Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
War Horse summary
Brief summary
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a captivating story that follows the journey of a young boy and his beloved horse, Joey, through the trials of World War I. It is a tale of friendship, courage, and the unbreakable bond between man and animal.
Topics
Table of Contents
War Horse
Summary of key ideas
Beginning of a Journey
In War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, we are introduced to a young farm boy named Albert Narracott, who forms an unbreakable bond with a spirited colt named Joey. The Narracotts' farm, in the lush English countryside, is at the brink of financial ruin, and Albert's father, Ted, makes a rash decision to buy Joey at an exorbitant price, instead of a plow horse. This decision sets off a chain of events that will change both Joey and Albert's lives forever.
The first half of the book focuses on Joey's experiences as he is trained as a cavalry horse and sent off to the battlefields of World War I. Joey's perspective offers a poignant portrayal of the war's brutality, as he witnesses the deaths of fellow horses and soldiers, and endures the harsh conditions of trench warfare. Amidst this chaos, Joey's thoughts frequently return to Albert, and he longs for the boy who raised him.
Life in the Trenches
As the war rages on, Joey finds himself serving on both sides of the conflict, passing through the hands of various owners. He is captured by the Germans and put to work as a cart horse, before being taken in by an old Frenchman, who teaches him to pull an ambulance cart. Throughout these experiences, Joey remains determined to survive and maintains his hope of one day reuniting with Albert.
Meanwhile, back in England, Albert is too young to enlist but is desperate to find Joey. He lies about his age, and with the help of a kind-hearted sergeant, he joins the army in hopes of finding his beloved horse. His search takes him to the front lines of the war, where he witnesses its brutal reality firsthand.
A Reunion and a Farewell
The narrative of War Horse takes a dramatic turn when Joey and Albert's paths finally cross once more. The emotional reunion occurs in the midst of a battlefield, and it becomes clear that their bond has not weakened despite the years and distance that have passed between them. This reunion, however, is short-lived, as the war continues to rage, and they are soon separated again.
As the war draws to a close, Joey and Albert's fates hang in the balance. The story reaches its climax when Joey, now injured and exhausted, faces an uncertain future. It is a moment of reckoning for both Joey and Albert, as they confront the realities of their changed circumstances and the shared experiences that have shaped them.
Lessons Learned
In the end, War Horse is a tale of resilience, friendship, and the enduring human-animal bond. Through Joey's eyes, we witness the horrors of war, but we also see moments of compassion, bravery, and sacrifice. Albert learns valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, and the cost of war, while Joey embodies the indomitable spirit of survival.
Michael Morpurgo's poignant story leaves us with a profound understanding of the impact of war on both humans and animals. War Horse is a timeless reminder of the shared experiences and emotions that connect us all, regardless of our species or our place in history.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is War Horse about?
War Horse is a gripping novel by Michael Morpurgo that takes place during World War I. It tells the extraordinary story of a young boy named Albert and his beloved horse, Joey. When Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the front lines of the war, Albert embarks on a dangerous mission to find and bring him home. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the devastating impact of war on both humans and animals.
War Horse Review
War Horse (1982) tells the poignant story of a horse named Joey during World War I, offering a unique perspective on the ravages of war. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- Through a horse's eyes, readers witness the harsh realities of war, creating a deeply emotional and immersive reading experience.
- The bond between Joey and his human companions evokes empathy and showcases resilience in the face of adversity, resonating with readers on a personal level.
- With its gripping narrative and powerful themes of friendship and survival, the book ensures that boredom is never on the horizon, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
Who should read War Horse?
Readers who are interested in historical fiction, particularly stories set during World War I
Animal lovers who enjoy narratives told from the perspective of a non-human protagonist
Those who appreciate emotionally powerful and thought-provoking storytelling
Categories with War Horse
Book summaries like War Horse
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
War Horse FAQs
What is the main message of War Horse?
War Horse explores the bond between humans and animals during WWI.
How long does it take to read War Horse?
Reading War Horse takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is War Horse a good book? Is it worth reading?
War Horse is a poignant tale of courage and friendship that resonates with readers. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of War Horse?
The author of War Horse is Michael Morpurgo.
What to read after War Horse?
If you're wondering what to read next after War Horse, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley