In 1861, the Civil War rent the United States. Abraham Lincoln, the president, felt that the unity of the nation was the important issue at the beginning of the conflict.
This can be seen in the famous Emancipation Proclamation. Only slaves in the rebelling states are freed. None of the slaves in the four border states; Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri are released from bondage. Lincoln knows for the North to win the war, these four states can’t secede and join the Confederacy.
In Kentucky, the situation is particularly delicate for Lincoln. If he forces the issue of slavery, Kentucky might secede. But as the war progresses, he faces the problem of Northern troops occupying a state that still allows slavery. This was a confusing and cruel time for slaves in Kentucky. Were they free, or were they still slaves? Alison Hart captures this painful predicament in an exciting novel about horses, freedom and the Civil War.
On many farms, slaves were the primary trainers and jockeys of the famous Kentucky thoroughbred horses. This talent gives them a small amount of power. But how should this slim branch be used? If they try to escape, the slaves know their families will be persecuted. Should they boldly try to flee or simply wait for the Northern armies to set them free? There are no easy answers.
Master Giles is an Englishman living on a Kentucky horse farm. Though not cruel, Giles uses slavery to further his economic self interests. To avoid being attacked by Southern raiders, or Northern cavalry, he flies the flag of Great Britain at his farm. His prize horses are trained by a talented free black man named Isaac Alexander. His son Gabriel studies his father at work, and quickly becomes an expert on horses. Though both he and his mother are still slaves, the youth dreams of becoming a jockey, winning a number of races and buying his way out of slavery.
During the horse racing season, Giles takes his training crew and a number of horses to the track in Lexington. Before arriving in Lexington, they encounter a band of Southern raiders. Considered heroes by some and vicious thieves by others, these irregulars terrify the locals because they often shoot first and ask questions later. Through bribery and deception, Giles tricks the guerrillas and saves his horses. But he knows this good luck could end at anytime with the guerrillas returning and stealing his horses.
Soon after this incident, the Giles party arrives in Lexington. Isaac and Gabriel take the thoroughbreds to the race track, and eagerly await the race the next day. On race day the excitement mounts as the horses line up at the start. Isaac and Gabriel strain for a better look as a drumbeat sends all the horses off to a pounding start.
Who wins the race? Can Isaac buy his wife’s freedom from Master Giles? Gabriel still needs $300 to become free. How can a young boy raise that amount of money? As the Northern army controls more of Kentucky, what happens to the slaves? Do the southern raiders return to steal the horses? Who tries to kill Gabriel while he rides wildly through the woods? What is the cost of freedom? To find out, go to the library and check out "Gabriel’s Horses" by Alison Hart.
The book is fast-paced and exciting. Hart shows the flaws and strengths of each character and examines a number of interpretations of freedom. However, one problem for me is the use of politically-correct language that tends to diminish the evil of slavery. The practice of slavery caused a terrible ordeal in the United States, and politically-correct language can minimize the horror of this system. But the portrayal of the black family is poignant and inspiring, and with Gabriel’s decisions, are totally believable. This story has a great deal of action and adventure and will be eagerly read by upper elementary school students. I hope you get a chance to encourage your child to read this fine book. It is an exciting novel. Enjoy!
