Book Reviews by Hummingbird

Black Beauty : Anna Sewel

A Review of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Black Beauty is not just a story about a horse. It is a powerful lesson in kindness, told from a perspective no one had seriously considered before: the animal’s own. Written in 1877 by Anna Sewell, it became one of the best-selling books of all time. Its simple, clear English and emotional depth have touched readers for nearly 150 years. More than a children’s classic, it is a groundbreaking novel that changed how many people think about animals.

The Story in Simple Terms

The book is the “autobiography” of a beautiful, well-bred black horse with a white star on his forehead. We follow his life from his happy early days on an English farm, through many different owners—some kind, some cruel—and finally to a peaceful retirement. The story is told in a series of episodes, like memories, where Beauty describes his experiences and the people he meets.

His first home is loving. His mother teaches him the simple rule: “Do your best with a good spirit.” His owner, Farmer Grey, is gentle. This perfect start makes the hardships he later faces even more painful.

As a young horse, Beauty is sold to Squire Gordon at Birtwick Park. This is the happiest time of his life. He has a good stable, a kind groom named John Manly, and makes friends with other horses like the spirited Ginger and the steady Merrylegs. Here, Beauty learns about trust and partnership. But this happiness does not last. Due to his owner’s ill health, Beauty is sold, and his life takes a difficult turn.

He then experiences the wide range of human nature. He has a good owner in London who uses him as a cab horse, but the work is hard. He later suffers under bad owners: a lazy businessman who does not take care of him, and a cruel cab driver who overworks him and uses painful equipment. Beauty’s health breaks down, and he becomes a worn-out, sick horse, sold for little money.

Just when things seem hopeless, Beauty is bought by a kind farmer and his grandson, who nurse him back to health. In a wonderful twist of fate, he is finally sold to some gentle ladies, and it turns out one of their old grooms is none other than Joe Green, the young boy from Birtwick Park who once made a mistake that made Beauty sick. Joe recognizes him, and Beauty spends his final years in comfort and love, his difficult journey finally over.

Themes and Lessons: More Than a Horse Story

The genius of the book is that Anna Sewell never preaches or shouts. She lets the horse tell the truth. Through Beauty’s eyes, we learn powerful lessons:

Kindness and Cruelty: This is the main theme. Sewell shows that cruelty is often not about evil people, but about ignorance, laziness, and fashion. The painful “bearing rein,” which forces a horse’s head up high for looks, is shown as a torture device that hurts the horse’s neck and lungs. Beauty explains how heavy, ill-fitting saddles cause sores, and how yelling and whipping only cause fear, not obedience. The book argues that kindness is practical; a well-treated, happy horse will work better and live longer.
Empathy: By making us see the world through Beauty’s thoughts and feelings, Sewell creates deep empathy. We feel his panic when he’s overworked, his confusion when he’s punished for something he doesn’t understand, his loyalty to a good rider, and his fear of the unknown. The book asks the reader: “How would you feel if this were you?”
The Power of Story: The stories of other horses, especially Ginger, are heartbreaking. Ginger, who was mistreated as a young horse, becomes angry and defensive. Her tragic story shows that an animal’s bad behavior is usually the result of human cruelty. Her fate is one of the saddest parts of the book and leaves a lasting impression about the consequences of abuse.
Social Commentary: The book is a window into Victorian England. It shows the hard life of cab drivers, who were paid little and had to work long hours even when sick, which then hurt their horses. It shows the vanity of the rich, the carelessness of the ignorant, and the quiet goodness of responsible people. It was a strong argument for animal welfare at a time when such ideas were just starting to grow.
Why the Writing Style Works

Anna Sewell wrote the book in “easy English” on purpose. She wanted it to be read by everyone, including stable boys and grooms—the people who worked directly with horses. The language is clear, direct, and honest, just like Beauty’s character. This simplicity makes the emotions stronger. When Beauty says, “It was all force, no kindness,” or describes his fear as his legs tremble, the meaning is powerful because it is so plain.

The first-person narrative is what makes the book so special. Phrases like “we horses” or “I must tell you about my stable” make the reader a friend to whom Beauty is telling his secrets. We are on his side completely.

A Book That Changed the World

Black Beauty’s impact cannot be overstated. It was published just a few months before Anna Sewell’s death, but she lived to see its first success. The book shocked the public and became a tool for animal rights campaigners. It is widely believed that the novel helped change people’s attitudes, leading to the banning of the cruel bearing rein and better laws for the treatment of horses and other animals. It started a whole new genre of stories told from an animal’s point of view.

Is It Still Relevant Today?

Absolutely. While we may see fewer horse-drawn carriages, the core messages of Black Beauty are timeless.

It teaches responsibility toward anyone (or any animal) in our care.
It asks us to consider the perspective of those who cannot speak for themselves.
It stands against fashion or tradition that causes suffering.
It shows that every creature deserves dignity.
In a modern world, we can apply its lessons to our treatment of pets, wildlife, farm animals, and even to how we treat each other. The call for empathy is always needed.

Conclusion: A Gentle Giant of Literature

Black Beauty is a gentle book with a strong heart. It is sometimes sad, often moving, and finally hopeful. It does not have a complicated plot or fancy words, but its emotional power is immense. It reminds us that every living being has a story, feels pain and joy, and deserves kindness.

Anna Sewell wrote one book, and that one book made the world a little kinder. It is a story of survival, a plea for compassion, and a friend to generations of readers. In easy English, it carries a message that is deep and important: “Treat all living things as you would like to be treated.” As simple as that. As beautiful as that.