Book Report: The Horse and His Boy

Name (First Name, Last Initial)

Ethan K.

Age

11

Book Title

The Horse and His Boy

Author(s)

C.S. Lewis

Genre

Fantasy

What is the setting of the book?

The setting of the book is the magical land of Narnia, and the desert land of Calormen. The name “Calormen” comes from another language’s word for heat. The two countries also are separated by Archenland, in which most of the last part of the book takes place.

Who is/are the main character(s)? What are they like?

The main character is called Shasta, from Archenland. But he was stolen away by a traitor when he was a baby. The boat which carried him away crashed in Calormen, and he was the sole survivor. A poor fisherman found him, and wasn’t nice to Shasta. There are other characters who are focused on a lot, but Shasta is definitely the main character.

What is the conflict of the story?

One day, desperate for money, the fisherman decided to sell Shasta to a passing noble. But the horse the noble was riding on was a talking horse from Narnia, named Bree! They decide to run away together, but were chased by lions on the trail, where they met some company. When they evaded the lions, they ran into Aravis (a young noblewoman who was running away from forced marriage) and her horse, Hwin (somehow related to Bree, from Narnia, and also can talk). They have to be brave to succeed in their journey to Narnia. Running into characters from The Lion the Witch, and the Wardrobe (as well as Shasta’s twin brother, Corin), they finally got to Archenland in time to warn the king about an attack!

What was the conclusion of the book?

The prince who was leading the attack was captured, and turned into a donkey by Aslan after he refused to apologize. He had to stay in Calormene’s capital, or be turned into a donkey again! Shasta changed his name to match his brother’s, becoming Cor. After the king of Archenland died, he took on the title of king, marrying Aravis.

While reading the book, what were your emotions?

I felt excited when they were riding through the desert, and I thought the prince was funny. But there was a LOT of action. I liked the talking horses, because they had a lot of spirit and character.

Do you think the book had a moral? If so, what was it?

I don’t think C.S. Lewis intended the book to have a moral, but I think that companionship and mercy were some of the big aspects of the book. The king chose not to punish the prince — although Aslan eventually turned him into a donkey.

Star Rating

Selected Value: 5 (0 min / 10 max)

Why did you give the book this rating?

It was fun to read, and the characters were fun to follow. I liked Aravis’s arc, because she started out a little vain and kinda cold, but became wise and loving.

What was your favorite/least favorite part?

I didn’t like the beginning because it was a little bleak, and I was wanting an adventure. But my favorite part was when they were in the capital, because it almost turned into a comedy of errors, with the group getting split up. Shasta got mixed up with Corin, Aravis met a ridiculous friend of hers (who was SOOO vain), and there was lots of confusion.

Would you recommend this book to others? Why?

I’d say this book is good if you like adventure and wise characters. 10+ for age probably. My sister didn’t like the start, and she’s 9.

How much action was in the book?

Selected Value: 8 (0 min / 10 max)

How much drama was in the book?

Selected Value: 2 (0 min / 10 max)

How much humor was in the book?

Selected Value: 6 (0 min / 10 max)

How much suspense was in the book?

Selected Value: 2 (0 min / 10 max)