The Horses by Elaine Walker

Extracts (Download)

Elaine Walker brings to this debut novel the keen eye for detail of an academic and non-fiction writer, but transforms her material with a story teller’s sensibility.

Set on a remote Scottish island after a strange ecological disaster which has left the world largely devoid of human life this is the story of Jo and his family, marooned during a family holiday and now facing personal as well as global tragedy, yet with a connection to the mysterious horses who’s coming heralds rebirth and a new way of life.

This powerful first person narrative uses magical realism to stunning effect to tell a story that is as compelling as it is important. A highly accomplished debut novel.

Elaine Walker has lived in North Wales all her life and has been a freelance writer since 1997. Her work includes fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Much of her non-fiction is concerned with equestrian history and culture, in particular her book, Horse (Reaktion Books, 2008). As a fiction writer, she is particularly interested in magical realism and storytelling which is not bounded by reality. She has a doctorate in English Literature and her academic work on early modern horsemanship manuals crosses into her interest in the fantastic in the lives and writing of the first Duke and Duchess of Newcastle. Elaine lectures for the Open University, the University of Wales and the Open College of the Arts. She runs online writing courses and is an Academi Mentor.