Horse by Geraldine Feeney (182 Anna)

 

Horse is a historical novel that intertwines three timelines centered around Lexington, a legendary 19th-century racehorse. In the 1850s, a young enslaved horseman, Jarret, helps train Lexington, revealing the overlooked role of Black horsemen in American racing history. In 1950s New York and 2019 Washington, D.C., a painting and skeletal remains of Lexington spark investigations by an art dealer, a scientist, and a historian. Their stories connect across time, exposing racial injustice and forgotten histories. Inspired by real events, the novel explores memory, identity, and the legacy of slavery.

This book generated a good discussion about slavery, horse knowledge, the relationship with animals and between people.

Marks out of 10 - hightly scored between 8 - 10

Words used to describe it: thought provoking, interesting, slightly contrived, liked the historical aspect

Next Book

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe

Next Meeting

31st May at Jackie's in the country

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney (Emma 191)

 

Beautiful Ugly, a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage, grief, and the elusive nature of truth. The story follows Grady Green, a bestselling author whose life unravels after his wife, Abby, disappears under mysterious circumstances. During a phone call, Grady hears Abby stop her car abruptly and then silence. Her car is later found abandoned near a cliff, but there's no sign of Abby. A year later, plagued by insomnia and unable to write, Grady retreats to the remote Scottish island of Amberly, seeking solace and inspiration. There, he encounters a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to his missing wife, leading him down a path of paranoia and self-doubt.

As Grady delves deeper into the island's secrets, he uncovers unsettling truths about Abby, their marriage, and the island's inhabitants. The narrative weaves between Grady's and Abby's perspectives, revealing hidden facets of their relationship and the events leading up to her disappearance.

Most of us were disappointed in the ending, although an enjoyable read there were too many inconcistency that annoyed us. The relationship between the protagonists was slightly unbeliveable.

Marks out of 10 - not high between 2 - 5

Words used to describe it:  irritating, disappointing, waste of time, becareful what you wish for, frustrating

Next Book

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Next Meeting

27th April - Carolyn in Brighton