Newly released on Amazon and Barnes&Noble the prequel to the award-winning book Dinky: The Nurse Mare's Foal.
“So are mine, Nellie. I want so badly to keep this baby. I fear for it, for you, your baby, and for me too. I think this is the last day that I will see you, Nellie, at least at this farm. We must talk and see if we can’t figure out a way for you to at least keep your baby; that is if it is born too late.”
“I know you are right. But I hate the thought of thinking about it all, let alone talking about it. You’ve always been the planner Sadie. I’ve been the go alonger.”
“You are my best friend Nellie. We aren’t that old, even if our breeding days are over. I don’t want to lose you, and I don’t want us to be taken to auction. We both know what happens to mares our age at auction."
"This story about the past and present treatment of horses will appeal to all animal lovers and especially to horse aficionados. The tale is told from the point of view of an aging mare, whose main function appears to be breeding foals and then feeding them milk until they are big enough to take them away – or to use her milk to feed other, more marketable, foals. From the viewpoint of two horses, Sadie and her friend Nellie, with accompanying charming dialogue (both speaking and thinking), the plight of these animals is described in empathetic detail. This lovely story portrays two aging mares about to give birth, and the trials they go through to give birth and protect their newborn babies. The reader is drawn into the story, culminating in the wonderful escape coup the mares plan, and are able to carry out, to gain their freedom and find a new life.
The symbolism of the conclusion, where Sadie is renamed Angel and given responsibility for becoming a nurse mare for her new owner’s motherless foal, brings the circle around as the new owner proclaims, “We all need jobs. It makes us feel important.” (The story is also somewhat of a subtle allegory of today’s world, where many females are considered no more than breeders and have to live in a male-dominated world. Although in this world, at least the fillies are considered worthy, unfortunately mainly for their ability to provide milk to newborns. On the other hand, in this world of selective breeding, newborn colts are often considered “junk foals” and left to die. So the story also questions the reasoning behind why some horses are considered to be more valuable than others.)
Those of you who have previously read and enjoyed the author’s "Dinky, The Nurse Mare’s Foal", will love and appreciate this prequel."
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-nurse-mares-tale-moran-bishop-marta/1131545052;jsessionid=1F0F271C642F7CE23578D96EBED912EC.prodny_store01-atgap10?ean=9781939484420
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-nurse-mares-tale-moran-bishop-marta/1131545052?ean=9781939484437
No comments:
Post a Comment