Horse : A Novel – Geraldine Brooks

“Horse: A Novel” weaves together three timelines to tell a story of legacy, injustice, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. In 1850s Kentucky, enslaved groom Jarret forms a profound connection with Lexington, a bay foal destined to become America’s greatest racehorse. Their journey through the Civil War era reveals both the brutality of slavery and the transcendent power of trust.

In 1954 New York, art gallery owner Martha Jackson becomes obsessed with a mysterious 19th-century painting of Lexington, uncovering layers of forgotten history. Meanwhile, in 2019 Washington, D.C., Australian scientist Jess and Nigerian-American art historian Theo cross paths while studying Lexington’s skeleton and legacy, exposing systemic erasure of Black contributions to racing history.

Geraldine Brooks masterfully connects these narratives, blending meticulous research with rich character development. Themes of racism, art, and scientific inquiry collide as the novel explores how the past shapes the present. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s prose breathes life into the American South’s racetracks, Civil War battlefields, and modern-day labs, creating a tapestry of resilience and reckoning.

The book’s heart lies in its portrayal of Lexington—not just as a champion but as a symbol of endurance—and Jarret, whose voice emerges from the shadows of history. Brooks challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the beauty of art, science, and humanity’s capacity for connection.