A Girl and Five Brave Horses
Quick take
This reprint tells the true story of Sonora Carver, one of the first female horse divers, whose life changed after a serious accident that left her blind. The book is praised for its vivid imagery, engaging storytelling, and emotional resilience themes. The main caveat is that some readers found the editing uneven, with typos particularly noticeable later in the book.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Engrossing, suspenseful narrative built around real high-risk performances and show life
- Strong emphasis on adaptability after blindness, with a determined, non-victim perspective
- Rich descriptive writing that helps you feel present in scenes (on the train, on stage, and in the tank)
Cons
- Editing quality may be distracting, including typos noted by some readers
- Some readers felt the ending came quickly, wishing for more closing material
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is fairly consistent around the book’s storytelling quality. Many readers describe it as riveting and captivate-from-start-to-finish reading, often highlighting the vivid descriptions and emotional highs and lows. Several also appreciate that the account reframes disability and loss through adaptation, humor, and perseverance rather than self-pity. A smaller but notable theme is production friction: some readers report frequent typos and feel editing needs attention, especially in the second half. There are also a few mentions that the conclusion can feel abrupt, leaving readers wanting more wrap-up.
Why this story stands out
A Girl and Five Brave Horses is built around a genuinely dramatic premise: Sonora Carver rose to fame as a horse diver, mounting a running horse as it reached the top of a high tower, then riding along the animal’s back as it plunged into a pool below. Her career continued even after a major accident that damaged her sight, and the book follows that turning point through later years.
Readers who enjoy true-life adventure narratives tend to respond to the way the book mixes physical danger, backstage show culture, and personal resilience. It also draws attention to the people and animals behind the performances, including multiple horses and life off-stage, not just the most famous acts.
Pros for the right buyer
It’s a strong fit if you want a true-story page-turner
Reviewers frequently describe the pacing as compelling and occasionally suspenseful. If you like historical accounts that feel immediate, with scenes you can almost visualize, this one is likely to land well.
You want inspiration rooted in real-world adaptation
A recurring approval theme is how Sonora’s perspective is portrayed after losing her sight, focusing on adjustment, honesty, and compassion. If you are looking for an uplifting story that does not sugarcoat limits, this biography-style narrative may be especially satisfying.
You enjoy rich detail about performance life
Several readers call out the vivid imagery and the sense of being “there,” from in-the-moment performance settings to travel and show operations. That kind of grounded detail helps the book feel more than a headline summary.
Tradeoffs to consider before you buy
Editing issues can affect readability
Some readers report typos throughout, with comments suggesting the second half may be more affected. If you are sensitive to proofreading and you prefer clean, friction-free reading, this is the biggest reason you might hesitate.
The ending may feel short
A few buyers felt the book’s conclusion was abrupt. If you prefer biographies that provide more extended closing context, consider this potential mismatch.
What you should know about the edition
The book is described as a 2011 reprint edition, presented as a full facsimile of the original edition (not reproduced with optical recognition software). It runs 222 pages and is published in English by Martino Fine Books. If your reading preference is for later, polished reprints rather than facsimile-style presentation, that’s worth factoring into your expectations.
Who should buy this book?
- Readers who want a historically grounded, true-story narrative with vivid scene-setting
- People who enjoy stories of perseverance and real adjustment after life-changing setbacks
- Horse-show and performance-history fans who like learning how acts and animals fit into show life
Who should skip it?
- If you require very strong proofreading and you find typos significantly distracting
- If you tend to prefer biographies with longer, more gradual conclusions
- If you are looking for a purely modern retelling style, rather than an edition that emphasizes facsimile presentation
Is a girl and five brave horses worth it?
A Girl and Five Brave Horses looks like a good purchase for shoppers who want a captivating true story, strong imagery, and a resilience-centered viewpoint anchored in performance history. The biggest reasons not to buy are potential readability friction from typos and an ending some readers found too abrupt. If those tradeoffs do not bother you, the overall buyer sentiment suggests you will likely find the story engaging.
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FAQ
Is this a reprint or a new transcription?
It is a 2011 reprint edition presented as a full facsimile of the original edition, rather than being reproduced with optical recognition software.
What is the book about, in one sentence?
It tells the true story of Sonora Carver, an early female horse diver who continued performing after a blindness-causing accident.
What do readers most often like?
Readers commonly highlight the vivid imagery, compelling storytelling, and the inspiring way the book portrays adaptation and perseverance after losing her sight.
What complaints come up in reviews?
The most repeated issue is editing quality, including typos, especially later in the book. Some readers also say the ending feels abrupt.
How long is the book?
It’s 222 pages.
Who is this best for?
True-story and historical narrative readers, especially those who enjoy performance history and resilience-focused biographies.
Who might want to look elsewhere?
If you strongly prefer clean proofreading, want a very extended wrap-up, or prefer modernized retellings over facsimile presentation.
Specifications
| Product Title | A Girl and Five Brave Horses |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > eBook Readers & Accessories > eBook Readers |
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Publisher | Martino Fine Books |
| Publication date | February 1, 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 222 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1891396722 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1891396724 |
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.56 x 9 inches |
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