Horse Heaven is a novel by American author Jane Smiley, published in 2000 by Knopf. It was shortlisted for the 2001 Women's Prize for Fiction.
 | |
| Author | Jane Smiley |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Knopf |
Publication date | April 6, 2000 |
| Publication place | USA |
| Pages | 576 |
| ISBN | 0-375-40600-X |
Background
editSmiley, a lover of horses since childhood, used the proceeds of her previous novel, A Thousand Acres, to buy a small horse farm in California, which inspired Horse Heaven.[1]
Summary
editThe plot focuses on various figures involved in horse racing across two seasons. Both humans and horses appear as characters.
Reception
editHorse Heaven was well received by critics. Writing for the LA Times, Pam Houston spoke favorably of Smiley's ambitious "narrative balancing act".[2]
The Guardian's Phillip Hensher praised the book's prose and dialogue, stating that Smiley "has started to look like the best living American novelist."[3]
Kirkus Reviews gave a positive view of the novel, commenting Smiley's work-ethic and "gift for transmuting the products of her obviously extensive research into compelling fiction.[4] In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said Horse Heaven was a "highly readable novel".[5]
Booklist reviewed both the novel and audiobook,[6] providing the former a starred review.[7]
Awards
editHorse Heaven was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2001.[8]
References
edit- ^ Minzesheimer, Haukebo, Bob, Kirsten (April 15, 2000). "And they're off: Horses race into novels". Star-Gazette. Elmira, New York. Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Houston, Pam (April 30, 2000). "Calling Mr. Ed". LA Times. Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ Hensher, Phillip (June 4, 2023). "Saddle lore". The Guardian. Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ "Horse Heaven". Kirkus Reviews. March 1, 2000. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ "Horse Heaven". Publishers Weekly. April 3, 2000. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ "Horse Heaven". Booklist. March 1, 2001. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ "Horse Heaven". Booklist. February 15, 2000. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ "Horse Heaven". Women's Prize for Fiction. Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
External links
editHorse Heaven at Penguin Random House