"A moving book, a warm, cranky book, in the end a book full of love of the horse." - The Washington Post In his most engaging, accessible novel to date, John Hawkes brings to life the sad, stately voice of Old Horse, nee Sweet William, who recounts the trials and tribulations of his his days as a racehorse, as a riding school nag, and finally as the broken down mount of a strange old man whose kindness transforms his life. "Writing in this profoundly improbable yet ultimately moving and persuasive voice, Mr. Hawkes portrays not merely a mistreated animal but something akin to a tragic personality. . . . It's a remarkable achievement." - The Wall Street Journal