War horse

War Horse- Book Review and Storyline

War Horse is a heart-warming story that takes you on a beautiful journey into a Horse’s life.
Joey, a beautiful foal, is separated from his mother and bought by Albert’s father to their farm. Still a young boy, Albert showers Joey with love and affection and gives him his name. The duo spend a great deal of time together and, with each passing day, get increasingly attached and inseparable. When Albert’s father decides to get rid of Joey by selling him, Albert trains Joey to become a farm horse so that he remains useful and hence is allowed to stay with him.
But the war starts, and things start getting rationed. Like everyone else, Albert’s family must cut their expenses to meet ends. Albert’s father decides to sell Joey to the army in exchange for money. Albert is heartbroken but can do little about it. He wants to join the army to be with his Joey, but he is too young and cannot enrol.
Joey and Albert part ways. Joey is thrust into the midst of the war, where he transforms from a farm horse to a war horse. He witnesses the horrors of the war and its miseries. From being on the side of the Allies to landing on no man’s land and getting to the German side, Joey experiences it all. He comes across young, horrified men, spending the golden years of their life in trenches, getting pushed into the war, not knowing why their destinies took such a horrifying turn. He comes across horses like him who take these men on the battlefield and help cart them back when they get badly injured or when they are counting their last moments.

Amid all the miseries and hardships, his only source of emotional support is Topthorn, a horse who is his constant companion and friend. But life is full of ups and downs, and the war doesn’t spare anyone. The terrible loss of Topthorn leaves Joey heartbroken and low-spirited. Nothing but the comfort in the company of loved ones can now bring him back to his usual self.

Does Joey find joy in his life? Does he come back alive from the long war? Does he return to his carefree life, like the one he lived before the war started? Does he meet Albert, his best friend? Read all this to know more.

Like his other books, Micheal Morpurgo has written his book beautifully, capturing the emotions of Joey so sensitively- wording his feelings so accurately, making the reader empathise and be one with him.


A lovely book and a must-read for all animal lovers. You can also check out the movie based on this lovely story here.

To read about other interesting books, click here.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Farshore; 1st edition (29 Jun. 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1405226668
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1405226660
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 – 15 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 19.8 x 1.2 x 12.9 cm

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