48 pages 1 hour read

C. S. Lewis

The Horse And His Boy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1954

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Horse and His Boy, Shasta, a boy living with a fisherman named Arsheesh in Calormen, learns he is not Arsheesh's son and plans to escape to Narnia with Bree, a talking horse. They join forces with a girl named Aravis and her horse, Hwin. As they journey through various challenges, including mistaken identity and dangerous encounters, they discover Shasta's true heritage and thwart a plot against the northern kingdoms. This book includes depictions of death in battle, slavery, and stereotypical portrayals of people resembling those from Arab or Middle Eastern cultures.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and memorable characters. Readers praise the vivid settings and the seamless integration of fantasy with moral lessons. Some, however, critique the portrayal of certain cultures as stereotypical. Overall, it remains a beloved installment in the Narnia series, noted for its engaging adventure and depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Horse And His Boy?

Fans of The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis are typically readers who enjoy epic fantasy tales featuring rich world-building, moral allegory, and thrilling adventures. Similar audiences might appreciate J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series for their immersive narratives and profound themes.

RecommendedReading Age

9-12years

Lexile Level

970L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Classic Fiction

Action / Adventure

Themes

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Topics

Religion / Spirituality