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War Horse

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War Horse

By: Michael Morpurgo
Narrated by: Luke Treadaway
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About this listen

Michael Morpurgo’s classic tale, capturing the power of the human spirit.

First published back in 1982, ‘War Horse’ has taken the world by storm. The book was adapted to the stage and was performed at the National Theatre and on Broadway. This full and unabridged edition is beautifully performed by the National Theatre’s first Albert, OIivier-award-winner Luke Treadaway.

At the outbreak of World War 1, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France.
He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to the trenches to find him and bring him home.

©1982 Michael Morpurgo (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Animals Animals & Nature Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction War Heartfelt Tear-jerking Theatre

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Critic reviews

Praise for Michael Morpurgo:
“Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian

“Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph

“There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express

“Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”
Elizabeth Reilly, British Council

“The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian
All stars
Most relevant  
Like most people I suspect, my awareness of War Horse is through the 2011 Steven Spielberg film. This is the book on which the film, and the subsequent West End and Broadway show with puppets is based.
There are two things that surprised me about the book.

1. It is written from the perspective of the horse, Joey.
2. It is very short. More of a novella than a book.

I suspect these two facts are linked as it must be very difficult for a horse to have typed with hooves.

Even better than the Spielberg film

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I’ve seen the movie but never experienced the book. I can say without a doubt that this was fantastically written. I found the book much sadder than the movie and Luke did the most perfect job of conveying the tone and feel of the story.

I loved this audiobook and would easily listen to it again. It’s right up there alongside Black Beauty for me in terms of equestrian stories.

Wonderful

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I enjoyed that the story was told by the horse. The narrator was excellent. He captured the different voices perfectly. And it was nice that it varied just a little from the film.

Joey’s story.

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Loved it it was slightly different from the movie but let's you see what it was like for the animals sent out to war.

War horse

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Loved it, such an emotional story, Joey's story told perfectly as as it could be imagined in an incredible time

Incredible Story

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There is nothing not to like about the story. I had already seen the movie before I read/listened and I really hope to see the stage play some day. The author clearly knows a lot about horses and seems to have done much research into their use in the military during the Great War. It is especially touching that the horse Joey is the narrator so you are hearing the story from his perspective. I found the narrator a bit hit and miss. He was very good at the different accents but I thought he spoke a bit too quickly for my taste. It seemed to improve as the story went on but I found him a bit mumbly at first.

Wonderful

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I have watched the movie, but never read the book. I am so glad that I bought this glorious audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed it. No irritating sound effects r incidental music. Just clear and beautifully read text. Wonderful.

A Glorious Tale.

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Yet again Michael Morpurgo story telling ability has captivated me. He transported me to another time and place. I have cried and laughed and been moved beyond words.

Captivating

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Loved it!
Laughed and cried. A truly wonderful story.
My 9year old is hoing to read it next!

heartbreaking but thoroughly enjoyable

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I have listened to many audio books and rank this as the best. A wonderful story read with such feeling. All the various characters are brilliantly drawn. The narrator puts real emotion in to his reading. Wish I could give him ten stars.

A Real Must

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