Catherine Cookson's "The Pretty Horse Breakers" is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 19th-century Cornwall. The story follows Micky Pengarron, a young woman burdened with a secret that could potentially devastate her family. Micky, alongside her brother Joe, finds solace in their shared passion for training horses, which also serves as their main source of income.
However, their lives take an unexpected turn when they encounter Ben Trewellard, a charming stranger. As Micky's bond with Ben deepens, so does the danger lurking in the shadows, threatening to expose her secret and unravel her family's stability.
One of the book's standout features is Cookson's talent for vividly describing the settings, transporting readers to the rugged landscapes of Cornwall. Through her skillful storytelling, readers are immersed in a world filled with horse-trading, the challenges women faced during that era, and the realities of rural life. The attention to detail brings the characters to life, creating a strong sense of time and place.
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Micky Pengarron is a relatable and strong-willed protagonist, defying societal expectations for women. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity make her captivating to follow. Supporting characters like Joe and Ben add depth to the story, exploring the dynamics and relationships between them with nuance and emotional depth.
"The Pretty Horse Breakers" is a multi-layered tale encompassing love, secrets, and the pursuit of freedom. Cookson expertly weaves together themes of family loyalty, social class, and the power of love, resulting in a thought-provoking read. The novel offers readers a glimpse into a bygone era while highlighting the strength and determination of its characters.
What are readers saying?
"The Pretty Horse Breakers" by Andrew Miller received a variety of reviews from users on Goodreads, with opinions being split on the book's merits. While many readers found the story and characters engaging and well-developed, others felt that the pacing was slow and the writing lacked depth.
Those who enjoyed "The Pretty Horse Breakers" praised the author's talent in crafting vivid and memorable characters. They found the protagonists compelling and relatable, appreciating the depiction of their relationships and personal journeys. The exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption struck a chord with these readers, making the reading experience enjoyable and thought-provoking.
On the other hand, critiques of the book centered around its pacing, with some finding it sluggish and hindering their engagement with the story. These readers felt that the plot moved slowly, taking too long to reach its climax and lacking excitement and anticipation. They suggested that a more concise and faster-paced narrative would have improved their overall enjoyment.
Opinions also diverged when it came to the writing style of "The Pretty Horse Breakers." Some readers admired the author's descriptive prose, finding it atmospheric and captivating, enhancing the setting and overall atmosphere of the story. However, some reviewers felt that the writing lacked depth and emotional resonance, deeming the language overly simplistic and desiring more complexity and nuance.
Overall, "The Pretty Horse Breakers" received a mix of positive and negative reviews on Goodreads. While many appreciated the engaging characters and thought-provoking themes, others were let down by the slow pacing and simplistic writing style. As with any book, individual preferences will vary, and readers may still find value in exploring this novel themselves.
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