Title: Seabiscuit: An American Legend
Author: Laura Hillenbrand
First published June 30, 1999
457 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780345465085 (ISBN10: 0345465083)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand is the inspiring tale of a crooked-legged racehorse with a sad tail who went on to become one of the most beloved and electrifying sports attractions in history. Despite being written off by the racing establishment, Seabiscuit’s fortunes changed thanks to the unlikely partnership of three men.
Charles Howard, a onetime bicycle repairman turned millionaire, hired Tom Smith, a mysterious mustang breaker, to train his new racehorses. Smith urged Howard to buy Seabiscuit for a bargain price and then hired Red Pollard, a failed boxer who was blind in one eye and half-crippled, as his jockey.
Together, over four years, these three partners overcame bad fortune, conspiracy, and severe injury to turn Seabiscuit into an American sports icon. Laura Hillenbrand’s masterful storytelling captures the universal underdog story that proves life is a horse race.
About the Author
Laura Hillenbrand, a celebrated author, captured the hearts of many with her non-fiction book Seabiscuit: An American Legend. Her work chronicled the career of the famous racehorse Seabiscuit, earning her the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award in 2001.
The book’s popularity led to a film adaptation in 2003. Hillenbrand’s writing has also been featured in several publications, including The New Yorker, Equus magazine, American Heritage, The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Times, The Backstretch, Turf, and Sport Digest.
Her article on Seabiscuit in the American Heritage magazine won the prestigious Eclipse Award for Magazine Writing in 1998.
Growing up in Fairfax, Virginia, Hillenbrand pursued higher education at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. However, her studies were cut short due to her battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition she still struggles with today.
Hillenbrand now resides in Washington, D.C.
Editoral Review
Laura Hillenbrand’s Seabiscuit: An American Legend is a stirring tribute to one of horse racing’s most beloved champions. First published in 1999, this non-fiction account of the racehorse’s journey to greatness has inspired readers around the world with its themes of perseverance, determination, and the human-animal bond.
In Hillenbrand’s capable hands, Seabiscuit’s story becomes a metaphor for the American experience in the early 20th century. The Great Depression had ravaged the nation, leaving many struggling to find hope and purpose.
Seabiscuit’s unlikely rise to fame captured the American imagination, giving people a reason to cheer and believe in themselves once more. The book follows Seabiscuit’s journey from his inauspicious beginnings as a runt of a colt to his eventual triumphs on the racetrack.
Along the way, readers are introduced to the cast of characters that made Seabiscuit’s success possible, including his jockey, trainer, and owner. Hillenbrand masterfully weaves together their personal and professional stories, creating a vivid and engaging portrait of the racing world during this era.
Beyond its gripping narrative, Seabiscuit has significant historical and cultural importance. Hillenbrand’s research is meticulous, and she provides a wealth of information about the social and economic conditions of the time.
Readers gain insight into the lives of those who were affected by the Great Depression, from jockeys and trainers to Average Joes who placed bets to make ends meet. Hillenbrand’s writing style is exemplary, with a keen ear for detail and a gift for crafting memorable characters.
It’s easy to get lost in the world she creates, both on and off the racetrack. Her passion for the subject matter shines through in every chapter, and her love for Seabiscuit is palpable.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing to be slow in certain sections, particularly during the early parts of Seabiscuit’s career.
Additionally, Hillenbrand’s portrayal of the horse can border on anthropomorphization at times, which may not sit well with all readers. Despite these minor quibbles, Seabiscuit is an extraordinary achievement.
Hillenbrand has crafted a timeless tale of triumph over adversity that is sure to inspire readers of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of horse racing or not, this book is a must-read.
Rating: 4.5/5
