Horse: A Novel is a historical fiction novel written by Australian-American author Geraldine Brooks. It was published by Viking on 14th June 2022. Brooks based the story on the renowned Thoroughbred horse Lexington.
In 2019, Theo—a Nigerian American graduate student at Georgetown—stumbles upon a worn-out canvas discarded by a neighbor. He seizes the opportunity to write an article about it for Smithsonian magazine. Through this assignment, Theo crosses paths with Jess, a Smithsonian expert specializing in skulls and bones. Coincidentally, Jess is currently examining the skeleton of the same horse featured in Theo's painting which is housed in the museum's collection. A misunderstanding marks their first encounter as Jess mistakes Theo for attempting to steal her bike.
From birth, an enslaved man named Jarrett nurtured Lexington. As Theo and Jess embark on their respective journeys to uncover the history and significance of Lexington and his portrait, the narrative seamlessly transitions between the past and the present. The parallel narratives illuminate the enduring legacy of Lexington and the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him.
The novel merges the realms of art, history, and human connection. Brooks weaves a captivating tale that transports readers to the turbulent era of the Civil War while examining the themes of identity, race, and the enduring power of art. Boston Globe wrote, “A testament to the intelligence and humanity of animals, a stinging rebuke of racist and abusive humans, and a study of how the past gets recorded, remembered, and remade…anyone who ever grew up loving horses, anyone who dearly loves an animal, will find a cornucopia of riches in this novel.”
