My opinion of this book is that it is a wonderful piece of literature. This isn't just because I am an avid horse lover—it's really a special book. I recently read it to my own children. Anna Sewell's novel was revolutionary at the time it was written, in 1877, because it told the story of a horse's life from the perspective of a horse. Horses were common in 1877 and essential to daily life. There were no animal protection or anti–animal cruelty laws back then, so, as a result, many horses suffered from bad treatment. Of course, there were those who had kind owners, as well. NPR (National Public Radio) did a segment on Black Beauty in 2012 on the show All Things Considered, which focused on what Sewell's novel did for animal rights. I will include the link below. It's worth a look.

I think the reason Sewell's novel has stood the test of time is due to its beautiful descriptive imagery, simple prose, and universal themes. One major theme in this novel is the power of kindness. That is a message that is needed throughout the world and across generations. Sewell artfully narrated the horse's life, including his different owners, friends, and various jobs. She really draws readers into the horse's life. I particularly enjoy how Sewell handles the character of Ginger. When Black Beauty meets her, she is an ill-tempered mare who bites. Through kind treatment, she improves, but then she eventually is sold and Beauty loses track of her. When Beauty is a cab horse years later, he is shocked to find Ginger emaciated, having a poor-quality coat and a terrible cough, looking weak and listless. This shows how a beautiful well-bred horse was ill-used and broken by cruel and ignorant owners. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have!