Customer Reviews

Gaudenzia, Pride of the Palio

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This book is easily one of Henry`s best horse tales- yet it somehow seems to get overlooked these days. The story combines her familiar young person/horse bond narrative with a fascinating look at the very unique Italian tradition of the Palio horse race. Dating from medieval times, the Palio, held in Siena, re-creates the old drama of the various rival city states. Along with this slice of history, the author gives us the character Giorgio Terni, an idealistic young man whose dream is to become a trainer of horses. He evantually does achieve this, also becoming a Palio rider and forging a friendship with the high-strung yet lovely and fast mare Gaudenzia. Everyone is ready to give up on the mare becoming anything but a work horse- except Giorgio, whose faith in her talents never falters. He devotes all of his time to her, regaining her trust in people and getting her in physical shape to race. He`s truly a good role model for animal-loving youngsters. The story never loses its momentum- as a sixth grader reading it for the first time, I could`nt put it down. I also recall how upset I was when Giorgio must ride a different horse in one Palio race, and how the rules of the game indicate that he must try to prevent Gaudenzia from winning, even to the point of striking her with his whip. These realistic dilemmas give the book an authenic feel. Like the Pie in National Velvet, Gaudenzia is an underdog horse who comes out on top regardless. I hope this one makes it back into print!

I love horses, love to read, and Marguerite Henry is my favorite author, and out of all of her books (I've read them all), I think this is the BEST! About a year ago, I got a book from the library called "The Wildest Horse-Race In The World". I read it, and just loved it! I found out that it's original name was "Gaudenzia, Pride of The Palio". Now, I liked that name MUCH more than "The Wildest Horse-Race In The World"! Gaudenzia is the horse's name. It means "Joy of Living". The Palio is the race, which is run on July 2, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and August 16. It is run around Siena, Italy, 3 times. There are many sharp, danguerous curves. Horses and riders are sometimes even killed. The prize for winning the race is a handpainted banner of the Blessed Virgin Mary.It is a religous race, and before it is run, the horses are brought into church, and blest, and the fantinos (riders) are blest by the archbishop. ...

You may have been wondering "Is the Palio still raced?" The answer is yes! On July 2 and August 16, in Siena, Italy, this ancient race that has been run for nearly 800 years is still run to this day. I would really like to go to Italy and see it! I highly reccomend this book to anyone who loves horses, horseracing, reading, and history, and is ages 7 to 107! This is a really wonderful book, and I HIGHLY reccomend it!!!

Gaudenzia is an outstanding blend of horses, history and human interest. As a child I loved the story of how the cart horse became a champion. I thrilled to the traditions and pageantry of the Palio. As an adult I read this book to my son and realized there was a second story of the rider, who had persisted in his love for a horse.Even if you are not a horse lover,there are also some subtle lessons of ethics and loyalty in the story.
My college-age son recalls that the rider had a childhood so poor that his family would rub a saugage with bread for lunch to get a bit of grease, because the precious sausage had to be saved for dinner.This made a big impact on him.
Did this story influence two generations? Yes! Although I have waited over 40 years to make the trip, this July I will finally see the Palio in Siena - with my son.

How can this beautiful book be out of print! This is the story of the medieval (in every sense of the word) Il Palio race around the walled town of Siena, Italy. Horse clubs (contrade) from the 17 wards of the city gather to form alliances against others, horses and jockeys evaluated and selected and a very strenuous and difficult race around the town plaza is portrayed. I can still remember the scene, banners of the contradas flying, their symbols (the Wave, the Snail) and the subterfuge and plotting to win this race, which lasts only a minute or two. Not only accurate, but a dramatic tale of a young jockey. Brilliant. I hope it is someday reprinted.

This book is poetry. A story of a medieval horse race in Italy, with different sections of an ancient city sponsoring different jockeys and horses. A lot of plotting and undercurrents happen during each race --the race is easily the most important civic event in the city. A young jockey nurses an unlucky horse back to health, and his bond with his horse makes them an unbeatable team. The illustrations are magnificent. The story had me entralled. I read it when I was 11, and absolutely could not put it down.

This year, I was told to do a book report on one good book I had read. I'm not usually the kind of person who loves to read a lot, and I honestly didn't know what to do. My Dad showed me his old books, Gaudenzia Pride of the Palio, being one. I started reading it, and thought that it was the absolute worst book in the world. When I got into it, I couldn't put it down! I love this book, and even though it's out of print, try your hardest to get it!

marguerite henry is an amazing horse story write! wesley dennis only adds to her beautiful writing with his breathtaking portraits of horses. any horse lover would love to read marguerite henry's books!