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.