Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
What if a forgotten piece of American history could be found in an old painting and the bones of a horse? Horse by Geraldine Brooks transports readers through three timelines, unraveling the mystery of Lexington, one of America's greatest racehorses. Set in the 1850s, 1950s, and 2019, the novel intertwines the lives of an enslaved young man, Jarret, who tends to Lexington, an art dealer named Martha Jackson, and two modern-day scholars, Theo Northam and Jess, who stumble upon Lexington’s forgotten legacy.
The story moves seamlessly between these eras, exploring themes of racism, the overlooked contributions of Black horsemen in American racing, and the lasting impact of history on the present. Jarret’s deep bond with Lexington, despite the brutal realities of enslavement, forms the emotional core of the novel, while Theo and Jess's journey highlights the ongoing search for truth in the remnants of the past. This meticulously researched novel, rich with historical detail and emotional depth, is a standalone work that weaves together personal and historical narratives to reveal a larger story about legacy and identity. Brooks masterfully connects the dots between the past and present, making Horse a compelling read for anyone interested in the untold stories that shape our world.
Date Published: June 14, 2022
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Historical Fiction
African American Literature
Cultural Heritage
Social Commentary
Literary Fiction
Jarret Lewis: An enslaved Black teenager with an innate understanding of horses, Jarret’s deep loyalty and care for Lexington demonstrate his resilience and hope amidst the brutality of enslavement. He forms an unbreakable bond with Lexington, guiding the horse to greatness despite the oppressive circumstances of his life.
Theo Northam: A Georgetown Art History graduate student, Theo is deeply invested in uncovering the stories hidden within art. His dedication to historical truth and justice drives his research into the mysterious horse portrait he discovers, leading him to a tragic end when his good intentions are misunderstood.
Jess: A Smithsonian osteologist, Jess is methodical, passionate about her work, and driven by a desire to preserve and honor history. Her meticulous rearticulation of Lexington’s skeleton reflects her commitment to uncovering the past, and her relationship with Theo blossoms into a bond that transcends professional collaboration.
Martha Jackson: A 1950s art dealer and former horse enthusiast, Martha embodies the bridge between past and present. Her discovery of Lexington’s painting reignites her passion for horses and connects her to the horse’s legacy, highlighting her enduring love for both art and equestrian history.
Legacy and Heritage: The novel explores how the legacies of people and animals are passed down through generations, often obscured or forgotten. Lexington’s story, rediscovered through art and bones, reflects the lasting impact of historical figures on the present, as Jarret’s contributions are finally acknowledged.
Racism and Social Injustice: The novel highlights the systemic racism embedded in both historical and contemporary society. Jarret’s life as an enslaved person and Theo’s tragic death in the present day underscore the persistence of racial prejudice and violence, demonstrating how history repeats itself.
The Power of Art and Memory: Art serves as a conduit for memory, connecting the characters across time. The painting of Lexington and the preservation of his skeleton allow the characters to reconstruct a lost history, illustrating how art can preserve and reveal truths that might otherwise be forgotten.
The Human-Animal Bond: The relationship between Jarret and Lexington symbolizes a deeper connection between humans and animals, reflecting mutual respect and understanding. This bond transcends the harsh realities of the world, offering a glimpse of purity and loyalty in a brutal context.
Horse spans three interconnected timelines: the 1850s, 1950s, and 2019, weaving together the lives of people linked by their connection to the legendary racehorse Lexington. In the 1850s, Jarret Lewis, an enslaved teenager, becomes the caretaker of a foal named Lexington, who grows to become one of the greatest racehorses in American history. Despite the brutal realities of his life, Jarret forms an extraordinary bond with Lexington, guiding the horse to numerous victories. Lexington’s success, however, comes at a cost. Sold from owner to owner, Jarret and Lexington endure separation and hardship, with Jarret ultimately purchasing the last portrait of Lexington years after the horse's death. The narrative provides a glimpse into the forgotten contributions of Black horsemen in Southern racing, a history largely erased or overlooked.
In the 1950s, Martha Jackson, a former horse enthusiast turned art dealer, uncovers a painting of Lexington, a piece of art that rekindles her connection to the equestrian world. Her storyline serves as a bridge between the past and present, highlighting how Lexington’s legacy continues to resonate even decades later.
In 2019, Theo Northam, a graduate student in Art History, stumbles upon a painting of Lexington, discarded by his neighbor. Simultaneously, Jess, a Smithsonian osteologist, is working on the rearticulation of a horse skeleton she soon discovers is Lexington’s. Their research paths converge, uncovering the hidden story of Jarret and Lexington. As Theo and Jess delve deeper into their investigation, they unearth the overlooked history of Black horsemen and the tragic fate of Lexington. Their discoveries are tinged with tragedy when Theo, trying to help an injured woman, is mistakenly shot by a police officer. In the aftermath of his death, Jess honors his memory by returning the painting to the Lexington exhibit, ensuring Theo’s contribution is recognized.
The novel concludes with Jess, now burdened by both personal loss and the weight of history, returning to Australia. The image of Lexington running across the desert with his equine ancestors closes the narrative, symbolizing the enduring legacy of history and the inescapable connection between past and present. The themes of legacy, racism, and the power of memory resonate through each timeline, reminding readers of the importance of uncovering and honoring forgotten histories.
Our summaries are designed with you in mind, focusing on delivering content that resonates and engages. By delving deeply into Horse, we meticulously highlighted key themes such as the legacy of history and the ongoing impact of social injustice, ensuring that each point reflects the novel's rich narrative. Our expertise in literary analysis allows us to distill the most relevant aspects, presenting them in a way that is both informative and compelling. We uphold the highest standards of accuracy and integrity, making sure our summaries are not only reliable but also enhance your reading experience.
