published: 2012
plot: "I had spent most of my childhood thinking I was a dog, and suspect I had aged in dog years. By the time I was ten I had discovered the pain of unbearable loss. I had felt joy and jealousy. Most important of all, I knew how to love and how to let myself be loved. All these things I learnt through animals. Horses and dogs were my family and my friends. This is their story as much as it is mine"
TV presenter and journalist Clare Balding grew up in a rather unusual household. Her father a champion trainer, she shared her life with more than 100 thoroughbred racehorses, mares, foals and ponies, as well as an ever-present pack of boxers and lurchers. As a toddler she would happily ride the legendary Mill Reef and take breakfast with the Queen.
what I liked: She clearly can write and has a very honest attitude enriched with subtle humour. What fascinated me most was the fact that a seemingly down to earth and healthy woman has come out of a relatively difficult family.
what I didn´t like: If you are not really into horses ( I am not) and haven´t got a clue about racing and the vocabulary that comes along with it, sometimes it can get a bit boring. I read this book over several months.
verdict: A well written and interesting autobiography, cleverly crafted around family pets and horses. Recommended if you love horses and like seeing her on tv. If this is not the case then you can give it a miss.
miss... never been a horse gal :D
ReplyDeletei think a lot of down to earth people can come out of difficult families... i know at least one