded off, striking sparks from the road in its flight, so there really would be no opportunity to do so now…. Anrai sat the wild gallop of the wild horse with his hands in his lap, thinking that he had done a very silly thing, for an old man.”
And here, in Chapter Two: “Aine said the pig trotters were ruined. This was not true, of course, but it was the closest she could get to scolding Anrai for coming home wet and weary, when that had been no fault of his own. Anrai, wrapped in a blanket and with his feet in wool over a hot stone, sat by the kitchen fire and ate two of the trotters and a great heap of mash, both of which he covered in buttermilk and a crystalline layer of salt. He told her about the horse, but not that he had mounted it without bridle or halter. She told him the chestnut filly had kicked Donncha, and what liniment she had used, but she did not tell him about the letter from Seosamh, their only child. Aine and Anrai had been married for forty years.”
They had been married forty years. That is a very, very nice way to end that paragraph.
If you love horses, or for that matter fairies, or Irish settings, then this a story that’s well worth looking up.
I’m noticing so much about this book now that I re-read it, stuff that really I wasn’t capable of noticing almost thirty years ago. Like: I love how important characters are seventy years old. And another important character is nine or so. Both feel right, both the old Anrai and the young Toby.
I love how the romantic interest is not conventionally pretty, and has a “punch on her like the kick of a horse.” I love how the Catholic priest is presented, and how the conflict between Christianity and the fairy world is presented as . . . far from irreconcilable, shall we say.
Some of the family relationships are pretty sad, though. In fact, every single family is shown as having one serious conflict: Blondell and his snobbish English wife, Maire and her unkind father and sister, and most of all Anrai and his wastrel son. All of these relationships drive the real conflicts in the story and lend the whole novel depth, which would be lacking if the major conflict was, say, the race between the “native-bred” pooka and the English Thoroughbred.
I really enjoyed all the characters — I appreciated even the characters I didn’t like. I already knew I loved Ruairi MacEibhir, the pooka. That, I remembered. I love how he is not conventionally heroic, drawing instead from the Trickster tradition, but nevertheless has a good heart. The first scenes, where he seduces Anrai into sitting on his back and then runs away with him in a good-natured but slightly malicious way, is priceless. Anrai is not in the slightest danger of anything but embarrassment, since he’s a fabulous horseman and the pooka isn’t trying to drown him or anything. There is so much for horse lovers to enjoy in these scenes.
I love how Ruairi courts Maire, too. I love the house he builds for her, and how he had no idea one could buy slate tiles for your roof as you can buy cabbages — such a baffling problem for him until someone explained it.
And, yes, I enjoy MacAvoy’s writing. “A little moment later, as the horse was rising up (very fast, as though on springs), it occurred to Anrai that the thing to have done was to put the halter on the horse before climbing on. Simple mistake. Because now the animal had bounded off, striking sparks from the road in its flight, so there really would be no opportunity to do so now…. Anrai sat the wild gallop of the wild horse with his hands in his lap, thinking that he had done a very silly thing, for an old man.”
And here, in Chapter Two: “Aine said the pig trotters were ruined. This was not true, of course, but it was the closest she could get to scolding Anrai for coming home wet and weary, when that had been no fault of his own. Anrai, wrapped in a blanket and with his feet in wool over a hot stone, sat by the kitchen fire and ate two of the trotters and a great heap of mash, both of which he covered in buttermilk and a crystalline layer of salt. He told her about the horse, but not that he had mounted it without bridle or halter. She told him the chestnut filly had kicked Donncha, and what liniment she had used, but she did not tell him about the letter from Seosamh, their only child. Aine and Anrai had been married for forty years.”
They had been married forty years. That is a very, very nice way to end that paragraph.
If you love horses, or for that matter fairies, or Irish settings, then this a story that’s well worth looking up.
January 10, 2009
A fine tale of Irish horsemanship
featuring of course
a race to the death
and interference from the British
and names which must be translated
from the Gaelic
into our standard Boston
or Chicago Irish
and even more than a wee bit
of fairy magic
Five stars for the writing
as well as a good tale
featuring of course
a race to the death
and interference from the British
and names which must be translated
from the Gaelic
into our standard Boston
or Chicago Irish
and even more than a wee bit
of fairy magic
Five stars for the writing
as well as a good tale
September 3, 2015
This was a pleasant and fluffy read, nice narrative voice and entertaining local flavor. Ultimately not a lot of depth to it, unless it was reaaaaaaaally deep and I missed it, but it nicely combined some untraditional characters (an unbeautiful love interest, a priest who didn't despise fairies, a Christian fairy, and so on) with a lot of traditional folklore and culture. It did leave me with a favorable impression of MacAvoy as an author, and I'd be happy to read something else by her. Also, MacAvoy is obviously familiar with horses -- and, in fact, some of that familiarity may end up confusing unfamiliar readers (for instance, she alternated between calling the horse grey and white -- which makes sense to horse people, because horses that are genetically grey very often fade to white after a few years -- picture the famous Lipizzaner stallions).
The audio version was fine -- not exceptional, but acceptable. Unfortunately it used an American narrator, although the story was placed in a small Irish village -- I would have loved to hear a native speaker do this. The narrator didn't even try for a real Irish accent, but he did at least put some attractive cadences into the dialogue. It could have been worse.
I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars on this one. 3 for an ultimate lack of depth, 4 for the genuine sweetness and humor. For now, I'm going with 4.
The audio version was fine -- not exceptional, but acceptable. Unfortunately it used an American narrator, although the story was placed in a small Irish village -- I would have loved to hear a native speaker do this. The narrator didn't even try for a real Irish accent, but he did at least put some attractive cadences into the dialogue. It could have been worse.
I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars on this one. 3 for an ultimate lack of depth, 4 for the genuine sweetness and humor. For now, I'm going with 4.
August 11, 2015
Nope, I'm not a horse person. Or an Ireland person. Or an historical fantasy romance person (seriously, blech). These are all fine things, but they aren't me.
But this book. Oh this book is so damn wonderful.
Yep, read it. You'll like it. This book works because of the writing. Solid, interesting, accessible writing. The setting is perfect, you end up liking the characters far too much. Also, this book is third-person omniscient with head jumping by section, which is my secret sin.
If you happened to LIKE horses, Ireland, or historical romance fantasy? Well-- then actually you might not like this book very much. It doesn't adhere to the tropes very closely.
But this book. Oh this book is so damn wonderful.
Yep, read it. You'll like it. This book works because of the writing. Solid, interesting, accessible writing. The setting is perfect, you end up liking the characters far too much. Also, this book is third-person omniscient with head jumping by section, which is my secret sin.
If you happened to LIKE horses, Ireland, or historical romance fantasy? Well-- then actually you might not like this book very much. It doesn't adhere to the tropes very closely.
November 16, 2017
A charming story which held my interest throughout, mainly because of the interaction of the characters and their relationships.
Anrai, a horse trainer in his 70s, is walking home one day when he spots a grey horse on a bank above. Being interested in all horses, he climbs up to examine it, one thing leads to another, and he then is on a runaway horse, though never in real danger. The horse takes him home and he eventually finds out its secret - not a spoiler as even the blurb on the copy I had gives that away. The horse is Ruairi MacEibhir, a fairy man who has the ability to shift between human and horse shape, and he is there to court a part fairy woman, Maire.
The story follows not only their courtship, an uphill affair for most of the book, but the underlying political tensions in the community - this is set in the late Victorian period when Irish nationalism was seen as a problem for the British establishment - and the various family conflicts, as Anrai has a good for nothing son, and Maire is disliked and resented by her apparent father and sister. It has an interesting and touching ending, although one loose end seems to be what happens to Anrai's unpleasant son. But a pleasant read after my previous encounter with an R A McAvoy novel (The Book of Kells, which was a did-not-finish), therefore 3 stars.
Anrai, a horse trainer in his 70s, is walking home one day when he spots a grey horse on a bank above. Being interested in all horses, he climbs up to examine it, one thing leads to another, and he then is on a runaway horse, though never in real danger. The horse takes him home and he eventually finds out its secret - not a spoiler as even the blurb on the copy I had gives that away. The horse is Ruairi MacEibhir, a fairy man who has the ability to shift between human and horse shape, and he is there to court a part fairy woman, Maire.
The story follows not only their courtship, an uphill affair for most of the book, but the underlying political tensions in the community - this is set in the late Victorian period when Irish nationalism was seen as a problem for the British establishment - and the various family conflicts, as Anrai has a good for nothing son, and Maire is disliked and resented by her apparent father and sister. It has an interesting and touching ending, although one loose end seems to be what happens to Anrai's unpleasant son. But a pleasant read after my previous encounter with an R A McAvoy novel (The Book of Kells, which was a did-not-finish), therefore 3 stars.
November 13, 2016
This is one of my very favourite books of all time. The story has the right balance of Irish mythology and actual historical fact.
June 15, 2017
I have just returned from a vacation in Ireland, during which I spent a few days in Connemara. While I was there, I had a sudden, strong sense memory of this book, which I have owned for years, probably since just after its publication in 1987. I loved it and have reread it from time to time over the years, but not for a long while.
While traveling about west of Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way, I took a few hours to hike about in Connemara National Park, home to bogs and gorse and beautiful views of the Twelve Pins, and, apparently, wild ponies. I never saw a pony during my walk, but at one point, alone on a hill and buffeted by wind that kept the midges at bay, I caught a strong whiff of horse. I might have been standing downwind of the captive ponies also kept in the area. But they were far away, and I was contemplating the magic of the place, and that is when I had my sense memory of The Grey Horse.
This book is one of my favorites. It has lovely and complex characters, rich history and detail of place, and quite a bit of interesting information about horses, which is something I never thought I'd care much about...and in general, still don't. But R.A. MacAvoy's sure hand kept me interested in Carraroe and its denizens, human and horse and fairy. And now that I've seen the landscape in person, I can only marvel at how well she captured its essence. I didn't even realize, until I was there, how much I already knew of it.
This isn't much of a review. So here's a brief summary: Ruairi MacEibher, son of Granite and Wind, is a puca - an Irish horse-fairy, rather like a were-horse except that he can change at will. Born sometime in the 5th century A.D., he comes and goes from the land of Eire whenever he wishes (returning to the earth in the interim). When the story begins, he has stayed away for decades, scarred by what he saw of the Great Famine. But now it is the 1880s - perhaps 1882, because there are references to Charles Stewart Parnell imprisoned in Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol - and Ruairi has returned. He cares nothing for the winds of nationalism blowing ominously around the country. Ruairi, an engaging, amusing, and charming presence, has entered the world again only to court Maire Standun, a woman in the village of Carraroe. But he becomes inevitably entwined in the affairs and striations and increasingly dangerous political divisions of the village.
I'll leave it there, because it's just a charmer of a book and well worth the read.
While traveling about west of Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way, I took a few hours to hike about in Connemara National Park, home to bogs and gorse and beautiful views of the Twelve Pins, and, apparently, wild ponies. I never saw a pony during my walk, but at one point, alone on a hill and buffeted by wind that kept the midges at bay, I caught a strong whiff of horse. I might have been standing downwind of the captive ponies also kept in the area. But they were far away, and I was contemplating the magic of the place, and that is when I had my sense memory of The Grey Horse.
This book is one of my favorites. It has lovely and complex characters, rich history and detail of place, and quite a bit of interesting information about horses, which is something I never thought I'd care much about...and in general, still don't. But R.A. MacAvoy's sure hand kept me interested in Carraroe and its denizens, human and horse and fairy. And now that I've seen the landscape in person, I can only marvel at how well she captured its essence. I didn't even realize, until I was there, how much I already knew of it.
This isn't much of a review. So here's a brief summary: Ruairi MacEibher, son of Granite and Wind, is a puca - an Irish horse-fairy, rather like a were-horse except that he can change at will. Born sometime in the 5th century A.D., he comes and goes from the land of Eire whenever he wishes (returning to the earth in the interim). When the story begins, he has stayed away for decades, scarred by what he saw of the Great Famine. But now it is the 1880s - perhaps 1882, because there are references to Charles Stewart Parnell imprisoned in Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol - and Ruairi has returned. He cares nothing for the winds of nationalism blowing ominously around the country. Ruairi, an engaging, amusing, and charming presence, has entered the world again only to court Maire Standun, a woman in the village of Carraroe. But he becomes inevitably entwined in the affairs and striations and increasingly dangerous political divisions of the village.
I'll leave it there, because it's just a charmer of a book and well worth the read.
December 13, 2017
Ok, let's get this out of the way. The names are impossible. I like to hear the names in my head as I read, and I almost quit this book early. The author provides a pronunciation guide at the beginning, but it doesn't help. I soldiered on anyway. It's not bad enough to struggle through the Irish names, but it seems that each character also has an English name. The main character, the grey horse of the title is named Ruairi MacEibhir, or Rory MacEever, and his friend is named Anrai O Reachtaire or Henry Raftery. The third main character is Tadhg O Murchu, or Tim Murphy, the priest.
I'm glad I persevered, because this is one of the most delightful, inventive novels I have read this year. Set in times past, the Irish people suffer under the oppression of English overlords. Into the little town of Carraroe, steps a magnificent white stallion. You may be confused unless you know that unless a horse is an albino, white horses are called grey. It is the shape-shifting Ruairi come to seek a wife.
The story that follows is full pure magic. Fortunately, MacAvoy has written several books, and I intend to read them all.
My blog:
The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader.wordpre...
I'm glad I persevered, because this is one of the most delightful, inventive novels I have read this year. Set in times past, the Irish people suffer under the oppression of English overlords. Into the little town of Carraroe, steps a magnificent white stallion. You may be confused unless you know that unless a horse is an albino, white horses are called grey. It is the shape-shifting Ruairi come to seek a wife.
The story that follows is full pure magic. Fortunately, MacAvoy has written several books, and I intend to read them all.
My blog:
The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader.wordpre...
October 11, 2015
Absolutely beautiful. In the west of Ireland in the late 19th century, a horse trainer is taken for a ride by an otherworldly pony who turns out to be a fairy named Ruairi MacEibhir. His presence changes the lives of many in the small town of Carraroe forever. Heavily character driven, but with enough danger of one kind or another to make for compelling reading. Extremely well written and a joy to read, though the Open Road edition I got (as usual) was marred by awful typesetting errors. Buy it used if you want a beautiful book, but buy it any way you can if you want a beautiful story.
September 3, 2013
This was a adult fairy tale, set in Ireland, with all the traditional beliefs in ghosts and fairies and "other world" experiences. It was a fun read, a stretch for the imagination, and an immersion into Irish culture. My only negative is my desire for loose ends to have been tied up tighter at the end.It seemed to me that a great deal would have been lost without the audio version. I will try to read more by this author. I really like his style.
October 29, 2016
Perhaps I'm predjudiced
I loved the whole book! I love horses and love reading about them. And my father's family are Irish, so,yep; loved it all. What I loved best was Ms. MacAvoy's undeniable excellence as a writer, storyteller and the way that her books just make something in me tingle!
I loved the whole book! I love horses and love reading about them. And my father's family are Irish, so,yep; loved it all. What I loved best was Ms. MacAvoy's undeniable excellence as a writer, storyteller and the way that her books just make something in me tingle!
October 11, 2018
An immense fantasy with horses (including shape shifters,) fairies, ethnic rivalries, romance, murder, betrayal, and more, set against the historic background of Ireland in the time of Queen Victoria, when "Nationalist" sentiment was considered treason and sedition that could lead to a death sentence, yet Irish nationalists were hiding in nearly every village, while English speaking landowners thought of the Gaelic speakers as inferior peasants even as they feared that those peasants would rise up in revolt against them and their queen.
A huge cast of characters, of course, many of whom have names that look unpronounceable and impossible to remember, such as Ruairí McEibher (Rory McIver,) Eibhlin Standun (Eileen Stanton,) Taidgh Ó Murchú (Tim Murphy,) and Ainrí Ó Reachtaire (Henry Rafferty) fill the pages with their gossip, adventures, and controversies. But don't be afraid to tackle it, as the story is magnificent and filled with wonder as well as pure human failings and heroisms. If the Irish names trouble you, there is a glossary of the characters at the beginning. Or you can try the audiobook version, which I used in part to complete this and that's what took me so long. The Kindle edition can be purchased together with the Audible recording and allows you to jump back and forth without losing your place.
This book is well worth the time and trouble, I promise.
A huge cast of characters, of course, many of whom have names that look unpronounceable and impossible to remember, such as Ruairí McEibher (Rory McIver,) Eibhlin Standun (Eileen Stanton,) Taidgh Ó Murchú (Tim Murphy,) and Ainrí Ó Reachtaire (Henry Rafferty) fill the pages with their gossip, adventures, and controversies. But don't be afraid to tackle it, as the story is magnificent and filled with wonder as well as pure human failings and heroisms. If the Irish names trouble you, there is a glossary of the characters at the beginning. Or you can try the audiobook version, which I used in part to complete this and that's what took me so long. The Kindle edition can be purchased together with the Audible recording and allows you to jump back and forth without losing your place.
This book is well worth the time and trouble, I promise.
October 2, 2020
When a pooka falls in love with a human woman, he decides to enlist the local horse trainer to win his love. However, convincing her that his intentions are true, results in misunderstandings, a horse race, and a few deaths. The ending is sweetly satisfying.
This is one of the few books by MacAvoy that actually still works 30 years later since it was published (unlike Tea with a Black Dragon). Set in a historical time period of Ireland's recent past it deals with the tensions of natives with the English with a dose of fantasy.
Lots of real horse information for horse lovers who get sick and tired of reading books by people who don't know horses.
This is one of the few books by MacAvoy that actually still works 30 years later since it was published (unlike Tea with a Black Dragon). Set in a historical time period of Ireland's recent past it deals with the tensions of natives with the English with a dose of fantasy.
Lots of real horse information for horse lovers who get sick and tired of reading books by people who don't know horses.
November 27, 2015
A quiet tale of how a pooka fits into an Irish village.
I vaguely recall reading some other acclaimed book of MacAvoy's and being unimpressed, and I wonder now if I was too young or too excitable for it back then, if the style exhibited here is the author's usual one. Emma Bull's urban fantasy (before paranormal/urban fantasy was a thing) War for the Oaks left me with an abiding fondness for pookas, and this book didn't change that.
I started reading this on a plane out of curiosity, and despite the fact that it is decidedly low-octane, it held my interest to the end. Anrai is an old horse-trainer who comes across a pony and can't resist riding it. Instead of anything overly dramatic and irreversible, Anrai and the pooka -- for of course the pony turns out to be one -- become acquainted, and Ruairi MacEibhir, son of Granite out of Wind, finds a place in Anrai's employ (being naturally gifted with horses) so that he can live as a human and court a girl in the village.
I still marvel at this book because there are no real surprises, and the characters act perfectly consistently and predictably, but it's full of warmth and wonder all the same. Anrai's steadfast, enduring relationship with his wife, Toby's education astride a horse and how it tempers both his loneliness and opens his eyes to traditional Irish ways, Maire's strength despite the distance from her family due to her dubious bloodline...they were all lovely and touching and yet not amplified into anything grossly earth-shattering. And a lot of the charm is in the setting, which breathes softly but unceasingly throughout.
Perfect for certain peaceful evenings.
I vaguely recall reading some other acclaimed book of MacAvoy's and being unimpressed, and I wonder now if I was too young or too excitable for it back then, if the style exhibited here is the author's usual one. Emma Bull's urban fantasy (before paranormal/urban fantasy was a thing) War for the Oaks left me with an abiding fondness for pookas, and this book didn't change that.
I started reading this on a plane out of curiosity, and despite the fact that it is decidedly low-octane, it held my interest to the end. Anrai is an old horse-trainer who comes across a pony and can't resist riding it. Instead of anything overly dramatic and irreversible, Anrai and the pooka -- for of course the pony turns out to be one -- become acquainted, and Ruairi MacEibhir, son of Granite out of Wind, finds a place in Anrai's employ (being naturally gifted with horses) so that he can live as a human and court a girl in the village.
I still marvel at this book because there are no real surprises, and the characters act perfectly consistently and predictably, but it's full of warmth and wonder all the same. Anrai's steadfast, enduring relationship with his wife, Toby's education astride a horse and how it tempers both his loneliness and opens his eyes to traditional Irish ways, Maire's strength despite the distance from her family due to her dubious bloodline...they were all lovely and touching and yet not amplified into anything grossly earth-shattering. And a lot of the charm is in the setting, which breathes softly but unceasingly throughout.
Perfect for certain peaceful evenings.
March 1, 2019
Bottom Line: Terrific and magical novel of late 19-century Ireland, heavy with horses, faeries, and romance.
Three-word reviews:
Pros – charming, magical, historical
Cons – short, villain, horses
I read this book when it first came out in the ‘80s and loved it to death. I gave my copy away as a gift and never found it again, although it haunted me constantly. I was very happy to find it (and other R. A. MacAvoy novels) on Audible. This charming book hit many of my buttons, including Ireland, faeries, romance, and loyalty. The in-depth horse knowledge was a bonus – while I know very little about horses, the author uses her experience to convince me that this is a fault I should correct. I won’t ride them, mind, but I might try to be less ignorant.
The protagonist is as likeable a character as I have ever read. I love the interplay between Faerie and Ireland, where the natives take in a mythological creature like he’s a regular guy and don’t bat an eye at his shape changing ways. The romance and intrigue are low-key, and the only villain is one-dimensional and irredeemable, but those are small concerns in an otherwise delightful book.
This book has been on my mind for literally 30 years. It’s very affecting. I recommend it as highly as any book I’ve ever read. The audiobook narrator is good – a solid Irish accent but little variety between characters – and brings a convincing voice to a great story.
My advice to you is, hunt this book down! It's well worth the effort.
Three-word reviews:
Pros – charming, magical, historical
Cons – short, villain, horses
I read this book when it first came out in the ‘80s and loved it to death. I gave my copy away as a gift and never found it again, although it haunted me constantly. I was very happy to find it (and other R. A. MacAvoy novels) on Audible. This charming book hit many of my buttons, including Ireland, faeries, romance, and loyalty. The in-depth horse knowledge was a bonus – while I know very little about horses, the author uses her experience to convince me that this is a fault I should correct. I won’t ride them, mind, but I might try to be less ignorant.
The protagonist is as likeable a character as I have ever read. I love the interplay between Faerie and Ireland, where the natives take in a mythological creature like he’s a regular guy and don’t bat an eye at his shape changing ways. The romance and intrigue are low-key, and the only villain is one-dimensional and irredeemable, but those are small concerns in an otherwise delightful book.
This book has been on my mind for literally 30 years. It’s very affecting. I recommend it as highly as any book I’ve ever read. The audiobook narrator is good – a solid Irish accent but little variety between characters – and brings a convincing voice to a great story.
My advice to you is, hunt this book down! It's well worth the effort.
May 4, 2014
So this book was alright. I'm in an Irish class at college, and this was one of the required readings. It gives insight to the traditional Celtic beliefs of the contemporary Irish people. Even though most of them are Christian now, they still have pagan beliefs, which I think is great. This book would be a little confusing to those who don't know much about the IRA, or any history so I guess the younger generation who didn't live through it. I probably wouldn't have read it because of the front page. I know they say not to judge a book by it's cover but, it's just awful. Looks like some sort of cheesy romantic novel but actually the love story is only touched upon at the epilogue, if you could call it a love story. I wasn't disappointed.
December 8, 2014
This book has been on my to-read list for years; I've never read anything else by the author and I tend not to be a big fan of either Celtic fantasy (so much of it feels derivative of, well, every other Celtic fantasy novel) or supernatural romance (which I guess this technically is, although it never felt like the romance was the main plot). I do, however, like books about horses.
This book was amazing and I wish I'd read it sooner.
The characters were lovely and well-drawn, the language was beautiful, the plot was gripping, and also there was a really excellent horse race. What more do you need from a book?
This book was amazing and I wish I'd read it sooner.
The characters were lovely and well-drawn, the language was beautiful, the plot was gripping, and also there was a really excellent horse race. What more do you need from a book?
January 27, 2012
I read this for the first time in high school when I'd borrowed it from a friend. I loved it so much she gave it to me. So I read it again.
And again.
And again.
I jealously keep my copy because it's out of print. In fact, I went into a second hand book store the other day and to my delight, there was another copy. Which is now mine.
I don't normally go for romances, mind you. But for a supernatural romance dealing with the stress of war, family strife, and a good Christian rejection of fairy kind - it's got what it takes.
Read it.
And again.
And again.
I jealously keep my copy because it's out of print. In fact, I went into a second hand book store the other day and to my delight, there was another copy. Which is now mine.
I don't normally go for romances, mind you. But for a supernatural romance dealing with the stress of war, family strife, and a good Christian rejection of fairy kind - it's got what it takes.
Read it.
December 21, 2013
I know that I read this when it was new, and I remembered it fondly enough to winkle it out of a pile at the library book sale and bring it home. It's a lovely, old-fashioned tale of magic with some Nationalist sentiment thrown in. Given my predilection for the horsey tale, this one's right up my alley. Or down my racetrack, as it were. The bad guy is utterly believable and chilling. The plot is tight and has enough unexpected twists to keep one's attention focused on the book even when it's not in one's hand. The love story, on the other hand, was less compelling by far.
September 2, 2017
Surprising!
I thought this book had been written before or very soon after the turn of the last century. I was very surprised to discover that its copyright date is 1987. It's a great read made a bit difficult for this old lady from Brooklyn, New York, by the very warm and authentic Irish proper nouns and dialect. It took me a while to get started but I soon found myself racing along beside the Grey Horse.
It's a fantasy, a love story, and slice of Irish life. And it's a rousing good read.
I thought this book had been written before or very soon after the turn of the last century. I was very surprised to discover that its copyright date is 1987. It's a great read made a bit difficult for this old lady from Brooklyn, New York, by the very warm and authentic Irish proper nouns and dialect. It took me a while to get started but I soon found myself racing along beside the Grey Horse.
It's a fantasy, a love story, and slice of Irish life. And it's a rousing good read.
August 19, 2017
One of those rare cases where I just wasn't interested in the book. I have read a few other MacAvoy books I have liked quite a bit, but this one didn't click. The combination of Irish culture, English domination, and insertion of the Fey somehow didn't click and I was bored, so I didn't finish it (about half way through).
September 26, 2013
One of the books I seem to pull off the shelf every couple of years. I've probably read the Grey Horse eight or more times over the years and still have a hard time putting it down once I start re-reading the thing. What higher praise could I give then that?
April 18, 2025
2025 reread: still perfect.
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Perfect.
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Perfect.
March 19, 2018
This was really a fun story to read to celebrate the Irish on St. Patrick's Day.
November 7, 2021
... Ruairí was a púca: a horse fairy.
This 1987 story is based on Irish folktales and mythology. The story begins with seventy-year-old local horse trainer, Anraí Ó Reachtaire, finding a grey stallion standing alone at the top of a hill, coming to a quick opinion that this is a perfect native horse, and deciding to mount the horse without a halter or bridle (to his regret when the horse runs away with him). Anrai is a disputatious but fair man who knows horses and from first laying his eyes on the grey horse, he knows that it's special. It turns out that the grey horse is a púca, the fairy named Ruairí MacEibhir who desires the hand of the dark-haired girl he loves, Máire NíStandún. As part of his plan to woo Máire, he persuades Anrai to give him lodging and concealment in exchange for free labor in Anrai's stable.
A horse on a hill was as common a thing as a dog on a front stoop, but Anraí, being who he was, could never have left it alone; it was necessary he go up and see what horse it was.
This was a native horse, thought Anraí. As certain as he was a native man. A very perfect native horse, he thought further, and did not continue the analogy.
This charming tale is set in the late 19th century Irish village of Carraroe in the Gaelic-speaking region of Connemara. The events take place during a period when Irish nationalist sentiments were harshly suppressed by their English overlords. The richest landlord in the area is Squire James Blondell who prefers to see himself as one of the natives but he is still proud of his English diction and his (opinionated) English wife. His young son Toby is initially a disinterested and indolent child, however under Ruairí's tutelage and inspiration, Toby not only learns about riding and horses, but also matures into a passionate and earnest young man.
“However,” continued Ruairí, and he leaned against the rail of the pen, as though too lazy to stand upright. “If I teach you, you must treat me with respect, and old Anraí too, for he is the best man on a horse in Connemara.”
“I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise!” Toby really believed his own words; he had no memory of having had other feelings.
The Carraroe families are portrayed as each challenged in some way. The family of Máire NíStandún consists of her father Seán Standún and her younger sister Eibhlín. Where her father and sister were blue-eyed and fair-haired, Máire is dark and plain-faced. Her father is critical and harsh with her as she represents the irrefutable evidence of her late mother's infidelity. Anraí Ó Reachtaire and his wife of forty years Áine have only one child, a son Seosamh, who is currently in the army but nevertheless a profligate disappointment to his parents.
“There is nothing under heaven better than a broodmare, love. She is the protector of infants, the teacher and molder of young hearts, and the mother of the race.”
The horse fairy Ruairí is a memorable character, portrayed as both a trickster and a trusted spirit who beguiles the hearts of both men and beasts. The relationship between Ruairí and Tadhg Ó Murchú, the parish priest, is presented as both harmonious and synergistic. The púca leaves his mark on everyone in the community, even the priest.
““Ah! You have me wrong. I said you were a lie. And I was right, since you are pretending to be man when you are not. But for the love of God, I want to do no damage to an Irish spirit. Spirits may be the only thing these poor folk have left. And fairy spirits do less harm than the liquorous kind.”
I liked the background story of the little wild black stallion To me the small stallion represents the free wild character of the Irish people
The dialogue in this story deserves special mention as it reflects that lyrical cadence and tone of Irish speech which lends it authenticity. The ending has bittersweet aspects but there is an undercurrent of hope that left me satisfied with the conclusion. This is a charming and heartwarming story that I enjoyed immensely and I plan to come back for many rereads in the future.
All this—the air of inconsequentiality and seeming purposelessness—was Anraí’s art and the study of his lifetime, for a man cannot catch and hold a horse by main force.
This 1987 story is based on Irish folktales and mythology. The story begins with seventy-year-old local horse trainer, Anraí Ó Reachtaire, finding a grey stallion standing alone at the top of a hill, coming to a quick opinion that this is a perfect native horse, and deciding to mount the horse without a halter or bridle (to his regret when the horse runs away with him). Anrai is a disputatious but fair man who knows horses and from first laying his eyes on the grey horse, he knows that it's special. It turns out that the grey horse is a púca, the fairy named Ruairí MacEibhir who desires the hand of the dark-haired girl he loves, Máire NíStandún. As part of his plan to woo Máire, he persuades Anrai to give him lodging and concealment in exchange for free labor in Anrai's stable.
A horse on a hill was as common a thing as a dog on a front stoop, but Anraí, being who he was, could never have left it alone; it was necessary he go up and see what horse it was.
This was a native horse, thought Anraí. As certain as he was a native man. A very perfect native horse, he thought further, and did not continue the analogy.
This charming tale is set in the late 19th century Irish village of Carraroe in the Gaelic-speaking region of Connemara. The events take place during a period when Irish nationalist sentiments were harshly suppressed by their English overlords. The richest landlord in the area is Squire James Blondell who prefers to see himself as one of the natives but he is still proud of his English diction and his (opinionated) English wife. His young son Toby is initially a disinterested and indolent child, however under Ruairí's tutelage and inspiration, Toby not only learns about riding and horses, but also matures into a passionate and earnest young man.
“However,” continued Ruairí, and he leaned against the rail of the pen, as though too lazy to stand upright. “If I teach you, you must treat me with respect, and old Anraí too, for he is the best man on a horse in Connemara.”
“I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise!” Toby really believed his own words; he had no memory of having had other feelings.
The Carraroe families are portrayed as each challenged in some way. The family of Máire NíStandún consists of her father Seán Standún and her younger sister Eibhlín. Where her father and sister were blue-eyed and fair-haired, Máire is dark and plain-faced. Her father is critical and harsh with her as she represents the irrefutable evidence of her late mother's infidelity. Anraí Ó Reachtaire and his wife of forty years Áine have only one child, a son Seosamh, who is currently in the army but nevertheless a profligate disappointment to his parents.
“There is nothing under heaven better than a broodmare, love. She is the protector of infants, the teacher and molder of young hearts, and the mother of the race.”
The horse fairy Ruairí is a memorable character, portrayed as both a trickster and a trusted spirit who beguiles the hearts of both men and beasts. The relationship between Ruairí and Tadhg Ó Murchú, the parish priest, is presented as both harmonious and synergistic. The púca leaves his mark on everyone in the community, even the priest.
““Ah! You have me wrong. I said you were a lie. And I was right, since you are pretending to be man when you are not. But for the love of God, I want to do no damage to an Irish spirit. Spirits may be the only thing these poor folk have left. And fairy spirits do less harm than the liquorous kind.”
I liked the background story of the little wild black stallion To me the small stallion represents the free wild character of the Irish people
The dialogue in this story deserves special mention as it reflects that lyrical cadence and tone of Irish speech which lends it authenticity. The ending has bittersweet aspects but there is an undercurrent of hope that left me satisfied with the conclusion. This is a charming and heartwarming story that I enjoyed immensely and I plan to come back for many rereads in the future.
All this—the air of inconsequentiality and seeming purposelessness—was Anraí’s art and the study of his lifetime, for a man cannot catch and hold a horse by main force.
October 23, 2018
First up, don’t be put off by the cover !I am not sure that I should really give this book five stars, because that would put it up there with all the books that I have loved the most, and enjoyed the most. And I nearly put it down altogether because very few things put me further down in the dumps than reflecting on the modern history of Ireland and the terrible situation that has been there. However this story managed, I think, to give the devil his due without being depressing. I thought the treatment of the squire and his son and the pain of their privilege was remarkable. The suffering of his tenantry not the less for it. The story, without being a thriller, never dragged, and I guess the fifth star is given because - “Spring crawled out of the cracks between the rocks, too small for a man to notice.” Writing like that!!!
July 25, 2019
I love this book so much I just started reading it for the third time. Here's what the back cover says: "Set against the colorful and magical backdrop of Ireland, The Grey Horse chronicles a time when the Irish people suffered under harsh English overlords who sought to destroy their culture and way of life. Into the Irish town of Carraroe, a magnificent, completely grey stallion appears. The horse brings with him the promise of better times and magical happenings, for he is actually the shape-shifted form of Ruairi MacElbhir, journeyed to such a time of danger in order to win the hand of the woman he loves." Roberta MacAvoy is a master at conveying the language and customs of the people of Connemara, Ireland.
September 11, 2021
An instant favorite
I hadn't realized how old this book was when I started it. It's being an ebook with a modern-looking cover completely threw me. I wish I could find a hard copy of it with the original cover art. I imagine it's gorgeous. I happen to love the way this book is written. Old style, proper english, long words, and with that way of storytelling that can only be found in older novels. I admit that I struggled with the Irish names and the occasional Gaelic words, but it made this Irish tale feel that much more authentic. It's pure, achingly sad, evocative, and complete with a vague happily ever after. I loved it and I am so glad that it's part of my collection! I would love to read a modern spin off of this story! Four out of five stars to The Grey Horse.
I hadn't realized how old this book was when I started it. It's being an ebook with a modern-looking cover completely threw me. I wish I could find a hard copy of it with the original cover art. I imagine it's gorgeous. I happen to love the way this book is written. Old style, proper english, long words, and with that way of storytelling that can only be found in older novels. I admit that I struggled with the Irish names and the occasional Gaelic words, but it made this Irish tale feel that much more authentic. It's pure, achingly sad, evocative, and complete with a vague happily ever after. I loved it and I am so glad that it's part of my collection! I would love to read a modern spin off of this story! Four out of five stars to The Grey Horse.
February 26, 2023
If you believe in the fantastical and understand that if you can imagine it, it can exist- then you will love this tale of hope, love, wonder, lies and truth. The characters are mostly likeable and mostly not likeable by parts. It will keep you interested and enthralled. Love blooms slowly and lasts for a long time.
This book enchanted some gray and rainy days. You don’t have to love myth and magic or even the Irish people to enjoy this book.
If you want to kill some time without it being a hangable offense- then pick up this book. Read and enjoy!! Ms. McAvoy will not let you down.
Well done, Ms. M. Fun stuff!!
This book enchanted some gray and rainy days. You don’t have to love myth and magic or even the Irish people to enjoy this book.
If you want to kill some time without it being a hangable offense- then pick up this book. Read and enjoy!! Ms. McAvoy will not let you down.
Well done, Ms. M. Fun stuff!!
February 27, 2023
Irish fairy horse
Being a horse lover, this book intrigued me. I loved the character of Rauri both as a human and a horse. His ability to change forms at will made the story so much fun to read. To have a horse that could both understand humans and be able to communicate with horses would be quite beneficial. The fairy’s growth throughout the story added so much to the storyline. He chose his friends and confidants wisely. I also loved the character of Amari and the relationships he had with his wife and Rauri.
This story based in Irish folklore was a fun read. Now I wonder if my own horse is secretly a fairy in disguise!
Being a horse lover, this book intrigued me. I loved the character of Rauri both as a human and a horse. His ability to change forms at will made the story so much fun to read. To have a horse that could both understand humans and be able to communicate with horses would be quite beneficial. The fairy’s growth throughout the story added so much to the storyline. He chose his friends and confidants wisely. I also loved the character of Amari and the relationships he had with his wife and Rauri.
This story based in Irish folklore was a fun read. Now I wonder if my own horse is secretly a fairy in disguise!
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