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97 pages 3 hours read

Black Beauty

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1877

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Book Brief

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Anna Sewell

Black Beauty

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1877
Book Details
Pages

245

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rural England • 19th century

Publication Year

1877

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell follows the life of a horse named Black Beauty in 19th-century England. Narrated in the first person, the story begins with Beauty's happy early life and training, moves through his time with a kind owner named Squire Gordon, and details his subsequent hardships and changing owners, reflecting themes of kindness, responsibility, and animal welfare. The novel addresses themes including alcohol abuse, animal cruelty, and the impacts of industrialization.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

290,281 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Anna Sewell's Black Beauty is celebrated for its enduring themes of animal welfare and empathy, touching readers across generations. Readers praise its evocative narrative and poignant portrayal of cruelty and kindness. However, some modern readers find its moralistic tone dated. Overall, it's a timeless, impactful read that continues to resonate with audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Black Beauty?

A reader who would enjoy Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is typically fond of classic literature, animal stories, and poignant tales of compassion and empathy. Similar to fans of Anna Sewell, those who cherish works like Charlotte's Web by E.B. White or Old Yeller by Fred Gipson would likely find Black Beauty captivating.

4.3

290,281 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

245

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rural England • 19th century

Publication Year

1877

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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