09/05/2019
Sample book review - A* model
"Black beauty" by Anna Sewell
A novel I read when I was young and always remained my favourite was 'Black Beauty' written by Anna Sewell, a classic morality tale set in 19th century London.
The novel follows Black Beauty's hard life from pasture to the coal-coated cobblestone streets of Victorian London.
The novel contains a variety of well drawn characters such as Black Beauty, a handsome black horse, who teaches us how to be loyal even when we are not treated nicely, Farmer Grey, Black Beauty's first owner, whose human values of companionship and compassion keeps Black Beauty in its happiest years of life. By far the most appealing character to me ,though,was 'Duchess', Black Beauty's mother because I admire the way she advises Black Beauty to always try his best to be of good character.
One of the most memorable moments in the novel was when John Manly, the coachmen rides beauty to fetch the doctor for Mrs.Gordon, doing his best to gallop at the fastest speed possible nearly killing himself to save Mrs.Gordons life.
Written in simple diction and in the first person perspective of a horse,this novel would be extremely absorbing to all age groups. This great novel gives us a message to treat animals with thoughtfulness and compassion rather than mere objects of service.
