"Horse" is Geraldine Brooks at her most ambitious, weaving together three timelines around the true story of Lexington, a legendary 19th-century thoroughbred. The novel follows Jarret, an enslaved groom who trains the horse; Thomas Scott, a white artist who paints him; and in the present day, Theo, a Smithsonian researcher, and Jess, an art history graduate student who uncover their intertwined stories.

Brooks excels at historical detail and her research into both horse racing culture and the antebellum South feels authentic and immersive. The sections set in the 1850s are the strongest, particularly Jarret's perspective as he navigates the brutal realities of slavery while forming a genuine bond with Lexington.

Brooks doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and dehumanization of slavery, making these passages both compelling and difficult to read. The contemporary storyline, while addressing important themes about racism in academia and museum spaces, feels less developed. Theo and Jess's romance moves quickly and their characters lack the depth of their historical counterparts.

The art world subplot involving a valuable painting sometimes feels forced, serving more as a plot device than organic storytelling. Brooks's prose is elegant and accessible, though she occasionally over-explains historical context in ways that slow the pacing. The novel works best for readers who enjoy literary historical fiction with social consciousness and don't mind shifting between timelines.

Those seeking faster-paced narratives or who prefer single-timeline stories might find the structure challenging. The book tackles heavy themes around racism, violence, and historical erasure, so readers looking for lighter fare should look elsewhere. "Horse" succeeds as both an engaging story and a meditation on how history gets told and retold, though the contemporary elements don't quite match the power of Brooks's historical storytelling. It's recommended for fans of thoughtful historical fiction who appreciate meticulous research and aren't deterred by difficult subject matter.