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janetl69's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book for 2 reasons, 1) it checked off the 2021 PopSugar category of "a book set mostly or entirely outdoors" and 2) I love the Bernie Gunther novels by this author and since he has died and there are no more of those to come, I picked up something else he wrote.
While some people have said this felt a bit childish, it technically is YA so that would make sense, but it's still about war and the character that it brings out in people (both good and bad). I got a kick out of the personalities of Taras and the horses. I understand that it's "unrealistic", but I think it worked for the story. Very rarely, in stories about war (and WWII in particular), will all the characters you meet survive and this was not any different.
In the letter that Max gave to Kalinka, there was a section that resonated with me and even in 2021, makes you agree; "Max is right. I don't think it's any good to hate. But you can't help feeling more than a little disappointed now & again that man is such a destructive species." There's so much crap out in the world, that sometimes it's the little things people say or do that make you appreciate the good when you see it.
While some people have said this felt a bit childish, it technically is YA so that would make sense, but it's still about war and the character that it brings out in people (both good and bad). I got a kick out of the personalities of Taras and the horses. I understand that it's "unrealistic", but I think it worked for the story. Very rarely, in stories about war (and WWII in particular), will all the characters you meet survive and this was not any different.
In the letter that Max gave to Kalinka, there was a section that resonated with me and even in 2021, makes you agree; "Max is right. I don't think it's any good to hate. But you can't help feeling more than a little disappointed now & again that man is such a destructive species." There's so much crap out in the world, that sometimes it's the little things people say or do that make you appreciate the good when you see it.
evayz01's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book very timely and I felt a strong personal connection to the themes and characters due to my own heritage. The writing style was too analytical to inspire the strong emotion that this book had the potential to evoke, but the action was so concentrated and suspenseful that I could not put it down!
mimi_me's review against another edition
4.0
A fast-paced, spell-binding read about a heroine I couldn't help but love and admire and the horses she saves. Set in the Ukraine at the end of WWII, this is one of Kerr's masterpieces.
Well researched, beautifully told.
Well researched, beautifully told.
maryster's review against another edition
3.0
My rating is more like 3.5/5 and it could be a 4 if the journey of Kalinka and horses wasn't so long, maybe more than 100 pages, it kinda lost my interest.
At the end the book is good and very easy to read.
At the end the book is good and very easy to read.
brutusbloch's review against another edition
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!!!
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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