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War Horse Audiobook
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(4.00) - 12,337 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero's journey.
Format: 4 CDs, Unabridged
Narrator: TBA
In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?
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"Wow I came into this book thinking it was going to be told from the perspective of Albert. Oh how wrong was I? It was told from the perspective of Joey. The story was about Joey's life as he travels through the army with best friend Topthorn. Joey goes through the top ranks in the British army, being captured by the German army and becoming the highest horse and then being found by Albert again. I would recommend this book to anybody who wonders what it was like inside war."
— 7703nicolas (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Superb…Joey’s voice—unsentimental and brave under fire—amplifies the emotional impact of the story.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“Joey tells his own story, narrated superbly here by John Keating in a medley of accents appropriate to the young horse’s travels…This is a fine, moving story beautifully rendered.”
— Washington Post (audio review) -
“John Keating establishes a convincing narrator with his portrayal of Joey, an English farm horse…Keating characterizes each with credible emotions, accents, and age qualities. Through his portrayals, listeners understand the uniqueness of Joey’s masters, whether Welsh or German. Hearing their distinctly different stories and voices enables listeners to see the humans’ commonality. Each one hates war and bears love and admiration for the courage of this noble steed.”
— AudioFile -
“As the soldiers from both sides of the conflict share their thoughts and feelings with Joey, listeners get unique and perceptive views of World War I. John Keating’s different accents are pitch perfect as he draws listeners into the story.”
— School Library Journal -
“The novel [has an] antiwar message, and the terse details speak eloquently about peace.”
— Booklist -
“An eloquently told and absorbing friendship story. Horse lovers will be on the edge of their seats from the beginning to the end…Morpurgo presents both a fine history lesson and an emotional tale.”
— Children’s Literature
Awards
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Runner-up for the 1982 Whitbread Award
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A #1 New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
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Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
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A Washington Post Pick of Audiobooks That Transport You to Another Place
War Horse Listener Reviews
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—
ur mom, 5/17/2020
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" I absolutely loved it and so did my boys. Emotional, both happy and sad. Very good. "
— Annemarie, 2/8/2014 -
" What a wonderful story! I loved it! "
— Karen, 2/7/2014 -
" Interesting story, easy read. It was a fun book "
— doug, 2/7/2014 -
" Touching beautiful story about the relationship between man & animal. "
— Kara, 2/1/2014 -
" Loved it! Also one you can't read in public for fear of PDT (Public Display of Tears). "
— Elizabeth, 1/30/2014 -
" Easy story to read....quick reading, actually. Entertaining and enjoyable. A feel good book! Now I am ready to see the movie. "
— Pamela, 1/30/2014 -
" Great historical fiction novel told from the point of view of a horse used on both sides of World War 1. This author has another good WW1 novel called Private Peaceful. "
— Ms., 1/20/2014 -
" Great story and short read. It's a little predictable, but hey, it's for younger readers and I hadn't read it as a kid. I would still absolutely recommend it. "
— Cherie, 1/2/2014 -
" I didn't realize that this was a children's book. Fairly short, quick read that I rather enjoyed. Written from the horse's perspective. A lot of adventure but also emotion. I would recommend to any age. "
— Kendra, 12/31/2013 -
" I great book for anybody. Told from the perspective of a horse during World War I. "
— Heather, 12/16/2013 -
" If you're going to read a book written in the first person by a horse, read Black Beauty. "
— Judith, 12/11/2013 -
" There are many things to like about this book: it would be enjoyed by a wide audience, it is an easy read, and the sotry is interesting. That being said, I did not find myself drawn to any of the characters as much as I expected to given the dramatic setting and events. "
— Carola, 12/8/2013 -
" AMAZING!! And the movie wasn't half bad either "
— Rena, 9/25/2013 -
" IT has alot of action "
— Clayton, 7/21/2013 -
" Sweet and simple story about a courageous horse during WWI told via the horse's perspective. A quick listen and well told. "
— Susan, 7/3/2013 -
" I never thought I would say this but I think I liked the movie better than the book. Hard to believe I know. I loved the movie so I decided to read this book, which I liked but was disappointed when you compared them. "
— Cole, 5/28/2013 -
" One of the best books I've ever read! "
— Kim, 3/3/2013 -
" Loved this book! It was a very compelling story and I enjoyed the way the story was told from the horse's perspective, a la "Black Beauty". It really taught me a lot about World War I and I thought I already knew a lot. I highly recommend! "
— Charmie, 2/2/2013 -
" What an amazing book. Sometimes funny, sometimes a tear-jerker, always a classic. "
— Lydia, 10/18/2012 -
" This book was an amazing, emotional story. It really made me realize how alike humans and horses are. they both can be scared, can love, and have several thoughts. I would've given this book 5 stars, but it has too many main characters dying so i gave it 4 stars. Still a GREAT read. "
— Saru, 7/6/2012 -
" Wonderful. Written from the point of view of the horse, which makes it intimate and a terrific read. Of course, the movie is faboulous, too. "
— Phoenix, 4/7/2012 -
" Easy read, a joy to dance through the impacting life of Joey. Thank you MM for this book. "
— Dreamydreamer, 3/29/2012 -
" I was so afraid to read this book .. I thought it would just be too sad. While the story is sad in parts, I did enjoy the read. As opposed to the movie it is taken from the point of view of the horse so you see the story thorough Joey's eyes. "
— Ronnie, 11/21/2011 -
" Fab book and I love a happy ending "
— Alyson, 9/30/2011 -
" Aimed at children but good for all ages. I thought this book was super! "
— Kimberley, 7/6/2011 -
" I'm finding this book a history of the Second World War quite fantastic even though I have not finished it quite yet but I admit I will finish it soon! "
— Keely, 5/16/2011 -
" I decided to read this when I read that it had been made into a play. The article about the horses that are used in the play (VERY large puppets for lack of a better term)sounded fascinating, but the book itself is just ok. "
— Melissa, 5/4/2011 -
" The story of Joey, who is sold into war and goes to France where he experiences the horror of World War I. Albert, the boy who loved and trained him on a farm in England, comes to find him. "
— Linnet, 4/30/2011 -
" This book was written in a similar format at Black Beauty. It is written from the horse's point of view during World War I. Some touching parts in which the love between people and animals is demonstrated. "
— Jilane, 4/26/2011 -
" Read this after reading about the Broadway play. Was looking for a candidate for a Mother/Son bookclub for my wife and son. I thought it was well done, definitely pulls at the heartstrings, but well done. The telling from the horse's point of view a nice twist. "
— Dougjones, 4/18/2011 -
" Beautiful WW1 story about a boy, his hires, and the callousness of war. Imagery of compassion and humanity within difficult conditions. Illustrates the confusion of war and the peacefulness of human hearts. "
— Dlmoore83, 4/16/2011 -
" Amazing. Even with the simplistic writing (meant for young readers) I wept on many occasions. The horrors of war as it was in 1914 are so real and make you think about where we are today. Told in the voice of Joey, as a horse, is absolutely heartwrenching. Astounding "
— Stevie, 4/15/2011 -
" I first read this back in the '80s, but now that it's become a play and soon a film, I'm going to revisit. Great book that deserves to be read again and again! "
— Steven, 4/14/2011
About Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate of Britain, is the author of War Horse, called “superb” by the New York Times Book Review and now a major motion picture. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity. His writing has won numerous award, including the Whitbread Children’s Book Award, the California Young Reader Medal, the Red House Children’s Book Award, and France’s Prix Sorcieres, among others and others. He lives in Devon, England, with his wife, Clare. Together they founded the charity Farms for City Children, which gives children from urban areas an opportunity to spend a week working on a farm in the countryside.
About John Keating
John Keating is an actor, voice talent, and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. His numerous acting credits include Roundabout Theatre’s production of Juno and the Paycock and La Mama ETC’s production of Cat and the Moon, as well as various parts with the Irish Repertory Theater and the Irish Arts Center. He can also be seen in the HBO miniseries John Adams, starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney.