First published in 1941, Walter Farley’s best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black’s first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old.
I first read this book when I was very young. It was the first horse book after Black Beauty that I read and there were two reasons I had looked forward to reading this book. First, that it was about a horse any horse is great, second it was about an Arabian. I have long been a fan of Arabian horses and that upped the appeal. All of that being said I was having trouble getting into my next book read so I thought I would pick up something easy to pass the time. The Black Stallion was just as good as I remember it being.
Walter Farley’s classic has all of the things you would expect from an exciting book, action, adventure, friendship and surprises. Alec Ramsay and The Black build such an incredible relationship all starting when the ship they are traveling on has a tragic accident and sinks. The imagery of this book is amazing; you can see The Black pulling Alec through the water to the island they end up on. You can see the mighty stallion running free on the island. You can feel their friendship grow.
There is of course a movie for this famous novel, but you do not have to see it to see the images and feel the feelings. Reading this childhood favorite with adult eyes gave me a new understanding of some passages but overall I was able to relive the excitement of my first reading. Weather your Young or Old this book is for you it is an inspirational story of friendship and bonding and overcoming insurmountable odds.
The Black Stallion was one of my childhood favorites. LOVED the entire series. It's nice to see a review of it! At a books program at my daughter's elementary school, I recently got some girls to check it out 🙂