5.0 out of 5 stars War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

T.G. · February 28, 2012

I had to read the book before seeing the movie. I couldn't watch War Horse without knowing what was going to happen. Michael Morpurgo definitely put together an incredibly touching story when he decided to put pen to paper (so to speak) for this one.*In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?*This story is told from Joey's point of view. It's unbiased and incredibly observant and completely heartwrenching. Joey's sold right out from under Albert's nose by an alcoholic father who is desperate for money. The man who buys him promises Albert he'll take wonderful care of him. And he does, but it doesn't last forever. Joey's story is full of miracle after tragedy after miracle and it's so sad to read. But warms your heart at the same time. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, they get better. Only to get worse again... only to get better. It's an incredible roller-coaster of a story.War Horse is a fast read. And I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it through without sobbing because I HATE seeing animals hurt or neglected... I can't stand it when they die in movies (seriously, I was a blubbering mess in King Kong and I Am Legend when the dog dies saving Will Smith).It was really interesting to read it from Joey's point of view... kind of gives you a look into the mind and soul of these big, beautiful creatures that we can't get otherwise. He's got an incredibly huge heart and a gentle spirit and there were several places in his story that had me tearing up. I kept having to put my Kindle down because I just didn't think I could read any more. The poor thing just couldn't catch a break! But every time I read something that broke my heart, it was followed by something that put it right back together.I think this would have to be one of my favorite novels. It's absolutely wonderful. I STILL don't know how watching the movie will go (I'll be sure to have lots of tissues) but if it's anything like the book it has to be wonderful.Definitely recommended for everyone.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Touching

K. · October 19, 2011

War Horse is a very touching read that takes you into the depths of World War I in the final days of the Cavalry. Morpurgo has done a very good job writing a story from a very different point of view than normal yet making it a very enthralling story, more so than usual because you are shown the perspectives of many of the different characters. Although this is a young adult book it is suitable for all ages, especially those who have a love for horses.The story is narrated by Joey, a Thoroughbred-cross horse and takes you from his days as a colt with his beloved master Albert throughout his days serving in the calvary, assisting the hospitals, and more throughout the war. The author has taken care to be very descriptive and to develop a very touching work. At one point I had to put this book down because I was laughing and crying at the same time.This is a nice and easy read that can definitely be finished within a weekend, and it certainly makes you appreciate our equine friends all the more. Many of us often fail to take into consideration the needs and feelings of our animals, and this is a book that makes you think twice when spending time with your animals. This book ultimately portrays the dedication and love of man and horse, and is just a truly great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Audiobook as Performed by Dan Stevens

P.V.M. · May 11, 2021

Fantastic story written from the perspective of the horse, Joey. I was worried that this book would prove much too sad for me, but even though there were many of those moments (it was a war, after all), the story was engaging throughout. The strangeness of listening to a story "voiced" by a horse quickly dissipated, and all the characters came to life as Joey passes from handler to handler hoping to work his way back to Albert.I highly recommend the audiobook as read by Dan Stevens -- he is a master at crafting character voices and his Scot, French, and German accents immerse the listener into the story and time period. Honestly, I would gladly listen to him read the phone book - he is that good. I also recommend his performances of Frankenstein and assorted Agatha Christie novels.

4.0 out of 5 stars Which is more enjoyable, the movie or the book?

A.C. · April 8, 2012

While on a long inter-continental flight, with nothing better to do, I watched the movie, "War Horse" produced by Steven Spielberg. I was spell-bound. I then decided to buy the book and read it. To my surprise, it was written with the POV being that of the horse. The "I" in the book is the horse Joey.I cannot help but compare the book to the movie, and this is one of the few occasions when I must say on the whole, the movie is better than the book except for one scene.The story is that of a horse, Joey, and its strength and courage in surviving that horrific war in which it was drafted into serving, first on the British side, then on the German side, all the while thinking of "home" with its original owner, the young man Albert. The various descriptions of the battles and that scene of the German soldier working with a British soldier in freeing Joey from the barb wires, all showed the stupidity and futility of the war.The way the movie handled the situation where, Albert and Joey towards the end managed to get together was very touching and more convincing than the way the situation was handled in the book.The one scene where the book excelled is the scene where Joey met the tank. In the movie, it didn't quite capture the fear in Joey, the fear that led to his running away madly into no-man's land. But the book described that feeling in Joey extremely well.I have not seen the West-End play, but now I would like to see it.In summary, I like this book and would recommend that anyone who has seen the movie, should get this book and read it. It gives a slightly different feel and enjoyment of the "War Horse" experience.

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless

A.C. · September 29, 2025

Beautifully written! Engaging story! History that is so compelling. Excellent for students because it engages the reader with its story, characters, themes, and vocabulary.

A good book with a lot of deep emotions

H.R. · August 13, 2012

After I heard from a movie in Germany about this book I was interested and bought it. I read it on vacation and was overwhelmed. The author write this story from the side of the horse Joey. You have no problem to follow the horse in his world and how he see the war and everything around. It’s a sad, touching and happy story in one book. The war and every effects of this are explained by Joey without any shoking details but anyway you can imagine how it was in many scenes. Especially the scene when Joey’s best horse friend die and he stay next to him and can’t understand why he is dead. I’m honest, sometimes I was crying during reading this book. But it’s a very good book and the author write in a perfect way. I loved it even it was so sad and frustrating.

Great for animal lovers

S.B. · April 7, 2019

Very good book, perfect for all ages. The story is not about a usual plot and show the many different aspects of the life of a horse. I don't want to give any spoilers even though i am very temted to, the story is enjoyable and unpredictable which makes it very fun to read. enjoy :)

Hele mooie editie van een classic verhaal

C. · July 9, 2025

War horse blijft een classic die ontzettend mooi is en waarbij ondanks alle ellende, er ook hoop is in de duisternis. Deze editie is heel mooi om in de kast te zetten en vaker te herlezen.

Magnifique

A.B. · February 18, 2015

Un beau roman narré du point de vue d'un cheval de ferme qui se retrouve pris dans la première guerre mondiale et qui n'aura de cesse de retrouver Albert, le garçon qui s'occupait de lui et l'aimait.Joey sera utilisé pour charger l'ennemi, tirer l'ambulance qui récupère les blessés, tracter les canons sur le champ de bataille et croisera de nombreux hommes sur sa route.A travers ses yeux on assiste aux petits et grands malheurs en temps de guerre mais également à des moments de bonheur qui réchauffent le coeur.Une bien belle histoire qui serre le ventre.Le film qui en a été adapté est également magnifique, à ne pas louper.

Touching story

C. · January 10, 2019

Absolutely loved this story! While I am 34 years old and this is clear a book written for children, I loved every moment of this book. It brought tears to my eyes while on the train today.