Dark Horse: A Life of Anna Sewell

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Summary: The Story Behind My Favourite Book
Review: A fascinating life of sadness, courage against all odds and the story behind one of the bestselling novels ever written. Thoroughly researched but a smooth easy read I loved the details of Victorian life and the story behind how Black Beauty became so popular. Highly recommended!

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Summary: A Beauty of a Book
Review: An entertaining read for those interested in children's literature and Victorian women's lives and writing. Thoroughly researched and extremely well-written. Fans of Black Beauty will no doubt be surprised by the drama of the author's own story. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A Beauty of a Book
Review: An entertaining read for those interested in children's literature and Victorian women's lives and writing. Thoroughly researched and extremely well-written. Fans of Black Beauty will no doubt be surprised by the drama of the author's own story. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: An engrossing biography
Review: Anyone who has enjoyed 'Black Beauty' as a child should read this fascinating biography of Anna Sewell, 'the ultimate in metaphorical dark horses'. The book charts Anna's family background and Quaker upbringing; the fall which left her lame for life; her invalidism and the subsequent numerous methods of treatment and cures which were attempted; and her love of horses and the freedom she was able to experience in riding. It details Anna's often painful spiritual journey through religious faith and doubt; her close relationship with her mother, Mary Sewell, who was at the time a well-known author herself; and the charitable works and projects they undertook together. The text contains frequent references to and quotations from a variety of sources, which adds to rather than distracts from the narrative, providing an easy and engrossing read as well as a vivid account of Victorian life.

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Summary: An inspired account of her life.
Review: Right from the beginning "Dark Horse" captured my attention and held it chapter after chapter. Ms. Gavin's recount of Anna Sewell's life is so well written, that I could not put this book down. And it is extremely inspirational in its own right. I am now determined to not only read "Black Beauty", but also to read it to my children, and when they get older, to have them read "Dark Horse". I highly recommend this book to everyone, even those of us who have not read "Black Beauty" will gain from reading "Dark Horse".

Rating:
Summary: Must Read
Review: The new biography of Anna Sewell, author of Black Beauty, is a must read. Adrienne Gavin's style is clear, crisp, and even seductive. Reading the biography felt like being invited on an intimate journey with the biographer/scholar in search of Anna Seawell's life and time. You will love this well-researched biography even if you haven't read Black Beauty.