By: Walter Farley
Published: 1948
My rating: Good
When I was a kid, The Black Stallion series was the best, and this book was the crowning jewel of the lot! I decided to get it and read it to the kids. It seemed a lot more exciting when I was a kid but my kids seemed to enjoy it and that what really mattered.
Steve Duncan has always dreamed of a flame red, magnificent stallion but never thought he would ever find him. When he travels to Azul Island with his friend Pitch he is shocked to be awakened by a strange sound and look up to see the horse from his dreams! Unfortunately there seems to be no way to reach the cliff where the mighty stallion had been. They begin to explore the island more thoroughly and discover secrets that have been untouched for hundreds of years. As Pitch immerses himself in searching for ancient artifacts, Steve makes friends with the beautiful Flame.
I loved the mystery of the island and the fantasy of being able to find such a place. I think that everyone has a little place inside them that would love to find their own little hideaway that nobody else knows about. The plot and style of writing are a little stiff but enjoyable. It was an unrealistic scenario but appealed to the imagination. We enjoyed hearing about the horses and the hidden paradise they lived in. I was left with the desire to go searching for the island so I too could explore it's secrets!
Overall, it wasn't near as good as I remembered it but we did enjoy the story. I read the entire series as a kid and remember them with fondness. I don't think I'll bother reading any more of them to the kids though. I'll just keep them in my memory as great stories about magnificent horses!
It sounds like an interesting book. I agree, though. Some books are best left to memory.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how our concept of things change as we grow older? There have been a number of things that I remembered with great fondness from my childhood but upon revisiting them I find myself wondering what in the world I was thinking! :)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter, who is the horse crazy one in the family, has decided to read the rest of the series on her own. I'll be interested to hear what she thinks of them! :)