Publisher Description

'Before I was a mother, before I was a writer, before I knew the facts of life, before I was a schoolgirl, before I learned to read, I wanted a horse.'



Jane Smiley, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author ofA Thousand Acres, takes us into the heart of the racing world with this irresistible account of her life-long love affair with horses. Smiley draws upon her first-hand knowledge of horses, as well as the wisdom of trainers, vets, jockeys and even a real-life horse whisperer, to examine the horse on all levels - practical, theoretical, and emotional.



She shares not only anecdotes about her own horses, but also fascinating and original insights into horse - and human - behaviour. To all this she adds an element of drama and suspense as two of her own horses begin their careers at the racetrack. As the sexy black filly Waterwheel and the elegant grey colt Wowie aspire to the winner's circle, we are enchanted, enthralled - and informed about what it's really like to own, train, and root for a racehorse.A Year at the Races is charming, funny, and a bit outrageous: a candid exploration of the abiding bond between humans and horses, told with panache, intelligence and humour.

Notes

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley draws upon her first-hand knowledge to examine the horse on all levels. An enchanting, enthralling and informed book about what it's really like to own, train and root for a racehorse.

Author Biography

Jane Smiley is the author of eleven novels as well as three works of non-fiction. She is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for her novel A Thousand Acres. She lives in Northern California.

Review

'Fascinating.' Financial Times 'Stylishly written.' The Economist 'Intensely lovable.' Daily Telegraph

Promotional

A Year at the Races: Reflections on Horses, Humans, Love, Money and Luck by Jane Smiley is an enchanting and informative account of what it's like to own, train and root for a racehorse, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

Long Description

'Before I was a mother, before I was a writer, before I knew the facts of life, before I was a schoolgirl, before I learned to read, I wanted a horse.' Jane Smiley, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Thousand Acres , takes us into the heart of the racing world with this irresistible account of her life-long love affair with horses. Smiley draws upon her first-hand knowledge of horses, as well as the wisdom of trainers, vets, jockeys and even a real-life horse whisperer, to examine the horse on all levels - practical, theoretical, and emotional. She shares not only anecdotes about her own horses, but also fascinating and original insights into horse - and human - behaviour. To all this she adds an element of drama and suspense as two of her own horses begin their careers at the racetrack. As the sexy black filly Waterwheel and the elegant grey colt Wowie aspire to the winner's circle, we are enchanted, enthralled - and informed about what it's really like to own, train, and root for a racehorse. A Year at the Races is charming, funny, and a bit outrageous: a candid exploration of the abiding bond between humans and horses, told with panache, intelligence and humour.

Promotional "Headline"

A Year at the Races: Reflections on Horses, Humans, Love, Money and Luck by Jane Smiley is an enchanting and informative account of what it's like to own, train and root for a racehorse, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

Details