Publication date UK format 4/4/22 book 180 pages
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this to read and review all my reviews are honest.
Synopsis
Shortlisted for the Anasoft Litera 2014
It is 1984 and a small town somewhere in the east of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic is in the firm grip of totalitarianism. Unruly teenager Karolína is growing up in an unconventional all-female household including her hot-blooded, knife-wielding grandmother.
Repelled by her Mum’s serial love affairs, Karolína runs away and stumbles upon a riding school on the edge of town. There, she befriends Romana, a girl with one leg shorter than the other and Matilda, a rider and trainer who helps the two girls overcome their physical limitations. Together they found a successful trick riding team and soon it seems that half flags, mills and scales are not the only tricks flashing like blades up her sequinned sleeve as Karolína explores Pink Floyd and smoking, and discovers her knack for seeing deep into others’ souls.
The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 and the subsequent arrival of capitalism threatens to destroy the riding school. The team has to turn professional. But in a sport of perfect scores is there still room for Romana and Karolína…?
The Equestrienne is a poetic, caustic coming-of-age novel about the desire of one young girl to realise her dreams before and after Velvet Revolution; it is a celebration of friendship between women and also a bitter acknowledgement that greed the desire for power can destroy any relationship.
I lived several lives in the brief instant before my feet touched the ground. The music stopped. I landed on the hard surface like an accomplished equestrienne. The equestrienne bowed. The audience applauded.
My Review
This is such a wonderful story. I just loved it from the very start. It was a wonderful storyline that I became so engrossed in it. It's such a powerful and emotive book looking at the struggles of living in a communist state. Also its a horse book eek I just love horse fiction and I had never read a book about horse vaulting before It's fascinating. I connected with the 2 main characters straight away and became so emotionally involved in them. This books target audience is new adults but it was so enjoyable I'm positive that every new adult and adults alike will just love it. The author created such a wonderful sense of atmosphere and tension that had my emotions on high alert at all times. I really did not want this book to end I was enjoying it that much. I definitely recommend this book to all horse fans out there and also fans who just love beautifully wrote stories packed full of culture. I will definitely be looking out for more books to read by this author as it was so amazing.
Only the highest praise goes out to the author, translaters and publishers for creating this epic story to help us understand the lives and struggles of those living under a communist rule. This book is a must read book a book of a lifetime, a book-et list book. And most importantly a book to read before you die.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US PB $12.99
Waterstones PB £9.00
Google Books ebook £3.99
B&N PB $12.99
Kobo ebook £3.39
Amazon UK K £3.99 PB £7.99
All prices are subject to change at any time. Please remember to review all books you finish reading so others can find these amazing books. All reviews help just remember not to tell people what the book is about as everyone has already read the synopsis. Just include what you liked and felt when reading the book.
HAPPY READING
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