Tags
Book Review, Equestrian, Family Drama, Flying Changes, Horse, Horse-riding, love, Sara Gruen, SIncere, trust
Flying Changes by Sara Gruen
June 2014
The same author, Sara Gruen wrote Water for Elephants which became a major motion picture. Flying Changes was a book I read during my stay at Estancia Santa Maria. It is a good read if you’re a aspiring star in the equestrian circuit or a more casual South-American gaucho but if you’re not interested in horses or family dramas, you can skip this one.
The book revolves around Eva, a rebellious 16 year-old and her over-protective mother, Annemarie Zimmer. Both have a burning passion and sincere love for the horses they ride. When Eva goes to a competitive horse riding academy, Annemarie is forced to face her fears caused by the trauma of her past. Each time Eva takes a jump, she is reminded of her tragic fall. Amidst the conflict, there are a string of family dramas which complicate the plot and add spice to the story.
I believe the real take away for me was the relationship between the horse and the rider. The horses were loyal and each have a personality to themselves. Stubborn or subdued, they loved their masters. It was a two-way beautiful relationship based on trust. Almost inspiring I suppose.