Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

 


*No-spoiler Alert*

My first read on anthropomorphism. Having read novels using literary devices as various personifications but none on anthropomorphism, Black Beauty was a cathartic reading journey for me. 

Anna Sewell, deep-rooted love for horses and deep-rooted dejection against ill-treatment towards animals, douses the novel with sensitivity, love, kindness and compassion. This novel educates the 
public about horses, love, prevailing empathy and apathy towards them.

Myself being an ardent animal lover, Black Beauty rendered an emotional yet an invigorating reading experience. The journey of Black beauty from a colt to a stallion, from an empathic caring owner to an apathic cruel one. Being introduced to different hostlers, horse-friends and experiences from the paddock, open meadows to being stranded in a stable, from facing a fire incident to being shifted to another cleaner one. There is not a single page which I would want to skip or ramble through casually. The comforting words of the caring-owner during the deep dark moments in the novel "Lassie" incite a whirlpool of emotions in an overtly emotional person like me.

I thoroughly enjoyed devouring this beautifully crafted anthropomorphic classic. Far from pontification, Anna Sewell very humbly and realistically takes us through the emotional journey of horses.

I deeply admired the bond and understanding between Black Beauty and the high-spirited Ginger.

It is a deeply involving, compelling and a-must read for everyone.  
I will surely revisit this novel whenever I experience a reading slump  and want to live with the horses (imaginatively ofcourse!), experience their love, agony and deep compassion for the world and people.

A definite 5-star for this rarest of the rare masterpiece.

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