When his father buys six-month old Joey, it is 13-year-old Albert who cares for him and trains him. But then World War I begins, and the horse is sold to the British Cavalry. He travels to France and joins the battle. Joey relates his experiences, and the people that he meets. Whether British, French, or German, they are generally kind to him, and longing for life without war. Of course, the question, throughout the book, is: Will Joey and Albert be reunited?
This book is written in simple and straightforward language, suited for children (grades 6-8). It is the story of a horse. It is also the story of "the pity and the futility and the huge senselessness, and the hope" of war (quoting Morpurgo, from an article in the London Evening Standard).
I enjoyed the book, and now I'm curious to see what they'll put in and take out for the movie...
