From Publishers Weekly
This tale has much to offer beyond the standard equine love story themes. Just as she did in the historical novel Moon of Two Dark Horses, Keehn quietly delivers a powerful emotional punch through empathic characterizations and a deceptively simple story line. Having been promised by her dying mother that she could have a horse, 14-year-old narrator Willo, heedless of her maternal grandfather's admonition, insists on buying the first one she sees: Tess, a bony and battered former racehorse. Seeing that Willo has little control over her potentially dangerous mount, her autocratic and hard-drinking father gives her a deadline to get Tess in hand. As Willo makes progress under the expertise of riding instructor Diana, her fierce commitment to Tess grows ever stronger, as do her feelings for Diana's son, Colin. But heartache follows soon on the heels of their first kiss, for he and his mother must flee from Diana's abusive husband. Keehn movingly illustrates the redemptive power of love, as well as the importance of letting go when love just isn't enough. Ages 8-13.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9-From the moment Willojean sees the bony, skittish ex-racehorse, she is convinced that it is the horse for her. Reluctantly, her grandfather acquiesces, and they take Tess back to their Chesapeake Bay farm. However, when her father returns from a trip, he, too, is convinced that his daughter has made a bad choice and gives her a date by which Tess must either be under control or sent back to the dealer. Willo is also dealing with her mother's recent death and her father's alcoholism as well as his emotional and physical absence. Her friends, Dove and Colin, offer their help with Tess, but Colin is having his own problems with an abusive stepfather. Through hard work, determination, and kindness, Willo begins to make some progress with her horse, but Colin's life becomes more desperate, and he and his mother make plans to escape. Before they can get away, the stepfather shoots Colin's beloved horse. This tragedy forces Willo's father to look at his relationship with his daughter and to appreciate how much she has grown through her work with Tess and how much she and the horse need one another. There are no fairy-tale endings here, even though the conclusion is upbeat. Willo's father's alcoholism is still a problem and Tess is still a difficult horse. However, all of the characters are richly drawn and the plot is fast moving and complex. Willo is a resilient and believable heroine with whom readers will empathize, making this well-written story a worthwhile and entertaining read.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
