Saturday, September 4, 2010

The Black Stallion's Ghost

Author: Walter Farley
Stars: 5
Review by:  RjS

This is a much different book than the other books in the Black Stallion series and I am not so sure that the book is targeted for children, as the book is centered around a very complex subject: mental insanity. It is a powerfully dark story, most of the action happens in the Everglades, during the night. One can even say that it is a story of renewal and the passage of Alec, from boy into man. 

The story starts with Captain Pluminel, who is at the center of this story of transition. A former rider at the Cadre Noir, France's premier school of Equestrian Art, he is haunted by ghosts, superstitions, talisman's and evil spiits. Alec meets him, on Pluminel's descent into complete insanity and ultimately, his death. The impact he has on Alec and all that he holds dear, is the real story and Alec emerges a hero, strong and courageous, even in the face of terror. I enjoyed this book and will think of it for a long time.

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