In the Presence of Horses

Written by an obviously capable horsewoman, "In the Presence of Horses" speaks to all who have ever felt alone on this earth. But for the powerful and vibrant presence of horses, the main character in this novel would have long ago withdrawn herself from the world, not just from the company of other people. For the discerning presence of one horse in particular, she makes an arduous journey back into a world of human selfishness and compassion. Mildly psychologically disturbing, this book truly tests the capacity to empathize. It is not just for horse people, but for horse people, there is an added bonus: Dimmick has masterfully and subtly captured what is perhaps the most compelling reason for our love affair with these great animals. Thirty-some year old Natalie simplifies the undefinable when, speaking of the old, wise broodmare, she states: "I want to be just like her when I grow up."

I have worked with horses on and off all my life. I grew up riding, having learned at the age of three from my beloved grandfather. I worked as a groom and trainer for some years. I can attest to the accuracy of life this author portrays within her novel. Even if you just look at the surface, it's a good book.But delve deeper and you find yourself involved in the private torments of a woman from whom life has taken much, and to whom little was given. The plotline is sad, yes. The horses, some of them, die, yes. This reflects real life. Horses that we dearly love, sometimes, horribly, die bad deaths, despite our efforts. This book does leave us with hope at the end, that despair can be overcome, that life brings with it the seeds of joy, that the spirit of one beloved horse can be sensed in the struggle to live of another small foal. Take a chance, try this story and see...

Barbara Dimmick wonderfully captures the beauty of Eastern Pennsylvania. More impressively, she nails the Old World fatalism of its inhabitants, most of whom descended from Central European immigrants. As I native who has lived elsewhere for two decades, I can vouch for the type. I have read this book twice. On the second reading, I was surprised at the character and plot subtleties I missed the first time around. There is a deepness here that calls for close reading. And, suspend your disbelief about the prevalence of a certain type of illness in that peculiar corner of the world. It is true.

In The Presence of Horses is a work of art, an ansulutely brilliant book. For those who wish to read a nicey-nice book about horsies, this is not it. For those adults, who wish to experience the human condition, who wish to look at themselves with an unequivocating eye, this book is a must read. For writers and readers who wish to read exquisite prose, prose so simple, exquisite, and sumptuous, this book is a godsend. Oh, what I would give to write like that.

I FOUND THIS AN ABSORBING STORY. THE AUTHOR OBVIOUSLY KNOWS, LOVES AND UNDERSTAND HORSES, BUT ALSO KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS HUMANS AND THEIR FAILINGS AS WELL. THE WAY THE STORY DEVELOPS THROUGH NATALIE'S WORK WITH THE HORSES KEEPS THE READER WITH HER. THE CHAPTER WHERE TWISTER DIES IS EXTREMELY MOVING, AND THE END KEEPS THE READER WONDERING AS WELL. I THOUGHT THIS WAS BETTER THAN THE HORSE WHISPERER AS THE CHARACTERS, BOTH HUMAN AND EQUINE WERE REALLY DRAWN FROM LIFE.