Thoroughbreds By: William Alexander Fraser (1859-1933)
Thoroughbreds by William Alexander Fraser is an intriguing and immersive novel that takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into the world of horse racing. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant racing community in Kentucky, Fraser weaves together a captivating narrative filled with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. The story follows Jack Donovan, a young and ambitious jockey who dreams of rising to the top of the racing world. Fraught with personal demons and struggles, Jack finds solace and purpose in the exhilarating sport of horse racing. As he navigates the cutthroat world of trainers, owners, and fellow jockeys, Jack must confront his own insecurities and haunted past. Fraser's prose is both elegant and engaging, effortlessly immersing readers into the heart-pounding action of the racetrack. His attention to detail is remarkable, painting a vivid and realistic picture of the tense atmosphere during races and the thundering hooves of the thoroughbreds. The author's passion for horse racing shines through, as he effectively captures the thrill and intensity of this demanding and dangerous sport. The characters in Thoroughbreds are well-developed and multidimensional, each with their own motivations and flaws. Jack Donovan is a compelling protagonist, flawed yet sympathetic, and his journey from self-doubt to self-discovery is convincingly portrayed. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and complexity to the overall story. From the enigmatic trainer to the rival jockeys, Fraser creates a diverse cast that keeps the readers engaged and invested in their fates. Moreover, Thoroughbreds delves into deeper themes beyond horse racing. It explores the complexities of human relationships, especially within a highly competitive and high-stakes environment. The novel delves into the bonds formed between horse and rider, as well as the intense rivalries between jockeys. Fraser also grapples with themes of identity, redemption, and the pursuit of one's dreams. However, the pacing of the novel can be a bit sluggish at times, particularly during the exposition-heavy sections. Some readers might find the detailed descriptions of racing terminology overwhelming, although others may appreciate the authenticity it brings to the story. Overall, Thoroughbreds is a compelling and well-crafted novel that seamlessly combines the thrill of horse racing with deeper explorations of human desires and struggles. Fraser's evocative prose, well-drawn characters, and profound insights make this a must-read for any fan of racing or those seeking an absorbing story about self-discovery and redemption. First Page: THOROUGHBREDS by W. A. Fraser Dedicated to a THOROUGHBRED MY WIFE I Less than a hundred miles from the city of Gotham, across broad green fields, dotted into squares and oblong valleys by full leafed maple, and elm, and mulberry, was the village of Brookfield. A hundred years of expansion in the surrounding land had acted inversely with the little hamlet, and had pinched it into a hermitical isolation. The Brookfieldians had discovered a huge beetle in the amber of their serene existence; it was really the Reverend Dolman who had unearthed the monster. The beetle in the amber was horse racing, and the prime offender, practically the sole culprit, was John Porter. By an inconsistent twist of fate he was known as Honest John. His father before him had raced in old Kentucky to considerable purpose, and with the full vigor of a man who races for sport; and so to the son John, in consequence, had come little beyond a not to be eradicated love of thoroughbreds. To race squarely, honestly, and to the glory of high couraged horses was to him as much a matter of religion as the consistent guardianship of parish morals was to the Reverend George Dolman. Therefore, two men of strong beliefs were set on opposite sides of the fence. Even in the Porter household, which was at Ringwood Farm, was divided allegiance... Continue reading book >>

Thoroughbreds By: William Alexander Fraser (1859-1933)

Thoroughbreds by William Alexander Fraser is an intriguing and immersive novel that takes readers on a mesmerizing journey into the world of horse racing. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant racing community in Kentucky, Fraser weaves together a captivating narrative filled with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters.

The story follows Jack Donovan, a young and ambitious jockey who dreams of rising to the top of the racing world. Fraught with personal demons and struggles, Jack finds solace and purpose in the exhilarating sport of horse racing. As he navigates the cutthroat world of trainers, owners, and fellow jockeys, Jack must confront his own insecurities and haunted past.

Fraser's prose is both elegant and engaging, effortlessly immersing readers into the heart-pounding action of the racetrack. His attention to detail is remarkable, painting a vivid and realistic picture of the tense atmosphere during races and the thundering hooves of the thoroughbreds. The author's passion for horse racing shines through, as he effectively captures the thrill and intensity of this demanding and dangerous sport.

The characters in Thoroughbreds are well-developed and multidimensional, each with their own motivations and flaws. Jack Donovan is a compelling protagonist, flawed yet sympathetic, and his journey from self-doubt to self-discovery is convincingly portrayed. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and complexity to the overall story. From the enigmatic trainer to the rival jockeys, Fraser creates a diverse cast that keeps the readers engaged and invested in their fates.

Moreover, Thoroughbreds delves into deeper themes beyond horse racing. It explores the complexities of human relationships, especially within a highly competitive and high-stakes environment. The novel delves into the bonds formed between horse and rider, as well as the intense rivalries between jockeys. Fraser also grapples with themes of identity, redemption, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

However, the pacing of the novel can be a bit sluggish at times, particularly during the exposition-heavy sections. Some readers might find the detailed descriptions of racing terminology overwhelming, although others may appreciate the authenticity it brings to the story.

Overall, Thoroughbreds is a compelling and well-crafted novel that seamlessly combines the thrill of horse racing with deeper explorations of human desires and struggles. Fraser's evocative prose, well-drawn characters, and profound insights make this a must-read for any fan of racing or those seeking an absorbing story about self-discovery and redemption.

First Page:

THOROUGHBREDS

by W. A. Fraser

Dedicated to a THOROUGHBRED MY WIFE

Less than a hundred miles from the city of Gotham, across broad green fields, dotted into squares and oblong valleys by full leafed maple, and elm, and mulberry, was the village of Brookfield. A hundred years of expansion in the surrounding land had acted inversely with the little hamlet, and had pinched it into a hermitical isolation.

The Brookfieldians had discovered a huge beetle in the amber of their serene existence; it was really the Reverend Dolman who had unearthed the monster. The beetle in the amber was horse racing, and the prime offender, practically the sole culprit, was John Porter.

By an inconsistent twist of fate he was known as Honest John. His father before him had raced in old Kentucky to considerable purpose, and with the full vigor of a man who races for sport; and so to the son John, in consequence, had come little beyond a not to be eradicated love of thoroughbreds. To race squarely, honestly, and to the glory of high couraged horses was to him as much a matter of religion as the consistent guardianship of parish morals was to the Reverend George Dolman. Therefore, two men of strong beliefs were set on opposite sides of the fence.

Even in the Porter household, which was at Ringwood Farm, was divided allegiance... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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