Beautifully descriptive of numerous cultures spanning Morocco, France, and England, the novel portrays the universal traits of kindness and cruelty in characters of high and low means. As heroic as the horse that maintains his pride in the face of humility is the boy. Agba's devotion is rooted in the special bond that comes from raising an animal, further reinforced by his inability to speak. He and Sham communicate silently, and become one when they are together. The novel will appeal not only to horse lovers, but to anyone who appreciates friendship and adventure.