What do you think?
Rate this book
The Winter Pony
In the forests of Siberia, in the first years of the 20th century, a white pony runs free with his herd. But his life changes forever when he's captured by men. Years of hard work and cruelty wear him out. When he's chosen to be one of 20 ponies to accompany the Englishman Robert Falcon Scott on his quest to become the first to reach the South Pole, he doesn't know what to expect. But the men of Scott's expedition show him kindness, something he's never known before. They also give him a name—James Pigg. As Scott's team hunkers down in Antarctica, James Pigg finds himself caught up in one of the greatest races of all time. The Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen has suddenly announced that he too means to be first to the Pole. But only one team can triumph, and not everyone can survive—not even the animals.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 25, 2020
Although I would of course NEVER go so far as to in any way suggest that Iain Lawrence's The Winter Pony should be banned or removed from public and school library shelves, this is truly and personally one of the most disgustingly depressing and annoyingly infuriating children's novels I have had the misfortune to read. For as very much a total horse and pony enthusiast, I can simply and utterly not all that well stomach and accept the to and for me more than cringeworthy fact that basically ALL of Robert Falcon Scott's Manchurian ponies end up dead or rather that they will all end up dead (some of course starve or freeze, but oh so very often, they are callously shot in order to feed Scott's men and their dogs, their canine companions). And while I do in fact realise that this to and for me horrifying state of affairs is very much and likely historically accurate and thus also the sad reality, it has most certainly made The Winter Pony an at best horrifyingly frustrating and anger-inducing reading experience for me, and one that I have to admit I probably could not have even handled as a child (especially since the entire premise of both Robert Scott's and his rival Roald Amundsen's bitter and frantic race to be the first to reach the South Pole was and remains in my opinion not only something ridiculous and totally unnecessary in every conceivable way, but really I see it as something just for the vain and personal glory of these two "gentlemen" being the first to reach the former, to set foot on the South Pole).
And that at least in my own and humble opinion the above is not EVER EVEN REMOTELY criticised and condemned enough by author Iain Lawrence within the pages of The Winter Pony that really does personally chafe and smart, and even though I guess I do to a certain point appreciate that the author is honest with regard to his own hero-worshipping of Robert Scott and his Antarctic expedition to be the first to reach the South Pole, this admission does not make me enjoy The Winter Pony in any manner of speaking. For no and indeed, Iain Lawrence's admission that he considers Scott as a personal hero of sorts actually and on an emotional level makes me really and utterly despise the novel, the narrative of The Winter Pony with every fibre of my being and right from the start as well (as while Iain Lawrence might well and readily admit that Robert Scott did make many mistakes, he still seems to consider him as laudable and praiseworthy, and that is something I for one simply cannot and will not EVER accept, especially since I do not even remotely see any major consideration and authorial thoughts with regard to the fate of the expedition ponies, and that while Robert Scott and his men of course also suffered and yes indeed mostly died, they at least had a personal choice, something that their animal resources, their ponies and even their dogs certainly did NOT in any way, shape or form ever have).
Now and finally, while I do realise that The Winter Pony seems to be popular enough with many rather glowing reviews, emotionally and personally, I am only willing and able to consider a one star ranking at best for this novel. For the engaging, first person narrational writing style notwithstanding, Iain Lawrence's ploy of having one of the ponies, by the name of James Pigg, tell the sad story of Scott's expedition and the trials and tribulations, the death and destruction encountered, this just does not in any manner remove the taint of authorial hero worshipping infesting The Winter Pony, of having Iain Lawrence truly believe and consider Robert Falcon Scott as someone to admire and perhaps even to emulate, an intrepid and heroic explorer, instead of primarily depicting him as who and what Robert Falcon Scott in my opinion always was, a ridiculously foolish man full of arrogant vanity who obviously cared more about personal glory and successfully racing and beating Roald Amundsen to the South Pole than about the deadly dangers of the Antarctic for man and beast.
And that at least in my own and humble opinion the above is not EVER EVEN REMOTELY criticised and condemned enough by author Iain Lawrence within the pages of The Winter Pony that really does personally chafe and smart, and even though I guess I do to a certain point appreciate that the author is honest with regard to his own hero-worshipping of Robert Scott and his Antarctic expedition to be the first to reach the South Pole, this admission does not make me enjoy The Winter Pony in any manner of speaking. For no and indeed, Iain Lawrence's admission that he considers Scott as a personal hero of sorts actually and on an emotional level makes me really and utterly despise the novel, the narrative of The Winter Pony with every fibre of my being and right from the start as well (as while Iain Lawrence might well and readily admit that Robert Scott did make many mistakes, he still seems to consider him as laudable and praiseworthy, and that is something I for one simply cannot and will not EVER accept, especially since I do not even remotely see any major consideration and authorial thoughts with regard to the fate of the expedition ponies, and that while Robert Scott and his men of course also suffered and yes indeed mostly died, they at least had a personal choice, something that their animal resources, their ponies and even their dogs certainly did NOT in any way, shape or form ever have).
Now and finally, while I do realise that The Winter Pony seems to be popular enough with many rather glowing reviews, emotionally and personally, I am only willing and able to consider a one star ranking at best for this novel. For the engaging, first person narrational writing style notwithstanding, Iain Lawrence's ploy of having one of the ponies, by the name of James Pigg, tell the sad story of Scott's expedition and the trials and tribulations, the death and destruction encountered, this just does not in any manner remove the taint of authorial hero worshipping infesting The Winter Pony, of having Iain Lawrence truly believe and consider Robert Falcon Scott as someone to admire and perhaps even to emulate, an intrepid and heroic explorer, instead of primarily depicting him as who and what Robert Falcon Scott in my opinion always was, a ridiculously foolish man full of arrogant vanity who obviously cared more about personal glory and successfully racing and beating Roald Amundsen to the South Pole than about the deadly dangers of the Antarctic for man and beast.
March 14, 2024
RE-READ UPDATE: Yup, still a great book; still a totally misleading cover. In spite of nominally being a book for younger readers, this remains one of the most grueling tales of polar exploration I've ever read, (although it's never too early to teach the little ones that life is absolutely not a bed of roses). I originally listened to the excellent audiobook, but read a paper copy this time which includes a handy map of both Scott's and Amundsen's routes that shocks every time you refer to it, because you'll read about them trudging through two weeks of blinding blizzard and record temperatures only to look at the map and say "wait a minute, in all that time they only got from here to HERE??"
Bonus points as I now know that Scott's team (and this book) also included the indestructible Irish seaman, Tom Crean.* Crean (who led the pony "Bones") was not only one of the team sent out to find the bodies of Scott, Wilson and Bowers; but then just two years later sailed back to Antarctica with Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance, eventually becoming one of the "lucky five" who accompanied Shackleton on his epic crossing from Elephant Island back to South Georgia - "one of the most extraordinary feats of seamanship and navigation in recorded history" - and then crossed the previously unexplored mountains and glaciers of South Georgia with Shackleton and Frank Worsley to reach its whaling station and organize the rescue of the remaining crew, capping one of the greatest survival stories of all time. It's no wonder that after that, Crean retired from exploring and opened the famous "South Pole Inn" in Kerry!
ORIGINAL REVIEW: My first five-star review in some time, but well-deserved. This was truly a brilliant concept, beautifully executed and with a truly moving narration by Edoardo Ballerinini that makes this a solid book-on-CD recommendation. "The Winter Pony" tells the amazing and at times horrific story of Captain Robert Scott's attempt to reach the South Pole from the point of view of one of the Manchurian ponies brought along to pull their sledges, (who knew?). Although I’ve never been inside a pony’s head, the voice of the story seems somehow perfect for that of a pony, consistently brave and innocent and trusting, while still managing to convey the full range of emotions experienced in a life of pretty much unceasing hardship. Over the course of the story, the pony also accomplishes the difficult task of creating distinct, three dimensional portraits of both the human and animal characters of the story.
While the book drags just a bit in the middle as they trudge across the ice, it is reflective of what must surely have been the mind-numbing tedium of the journey itself. Actually, what impressed me is that the story didn’t drag even more; this could have easily become a boring story as the party sits out endless delays and blizzards. But in fact, the book is never a page away from some fascinating detail, unexpected adventure, or simply a passage of beautiful writing. Each chapter is also begun with a separate brief narrative that fills in details of the expedition that the pony wouldn't know, or about Scott's competition to reach the Pole, Roald Amundsen. Altogether, “The Winter Pony” is a story that is both moving and beautiful as well as (I have to assume) historically accurate. If I had any criticism at all, it would probably be with the book’s title/cover. The whole thing comes across just a little too “fairyland” or “girl and horse”-ish unless you already know what the story is about; and I would never have picked this up from the title/cover alone if I hadn’t stumbled across a review somewhere. My other comment - not on the book but on its marketing - is that this is seen as "a children's book," which I find totally misleading. I believe any adult who loves adventure, exploration, animals or simply good writing/story-telling will both enjoy and by moved by this exceptional story.
On a semi-related note, I've mentioned before but will mention here again: I think the world would be a much better place (and the younger generation would be better positioned to inherit an uncertain future) if people read more about people like Scott & Amundsen, Mallory & Irvine, Shackleton, Younghusband, Livingstone, Burton and Chapman Andrews; and spent less time worrying about Brad & Angelina, Harry & Megan, and Pete & Kim!
____________________________________
* You can read my review (including pub photos) of Crean: The Extraordinary Life of an Irish Hero here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... - or better yet, purchase and read your own copy of his amazing story!
Bonus points as I now know that Scott's team (and this book) also included the indestructible Irish seaman, Tom Crean.* Crean (who led the pony "Bones") was not only one of the team sent out to find the bodies of Scott, Wilson and Bowers; but then just two years later sailed back to Antarctica with Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance, eventually becoming one of the "lucky five" who accompanied Shackleton on his epic crossing from Elephant Island back to South Georgia - "one of the most extraordinary feats of seamanship and navigation in recorded history" - and then crossed the previously unexplored mountains and glaciers of South Georgia with Shackleton and Frank Worsley to reach its whaling station and organize the rescue of the remaining crew, capping one of the greatest survival stories of all time. It's no wonder that after that, Crean retired from exploring and opened the famous "South Pole Inn" in Kerry!
ORIGINAL REVIEW: My first five-star review in some time, but well-deserved. This was truly a brilliant concept, beautifully executed and with a truly moving narration by Edoardo Ballerinini that makes this a solid book-on-CD recommendation. "The Winter Pony" tells the amazing and at times horrific story of Captain Robert Scott's attempt to reach the South Pole from the point of view of one of the Manchurian ponies brought along to pull their sledges, (who knew?). Although I’ve never been inside a pony’s head, the voice of the story seems somehow perfect for that of a pony, consistently brave and innocent and trusting, while still managing to convey the full range of emotions experienced in a life of pretty much unceasing hardship. Over the course of the story, the pony also accomplishes the difficult task of creating distinct, three dimensional portraits of both the human and animal characters of the story.
While the book drags just a bit in the middle as they trudge across the ice, it is reflective of what must surely have been the mind-numbing tedium of the journey itself. Actually, what impressed me is that the story didn’t drag even more; this could have easily become a boring story as the party sits out endless delays and blizzards. But in fact, the book is never a page away from some fascinating detail, unexpected adventure, or simply a passage of beautiful writing. Each chapter is also begun with a separate brief narrative that fills in details of the expedition that the pony wouldn't know, or about Scott's competition to reach the Pole, Roald Amundsen. Altogether, “The Winter Pony” is a story that is both moving and beautiful as well as (I have to assume) historically accurate. If I had any criticism at all, it would probably be with the book’s title/cover. The whole thing comes across just a little too “fairyland” or “girl and horse”-ish unless you already know what the story is about; and I would never have picked this up from the title/cover alone if I hadn’t stumbled across a review somewhere. My other comment - not on the book but on its marketing - is that this is seen as "a children's book," which I find totally misleading. I believe any adult who loves adventure, exploration, animals or simply good writing/story-telling will both enjoy and by moved by this exceptional story.
On a semi-related note, I've mentioned before but will mention here again: I think the world would be a much better place (and the younger generation would be better positioned to inherit an uncertain future) if people read more about people like Scott & Amundsen, Mallory & Irvine, Shackleton, Younghusband, Livingstone, Burton and Chapman Andrews; and spent less time worrying about Brad & Angelina, Harry & Megan, and Pete & Kim!
____________________________________
* You can read my review (including pub photos) of Crean: The Extraordinary Life of an Irish Hero here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... - or better yet, purchase and read your own copy of his amazing story!
May 1, 2019
The inspiration of classic animal novels such as BLACK BEAUTY and THE CALL OF THE WILD are on display in THE WINTER PONY. This historical fiction book imagines the early 20th-century race to lay claim to the South Pole through the eyes of a pony thrust into this merciless journey.
Indeed, much has been made of this book's grim and intense scenes, which may upset young readers. At the same time, I also think there is value in the writing and good lessons about sometimes taking time to see things from an animal's point of view. Depending upon maturity level, I would recommend it for middle school and above. Any student who can handle Jack London I think will be able to handle this one.
Indeed, much has been made of this book's grim and intense scenes, which may upset young readers. At the same time, I also think there is value in the writing and good lessons about sometimes taking time to see things from an animal's point of view. Depending upon maturity level, I would recommend it for middle school and above. Any student who can handle Jack London I think will be able to handle this one.
February 2, 2017
Oh God, why would you bring ponies to the South Pole? Why?!
Wow. That was probably the saddest book I've ever read, and that includes Black Beauty. The Winter Pony is the new Black Beauty but in the South Pole. But, like Black Beauty, it'll have a special place in my heart, because this book is a masterpiece. Heartbreaking prose that tells the story of a pony named James Pigg, and the race to the Pole.
I actually waited to read this because I knew it was going to be sad. I read all these cutesy-cute reads beforehand, which I shouldn't have done, because now The Winter Pony seems even more depressing! God, I'm going to go to my bookshelf and pick the happiest read there. Now every time I see a gray pony, I'll think of this book!
Kidding aside (I was kidding?) this was a great read, I'd just wait to let younger kids read it. This will break a little kid's heart, and it sure broke mine. Forget the pretty cover, this ain't a cute pony read. This really happened and that's what makes it all the more sad. Robert Scott really did bring all these ponies to the South Pole.
As you have probably already guessed, ponies die in this. Some of the ways are horrible, ponies having to be hit in the head with a pick because they're slipping into the water where killer whales are waiting for them, having their heads bashed-in, it's a really horrifying story, especially for horse lovers.
I can't help but give a shout-out to the author: Well done Iain Lawrence. Just well done. Thank you for writing this book, it's been really eye-opening for me. Now, maybe I'll be a little tougher next time I'm cold and I don't have a jacket! Okay, I'm being serious now, thank you sir, this was a heartbreaking book and I loved it. *Wipes tear away*
All in all, heartbreaking but wonderful book!
February 21, 2016
I am a ten year old and I read The Winter Pony. At first I had high hopes for it after I had read the back of the novel. It starts off like many books were the main characters life sucks, but in most of those it turns out all right, except in The Winter Pony it just gets better then it gets worse than before. The main character gets captured by Romans and is basically a slave. Then he gets sold and he makes it half way to the South Pole and turns around and heads back to camp. The very next day he goes back on the exact same path. All the other ponies die and then just before the main character reaches the South Pole his master literally shoots him in the back of the head. It said on the back of the book... two men race to be the first to reach the south pole, one will win and one will die, with an unexpected hero, a pony named James pigg {the main character}. Which is exactly the opposite of what happens... so not only is it a bad book it also lies which is not very inspiring to read it. I actually threw it out, my mom said I should donate it and I said “I don’t want to put anyone else through that”. So no matter what your age I highly recommend against reading the winter pony. [Because it suuuuuuuuuuucks]. I wish I could give it no stars.
Read
July 17, 2013I feel I could never in good conscience recommend this book to any young reader because it is so, so unbelievably sad, made even worse when you are an adult and you know how the story ends. It is beautifully written as Iain Lawrence is a masterful writer but just when you think the story can't get any sadder, it does, and then it does again, and again. I can't imagine any young person making it all the way through to the end.
And, I further have to add that the cover image is a dis-service to the book buyers as it may have a pull the wool over the eyes of a young horse loving reader who think this might be a nice horse adventure story to read even if as it describes the race to the South Pole. White horse, lavender/pale blue cover - looks sweet. It isn't.
The Author does say in his author notes that he had a really hard time writing this story and found it very hard to go on writing it. It's an amazing story to tell but would be a very hard book to sell. As a bookseller, I don't know how one would position this book to sell it to it's greatest advantage.
Consequently, I don't know how to rate this book so I've given it no stars.
Brilliant writing, the horrific is horrific, there's just too much horrific for this audience level.
Maybe I am not seeing this book in the correct light.
Maybe offer it to someone who thinks their life is as bad as it gets and is full of self pity.
And, I further have to add that the cover image is a dis-service to the book buyers as it may have a pull the wool over the eyes of a young horse loving reader who think this might be a nice horse adventure story to read even if as it describes the race to the South Pole. White horse, lavender/pale blue cover - looks sweet. It isn't.
The Author does say in his author notes that he had a really hard time writing this story and found it very hard to go on writing it. It's an amazing story to tell but would be a very hard book to sell. As a bookseller, I don't know how one would position this book to sell it to it's greatest advantage.
Consequently, I don't know how to rate this book so I've given it no stars.
Brilliant writing, the horrific is horrific, there's just too much horrific for this audience level.
Maybe I am not seeing this book in the correct light.
Maybe offer it to someone who thinks their life is as bad as it gets and is full of self pity.
January 16, 2012
One of the saddest and most beautiful books about horses that I've read. Intrigued by the lovely cover, as well as the interesting subject matter - two teams racing to be the first to reach the South Pole a century ago, I couldn't help but shake my head in disgust at the men who thought horses would do well in such an environment.
Told from the point of view of a Mongolian pony with the unlikely name of James Pigg, this is a mostly accurate account of what actually happened on this doomed trip. The author's notes at the end expand on his research, and how deeply touched he was by the fate of these ponies, who stuggled against brutal and harrowing conditions to do the best they could for their handlers.
The gentleness of the men involved, and their tender care of the ponies on the horrifying journey makes the story almost palatable. Also a gripping and exciting adventure story, with killer whales breaking through ice and crevasses opening up to swallow men and dogs and ponies, it keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
If you are a horse lover, be forewarned there are some difficult scenes to read. In the end, though, I was deeply moved by the author's words and the fact that he chose to tell this story from the viewpoint of a small white pony named James Pigg, who you cannot help but love and admire, right till the very end.
Told from the point of view of a Mongolian pony with the unlikely name of James Pigg, this is a mostly accurate account of what actually happened on this doomed trip. The author's notes at the end expand on his research, and how deeply touched he was by the fate of these ponies, who stuggled against brutal and harrowing conditions to do the best they could for their handlers.
The gentleness of the men involved, and their tender care of the ponies on the horrifying journey makes the story almost palatable. Also a gripping and exciting adventure story, with killer whales breaking through ice and crevasses opening up to swallow men and dogs and ponies, it keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
If you are a horse lover, be forewarned there are some difficult scenes to read. In the end, though, I was deeply moved by the author's words and the fact that he chose to tell this story from the viewpoint of a small white pony named James Pigg, who you cannot help but love and admire, right till the very end.
July 7, 2013
Review Posted on Reading Lark 7/7/13: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2013/...
I picked this one up at the library because this past school year I had a student who was crazy about horses. I kept trying to find things for her to read and thought this might be a good fit. I also love well done historical fiction and knew virtually nothing about the explorations to the South Pole. I thought I could kill two birds with one stone: find something for the student and learn something.
I did learn a lot about Scott's expedition to the South Pole. It amazes me that so long ago with such primitive technology (compared to modern standards), men were willing to brave the Arctic unknowns. I'm sure they were propelled by their sense of adventure, but I cannot imagine voluntarily going on a mission like this one. The hardships these men and animals faced were terrifying. This is not a happy go lucky story about a pony taking a romp in the snow. No, this novel left me in emotional shambles and is not one I would recommend to anyone who isn't ready to face the brutal environment of the South Pole.
My favorite thing about this story is that the pony, James Pigg, is the narrator. I was fascinated that Lawrence chose to write from this perspective instead of one of the men. I enjoyed rooting around inside of James Pigg's head to find out how the expedition affected the animals. It was a unique way twist to historical fiction and one I think many younger readers and adults alike will find appealing. James Pigg's perspective provided a chance for the reader to experience this journey in a far different than way than they would have with a human narrator.
I did appreciate that there were segments between James Pigg's story that filled in the historical details. These sections read more like nonfiction and provided me with the background I needed to truly understand the goals of the men. It also closed gaps in the story that could not be filled by James Pigg's knowledge.
My biggest issue with this novel is I found it to be terribly depressing at times. It was hard to make myself keep reading when I knew that the ending could not possibly be a happy one for all involved. It might be a bit too much for more sensitive readers. Hardship, animal cruelty, and death are common occurrences.
In spite of the amount of difficult material, there is also a lot of camaraderie and bravery in this story. The bonds between the men and the ponies shocked me. I didn't expect there to be such devotion between the two groups, but on more than one occasion, a man is willing to sacrifice his own life to save one of the animals.
I'd highly recommend this novel to anyone whose interested in the race to the South Pole, adventure/survival stories, and those who enjoy a well written, well researched piece of historical fiction.
One Last Gripe: I kept having to walk away from this one because of how depressing it got at times. I should have expected it, but it still punched me in the gut every time. Ultimately, it was what dropped the rating for me. It's a clear case of it's me, not you.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved the structure of it. The balance between fact and fiction was superb.
First Sentence: The year is 1910, and a great adventure is beginning.
Favorite Character: James Pigg
Least Favorite Characters: The men who steal James Pigg from his herd
I picked this one up at the library because this past school year I had a student who was crazy about horses. I kept trying to find things for her to read and thought this might be a good fit. I also love well done historical fiction and knew virtually nothing about the explorations to the South Pole. I thought I could kill two birds with one stone: find something for the student and learn something.
I did learn a lot about Scott's expedition to the South Pole. It amazes me that so long ago with such primitive technology (compared to modern standards), men were willing to brave the Arctic unknowns. I'm sure they were propelled by their sense of adventure, but I cannot imagine voluntarily going on a mission like this one. The hardships these men and animals faced were terrifying. This is not a happy go lucky story about a pony taking a romp in the snow. No, this novel left me in emotional shambles and is not one I would recommend to anyone who isn't ready to face the brutal environment of the South Pole.
My favorite thing about this story is that the pony, James Pigg, is the narrator. I was fascinated that Lawrence chose to write from this perspective instead of one of the men. I enjoyed rooting around inside of James Pigg's head to find out how the expedition affected the animals. It was a unique way twist to historical fiction and one I think many younger readers and adults alike will find appealing. James Pigg's perspective provided a chance for the reader to experience this journey in a far different than way than they would have with a human narrator.
I did appreciate that there were segments between James Pigg's story that filled in the historical details. These sections read more like nonfiction and provided me with the background I needed to truly understand the goals of the men. It also closed gaps in the story that could not be filled by James Pigg's knowledge.
My biggest issue with this novel is I found it to be terribly depressing at times. It was hard to make myself keep reading when I knew that the ending could not possibly be a happy one for all involved. It might be a bit too much for more sensitive readers. Hardship, animal cruelty, and death are common occurrences.
In spite of the amount of difficult material, there is also a lot of camaraderie and bravery in this story. The bonds between the men and the ponies shocked me. I didn't expect there to be such devotion between the two groups, but on more than one occasion, a man is willing to sacrifice his own life to save one of the animals.
I'd highly recommend this novel to anyone whose interested in the race to the South Pole, adventure/survival stories, and those who enjoy a well written, well researched piece of historical fiction.
One Last Gripe: I kept having to walk away from this one because of how depressing it got at times. I should have expected it, but it still punched me in the gut every time. Ultimately, it was what dropped the rating for me. It's a clear case of it's me, not you.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved the structure of it. The balance between fact and fiction was superb.
First Sentence: The year is 1910, and a great adventure is beginning.
Favorite Character: James Pigg
Least Favorite Characters: The men who steal James Pigg from his herd
February 7, 2024
Wow, I stayed up all night listening to this. A story about Scott’s fatal expedition to the south pole and his use of ponies to pull his heavy sleds, as told through the eyes of one of the ponies named “James Pigg”. There are a few humorous moments, but otherwise a very moving, sad story, but so very good.
September 8, 2019
2.5 stars.
The beginning was rather slow, and once any adventure began, the horses' health went downhill from there. They were attacked by dogs, worked excessively, and...It was just overall really sad. James Pigg was the best horse, of course.
Tiny bit of mild language. Lots of bad stuff happening to the animals and people.
Wouldn't recommend.
The beginning was rather slow, and once any adventure began, the horses' health went downhill from there. They were attacked by dogs, worked excessively, and...It was just overall really sad. James Pigg was the best horse, of course.
Tiny bit of mild language. Lots of bad stuff happening to the animals and people.
Wouldn't recommend.
November 23, 2013
It was depressing. I didn't like how the author 1.killed James Pigg, 2.made Capt. Scott lose, and 3.killed Capt. Scott and his friends. I know that's how it was in real life, but if the story was going to be that sad, why write a book about it at all?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2012
Wow! Amazing. There aren't enough adjectives to describe how wonderful this book is. If I was cranky the next morning it's Mr. Lawrence's fault - I couldn't stop reading.
April 5, 2014
By the time I was halfway through The Winter Pony, I knew I had made a mistake, a big mistake. It isn't just that all the animals die, the ponies, the dogs, and lots of other Antarctic animals that were killed for food or fur, or both. It isn't just the fact that almost all the human characters die too.
I think it's the fact, and this is purely subjective on my part, that it was all so pointless. What could possibly be heroic or noble about starving to death and/or freezing to death? For what did these men risk their lives? The men had a choice. They, for whatever reason, were excited and motivated and aware of the risks and hardships. The animals, well, they had no choice at any point. The animals were essentially doomed from the moment they were selected to be a part of Robert Falcon Scott's quest, his mission, to be the first to the South Pole.
Why am I focusing on the animals instead of the men? For the simple fact that this book does. The Winter Pony is told through a pony's perspective. The pony hero is James Pigg. The novel opens with James Pigg free and running wild, happy and innocent. It ends with him being shot and fed to the remaining dogs and men. (The men, the dogs, the ponies, all shared the same fate, it was just a matter of when.)
The author seems to like and respect Robert Scott, and has sought to tell the story honestly for better or worse. He does point out that big mistakes were made by Scott on his journey, that the story could have had a different ending, if Scott had made different choices, better choices. One of the mistakes is that Scott failed to push the ponies hard enough at the beginning. He had planned to create a supply cache, "One Ton Depot" at a certain degree, he stopped short of his goal for the sake of the ponies. On his return journey, he never came close to reaching the much-needed supplies that would have saved his life and the lives of his men. If he had stuck to the original plan, then he would have reached his supplies. There were other mistakes made as well.
There was nothing in Ian Lawrence's novel that made me like or respect Scott.
The Winter Pony stays relatively close to the facts. James Pigg's part in the story is stretched and expanded to tell more of what it was like to be one of twenty (or is nineteen?) ponies on the expedition.
The narrative switches between the pony's perspective AND an omniscient narrator that shares plenty of information.
I think it's the fact, and this is purely subjective on my part, that it was all so pointless. What could possibly be heroic or noble about starving to death and/or freezing to death? For what did these men risk their lives? The men had a choice. They, for whatever reason, were excited and motivated and aware of the risks and hardships. The animals, well, they had no choice at any point. The animals were essentially doomed from the moment they were selected to be a part of Robert Falcon Scott's quest, his mission, to be the first to the South Pole.
Why am I focusing on the animals instead of the men? For the simple fact that this book does. The Winter Pony is told through a pony's perspective. The pony hero is James Pigg. The novel opens with James Pigg free and running wild, happy and innocent. It ends with him being shot and fed to the remaining dogs and men. (The men, the dogs, the ponies, all shared the same fate, it was just a matter of when.)
The author seems to like and respect Robert Scott, and has sought to tell the story honestly for better or worse. He does point out that big mistakes were made by Scott on his journey, that the story could have had a different ending, if Scott had made different choices, better choices. One of the mistakes is that Scott failed to push the ponies hard enough at the beginning. He had planned to create a supply cache, "One Ton Depot" at a certain degree, he stopped short of his goal for the sake of the ponies. On his return journey, he never came close to reaching the much-needed supplies that would have saved his life and the lives of his men. If he had stuck to the original plan, then he would have reached his supplies. There were other mistakes made as well.
There was nothing in Ian Lawrence's novel that made me like or respect Scott.
The Winter Pony stays relatively close to the facts. James Pigg's part in the story is stretched and expanded to tell more of what it was like to be one of twenty (or is nineteen?) ponies on the expedition.
The narrative switches between the pony's perspective AND an omniscient narrator that shares plenty of information.
December 29, 2018
Cold Dark Silence of the Polar Night
The Winter Pony is a sad story that deals with life, death, abuse, trust, fear, friendship, enmity, hunger, and dreams. If you need a really good cry, then this is the book for you. Many tears will be shed because death is a long train for these sad ponies. This is a children's book, but its more of a reality based book that presents the ultimate sacrifice of adventure.
The story is given in the first-pony viewpoint, and is told by a sweet Manchurian pony who is named James Pigg. The name was apparently taken from an obscure children's story the men on the expedition would have read as children, Handley Cross by Robert Smith Surtees. (Surtee's book was even mentioned in some of Rudyard Kipling's stories.) The text can be found online free here. Chapter XX is the one that introduces the original character James Pigg. I just scrolled through to read that chapter just for the idea of why our White pony was given that name. In Handley Cross, James Pigg is an ungainly skinny vagabond who shows up at the door eager for employment. Without any apparent pedigree or education, he strings his words together, or rather crashes them together, speaking in a much deeper dialect than his contemporaries. He is dressed raggedly, and has a keen appetite. He is hired for some odd reason, probably his affable spirit and eagerness, despite his poor condition.
That gives a good idea of why the Winter Pony telling this story was named James Pigg. I think most all children could love this book. I highly recommend it for all ages. The Audible edition was excellent. It does a great job of giving a rundown of Scott's doomed expedition, as well.
The Winter Pony is a sad story that deals with life, death, abuse, trust, fear, friendship, enmity, hunger, and dreams. If you need a really good cry, then this is the book for you. Many tears will be shed because death is a long train for these sad ponies. This is a children's book, but its more of a reality based book that presents the ultimate sacrifice of adventure.
The story is given in the first-pony viewpoint, and is told by a sweet Manchurian pony who is named James Pigg. The name was apparently taken from an obscure children's story the men on the expedition would have read as children, Handley Cross by Robert Smith Surtees. (Surtee's book was even mentioned in some of Rudyard Kipling's stories.) The text can be found online free here. Chapter XX is the one that introduces the original character James Pigg. I just scrolled through to read that chapter just for the idea of why our White pony was given that name. In Handley Cross, James Pigg is an ungainly skinny vagabond who shows up at the door eager for employment. Without any apparent pedigree or education, he strings his words together, or rather crashes them together, speaking in a much deeper dialect than his contemporaries. He is dressed raggedly, and has a keen appetite. He is hired for some odd reason, probably his affable spirit and eagerness, despite his poor condition.
That gives a good idea of why the Winter Pony telling this story was named James Pigg. I think most all children could love this book. I highly recommend it for all ages. The Audible edition was excellent. It does a great job of giving a rundown of Scott's doomed expedition, as well.
April 30, 2012
This is marked Historical Fiction because the pony, James Pigg tells the story of Captain Scott's 1910 attempt to reach the South Pole using motor sledges, dogs, and Russian ponies. If junior readers can accept the idea of a pony understanding the feelings of his handlers and his fellow work ponies, and you can accept the frequent death and suffering of ponies and men, and you can accept the descriptions of the hungry and vicious dogs and the horrors of months in the Antarctic you will learn something about the expedition of both Scott's team of explorers who failed and Amundsen's team of explorers who managed to reach the South Pole in 1910. I think this is not the best telling of the dramatic story for junior readers.
February 7, 2014
This book is probably one of my new faverote books. It was truly amazing and heartwarming. I would recomend it to anyone who likes horses. It was deffinatly a sad story and at the end its really sad.
This story is about a horse who was captured when he was really little, he was taken and trained harshly. He moves from home to home, working to hard then getting sold again. By the time he is 8 he was already worn out and "old". Then he was chosen as one of the 20 ponies to travel to the south pole. During this long hard journy the horse explaines what it was like. He watched his friends die around him and he doesnt know when he'll be next.
A great read. Another thing thats cool about it is its narrarated by the horse.
This story is about a horse who was captured when he was really little, he was taken and trained harshly. He moves from home to home, working to hard then getting sold again. By the time he is 8 he was already worn out and "old". Then he was chosen as one of the 20 ponies to travel to the south pole. During this long hard journy the horse explaines what it was like. He watched his friends die around him and he doesnt know when he'll be next.
A great read. Another thing thats cool about it is its narrarated by the horse.
June 15, 2015
Too much death to be a children's book, and I just started.
Poor pony gets picked to go to the south pole with that guy who died.
Holy shit this can't end well..
This book haunted me for days afterward...the only redeeming thing about it was that after he shot all his hardworking ponies, he and his whole damn party died...for nothing. Another guy got there first and got the glory..
But it was a great story about the life of those who went down there. ANd it was based on his actual diary, that I also looked up on line. A great website, that even had pictures of the ponies and the people. It really brought life to the story of his push to get to the pole.
But sad..too damn sad.
Poor pony gets picked to go to the south pole with that guy who died.
Holy shit this can't end well..
This book haunted me for days afterward...the only redeeming thing about it was that after he shot all his hardworking ponies, he and his whole damn party died...for nothing. Another guy got there first and got the glory..
But it was a great story about the life of those who went down there. ANd it was based on his actual diary, that I also looked up on line. A great website, that even had pictures of the ponies and the people. It really brought life to the story of his push to get to the pole.
But sad..too damn sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2014
Tragedies from start to finish, pretty much, but definitely offered an intriguing look (from a very different perspective) on the race to the South Pole, Captain Scott version. Especially if you don't know much about the story in the first place (guilty). I didn't even know there were ponies on that expedition. But it turns out that every pony mentioned in the book was a real member of the expedition, and the book is meticulously researched to retell as many events as possible in the most accessible way possible. Well done!
January 10, 2013
This book is a difficult and sad read told from the point of view of a pony participating in the race between two explorers trying to reach the South Pole first. The pony is treated kindly as possible under the dreadful conditions. How foolish of man to think ponies could survive such cruel, unrelenting, intolerable elements of nature! Deeply moving and heart wrenching...it's a well written adventure story about a true event in history.
January 15, 2013
I'll give this one 2.5 stars. I think it gives children a good background and historical perspective of the discovery of the Antarctic. I think it would have been better if they included some of the actual events at the end of chapters a little more into the book. An interesting perspective, but in the realm of horse books, not quite as enjoyable as Black Beauty or Misty of Chincoteauge.
August 22, 2014
Spoiler -- My daughter chose this book to read aloud together. We both found it hard to get through and there is little reward at the end! All the ponies are shot & some eaten by men and dogs along the way. Not really what you'd expect from the front cover, though I'm sure it's historically accurate.
March 24, 2013
I really liked this book. As I told my daughter, it's like Black Beauty and War Horse - a sad book told from the perspective of the horse. It did make me want to read about the real South Pole expedition.
November 2, 2021
Go away 12 y/o me, and take your exsessive exclamation points with you.
I'm not being very fair with my review. It's a great book. but WAY too sad for my taste. They killed all the ponies! As in shot them point blank and ate them! I don't want the ponies to be dead!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
Horribly sad story. I don't think this should be marketed as a kids book. It was well written. I especially liked the authors honesty at the end of the book.
March 27, 2012
A truly "chilling" story from a pony's perspective to be the first to reach the pole.
October 20, 2019
Readers beware........................this is a very sad book but an interesting story. It might bring you to tears a number of times.
Iain Lawrence has taken one of the greatest adventures in our history and related it to the reader through the eyes of a hard working pony, a pony that has a strong heart and the ability to survive frigid temperatures like those near the South Pole.
When Robert Scott, an Englishman decides he wants to try to be the first man to reach the South Pole he finds he is not alone. Norwegian, Roald Amundsen plans his trek at the same time. In order to reach the South Pole and have supplies enough to get there both men need to find men, horses and dogs to carry all that is needed. Scott and his men find horses that are just suited to the job they will have but they have all been subjected to much cruelty in their lives and many are not as strong as they used to be. One of those horses becomes a favorite and is named James Pigg. His handler Patrick shows James Pigg the first real kindness he has ever known. All the other horses are treated kindly also but this story is told through the eyes of James Pigg.
As Scott and his men move about, headed to the South Pole they often have to make decisions that are painful and sad even though they really are not cruel men. James Pigg witnesses all the traumas than can occur to both men and horses in such a hostile environment. He is saddened by it all as are the men who need his help.
As we know, Scott did not beat Amundsen to the Pole though he gave it his all. He had made a decision long before his own death to destroy the horses as they were not going to survive. He also let his dog go in the hopes they would find their way to a safe haven somewhere. Scott also sent home a number of his men as it was getting too difficult to travel. He and his few remaining men perished before they could reach safety.
Iain Lawrence has taken one of the greatest adventures in our history and related it to the reader through the eyes of a hard working pony, a pony that has a strong heart and the ability to survive frigid temperatures like those near the South Pole.
When Robert Scott, an Englishman decides he wants to try to be the first man to reach the South Pole he finds he is not alone. Norwegian, Roald Amundsen plans his trek at the same time. In order to reach the South Pole and have supplies enough to get there both men need to find men, horses and dogs to carry all that is needed. Scott and his men find horses that are just suited to the job they will have but they have all been subjected to much cruelty in their lives and many are not as strong as they used to be. One of those horses becomes a favorite and is named James Pigg. His handler Patrick shows James Pigg the first real kindness he has ever known. All the other horses are treated kindly also but this story is told through the eyes of James Pigg.
As Scott and his men move about, headed to the South Pole they often have to make decisions that are painful and sad even though they really are not cruel men. James Pigg witnesses all the traumas than can occur to both men and horses in such a hostile environment. He is saddened by it all as are the men who need his help.
As we know, Scott did not beat Amundsen to the Pole though he gave it his all. He had made a decision long before his own death to destroy the horses as they were not going to survive. He also let his dog go in the hopes they would find their way to a safe haven somewhere. Scott also sent home a number of his men as it was getting too difficult to travel. He and his few remaining men perished before they could reach safety.
November 16, 2023
Hmm...
This book is about Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova expedition--and race to "discover" the South Pole. The story narrator? One of the horses...who had the unexpected name of James Pigg.
I don't know that the intended young adult audience would stick with this book. It's a slog at times (Antarctica's cold cold cold, after all, so much of the narrative was about that). Still, I stayed with it because James Pigg was such a captivating character. The last 70 pages I was eager to read--although the last 40 or so I both did and did not want to read.
I was continually reading up on the expedition online while reading this book--but careful not to spoiler things for myself.
Am I glad I read it? Yes. Was it one of those books that had a lasting impact? Yes. No photos in the book of the actual James Pigg, but you can find them online.
I almost didn't give it 5 stars because it doesn't seem like a good fit for its audience. However, those that do read it will likely love it by the end.
This book is about Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova expedition--and race to "discover" the South Pole. The story narrator? One of the horses...who had the unexpected name of James Pigg.
I don't know that the intended young adult audience would stick with this book. It's a slog at times (Antarctica's cold cold cold, after all, so much of the narrative was about that). Still, I stayed with it because James Pigg was such a captivating character. The last 70 pages I was eager to read--although the last 40 or so I both did and did not want to read.
I was continually reading up on the expedition online while reading this book--but careful not to spoiler things for myself.
Am I glad I read it? Yes. Was it one of those books that had a lasting impact? Yes. No photos in the book of the actual James Pigg, but you can find them online.
I almost didn't give it 5 stars because it doesn't seem like a good fit for its audience. However, those that do read it will likely love it by the end.
May 6, 2017
Tearjerker! I am surprised this is considered a kids book. I'm fascinated by the polar explorations and keep reading books like this and none of them end well, so I shouldn't be surprised. But horses! Don't search for images on Google because then you will see how freaking cute they were. After all the horses died, every time the men had someone who was hurt or frostbitten, I'd yell out, "And then they shot him!" I suppose there is some sort of justice in that Scott also dies. Rest in peace, James Pigg.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2018
While beautifully written, this is one of the saddest children's books I've ever read. My boys and I listened to this together and I just kept thinking it had to get better as it went. It really didn't. It was a bit depressing the whole way. BUT, we did really love the way it was written from the pony's perspective and the true history the story followed. We learned a lot about the race to the south pole and enjoyed that but I don't recommend this one for sensitive kiddos. It left us feeling really sad.
November 14, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel several years ago with my daughter, and it has stayed with me ever since. I am often reminded of this story and it’s original perspective as it is told from the point of view of one of the horses on an expedition to reach the South Pole. It is a touching and heart-warming story and succeeds in painting an image of what it must have been like to be in this incredible journey in such harrowing circumstances. This book ultimately broke my heart but in such a way that it softened me and will always stay with me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews