I think I will try my hand at reviewing this book. I learned about it from a discussion on my Facebook Friend Jenny Norton Schamber's page. This was just shortly after I discovered that one of the colts that I sold as a yearling race horse prospect was saved from the kill pen at an auction this winter. Once I became aware of the book's existence I immediately went to Amazon and purchased/downloaded it to my Kindle. I understand a movie is in the works and I wanted to read the book prior to seeing the moving...... the rest is history. I read until my eyes could no longer make out the words.
Elizabeth Letts tells a riveting tale of two underdogs that dare to take on the hottie tottie show jumping world of the late fifties. The story drew me in from the very beginning with Harry's chance encounter with the "ol' plow horse". I could visually see in my mind the look the grey gelding had in his eye when he gazed at Harry - as if he knew this was his last chance, as if he could read Harry's kind heart by just looking at him. Throughout the book, Letts does an amazing job of touching on Harry and Snowman's special bond along with how the pair inspired a country that was very much in need of a relief after the trials of World War II had taken the sap out of most - other than the very rich and well off. As Letts describes the night that the team performed for President Eisenhower, "Snowman represented every little guy: everyone not sitting in a VIP seat, every worker at the armory that night - pushing a wheelbarrow or a broom - and everybody who was not born into the kind of privilege that competed in the ring that night." Through it all, Harry never lost touch with his roots. He knew he and his steed were the underdogs and he never forgot his meager beginnings. He also never quit dreaming. Believing that dreams can come true if you are willing to work for them and to take a risk now and then. He was the kind of owner that every horse deserves and a man after my own heart for the kindness and compassion that he showed to those that were entrusted in his care.
I like that black and white photos were included in the book, giving the reader a more vivid feel of the era. Perhaps that is what made me feel like I had actually went back in time, although Letts' verbal descriptions were very detailed and also no doubt attributed to the feeling of actually being there.
The one thing that I did not care for was that the end seemed to come abruptly although I should have been able to tell the end was near by the storyline itself. Perhaps that's one of the signs of a good book - not wanting it to end - wanting the story to continue on.
I am definitely waiting impatiently for the movie and it will most certainly will be added to my library of horse themed videos. I will also be purchasing a hardcover book for my literary library. I love a good horse story and one that is based on a true story is better than make believe everyday of the week.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes stories about horses, underdogs prevailing, or history buffs.
Enjoy!
