Horse

Synopsis: Geraldine Brooks has written a novel spanning antebellum Kentucky, New York in the 1950’s and present day Washington DC, all in the service of telling a story about “the greatest race horse in American history." This novel is based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred, Lexington. In Kentucky in 1850, an enslaved groom named Jarret and a bay foal form a bond that carries the horse to racing victories across the South. New York City, 1954: Martha Jackson, a gallery owner, becomes obsessed with a nineteenth-century equestrian oil painting ( of you-know-who) of mysterious provenance. Washington DC: Jess, a Smithsonian reseacher and Theo, an art historian, find themselves unexpectedly connected through their shared interest in Lexington.

Review: A discarded painting in a junk pile, a race horse skeleton in storage at the Smithsonian, and the greatest racehorse in American history, are all strands in this historical fiction tapestry. The subject of the book, though, is not really the racehorse, it’s racism and it’s impact on human relations both past and present. There is equal part truth and fiction in this story, but the end notes describing the “real” characters was fascinating. Richly detailed and well researched, the characters were complex and individual in speech and mannerisms. Entertaining and informative, so 5 stars for that. Unfortunately, I found the narrative arc of Jess and Theo to be a bit strained. First of all, it’s a relationship completely devoid of chemistry. I couldn’t even figure out why these two were hanging out together! Certain events from this timeline felt contrived or forced, and those with an imagination probably know where these two are headed. This segment of the book was too much “telling,” and not enough nuance or letting the story speak for itself. I would say it was an overall favorable reading experience, with my level of enjoyment greatest for the story of Jarret and Lexington.

Rating: 4/5

Recipe: Derby pie is similar to a chocolate pecan pie, but more chewy, not as gooey, and uses walnuts instead of pecans. Lexington did not race in the Kentucky Derby, but this book sure made me think of this classic dessert. This recipe will be called “Sort of like Derby Pie,” because that name is trade marked and the Kern family will aggressively pursue those who infringe upon it. So enjoy this pie, sort of like a derby pie but not exactly. Mixing by hand does seem to produce a better texture, so no mixer required.

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1 stick of melted butter

2 eggs, slightly beaten

6 oz package of chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts (but I use pecans because I like them!)

1 tsp vanilla

1 pie crust

1) Mix together the sugars and flour

2) Add melted butter and blend well

3) Stir in the eggs, chips, nuts and vanilla

4) Pour into pie shell and bake in 325 degree oven for one hour.