Reviews

The Winter Horses by Philip Kerr

booksarebetter's review against another edition

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4.0

I rather liked this, the only thing I didn't like was there was a fair bit of Russian in here that I didn't know the words meaning. Still, I like Russia, it's got some really fascinating stories, though this one was rather sad, though it was also intense and full of life and death and the horror of the war.

If the writer writes as good with their other books, I will definitely be a regular reader of Kerr.

brutusbloch's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

It is a really good book. The Story is somehow lovely?, I don't really have a Word to desceibe it. Maybe wholesome within its horrific, horrible, ugly, true setting. I do think it is a good book for Teenagers. Or maybe even 11 or 12 Year olds. 

That is also why I reducted 1 Star, because the writing Style is a little plain for me as a 24 Year old, but quite fitting for a child I would say.

Def. recommend it!!!

beastreader's review against another edition

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2.0

I have had this book sitting on my shelf for a long time. I finally picked it up to read it. I am a horse lover. While I did enjoy the horse aspect of this book, I could not keep the story in my head as I was reading it. Kind of like an outsider trying to look in. However, an unforgettable book. This sadden me as I did like Kalinka. She was a brave girl full of innocence. This is why I feel like the horses were drawn to her.

This book is rated starting at 12 years old. This might be a little low for some children. Just due to the little bit of violent scenes in this book. There was not a lot of gory details given which was good. Yet, still as an adult you may want to be prepared to have to explain to your child about the actions of the Germans and their relationship towards Jews.

cassiecat's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

5.0

🎧5⭐️


I had the audiobook read by Edwina Wren. I liked the narrator, but wasn’t keen on the voice used for Kalinka, but I have to say that it grew on me during the book. 


The only historical accuracy is the annihilation of the Przewalski horses as they didn’t fit the German occupation ideal of perfection. 

Historical YA fiction set during
WW2 in Ukraine. Max is the caretaker for a nature reserve. He is told by the Germans that all of the Przewalski horses are to be k*lled. Theres a Jewish girl Kalinka who lives on the reserve, she has lost all of her family, but has gained the trust of two of the rare and wild Przewalski horses. Kalinka takes the remaining wild horses on a long trek across the frozen Ukrainian forest to save them. 

It’s so desperately sad and moving in places having me in tears, at others there’s a strong sense of acceptance, friendship and strong bonds. The relationship between Kalinka and the horses is just beautiful, Kalinka is amazing both for her bravery and for her acceptance and understanding of people’s reluctance to help her during German occupation. 
The communication between the animals and Kalinka is cute, I was well into it, it kind of anthropomorphises the animals.

Oh my goodness this book had me in pieces. I’m a sucker for an emotional story. This is on a par with The Book Thief for me, similar character depth and emotion and same era, and YA orientated. If you loved the Book Thief check this one out. I actually rated it a tad higher as it didn’t have a slow paced start. 

I would love to see an animated/ CGI film of this story. 

tiamushka's review against another edition

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4.0

While not the most well written (large info dumps, unrealistic dialogue, etc.) It was a fascinating bit of history I did not know, and that kept me reading. Of course we know that Hitler tried to dispose of whole races of humans, but I did not know that he tried to do the same for species of animals as well. I also loved the almost fairy tale, magical realist way the relationship with the girl and the horses was presented. Altogether an interesting read.

rezdog's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

martydah's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

amieoo's review against another edition

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5.0

Probably my favourite Book in the world.
I loved almost everything about it and it was such a joy to read this!

z_bookfluencer's review against another edition

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3.0

This book is historical fiction set in the time of war. It is a quick read though intense due to the subject. The young main character faces devastating trials in order to survive. The writing style is nice and flows smoothly between the characters of the book. The animals are their own characters. The ending was very bittersweet and maybe a little bit uncomfortable, but every culture it different and what matters is the character is once again safe. Overall, very well written.

heyhoheha's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5