I first read an unabridged copy of Anna Sewell's Black Beauty when I was very young because of my love of horses and because it was a thick book with a whole lot of story to keep me occupied. This time I chose to read it because I wanted a refresher on the parts I couldn't remember in between certain scenes that stuck out in my mind...and because I love horses (this will always be true).

I searched hard for a copy of the book that was just the written story and that was complete. I couldn't find an available unabridged one in my local library, online, or somewhere that I could easily confirm it was what I was wanting without paying for something sight unseen and hoping I received a copy of Black Beauty unabridged. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful friend at my local library who found this copy for me courtesy of the InterLibrary Loan program. Sara is amazing! ❤❤

When it comes to the graphic novel portion of this book, I don't even want to rate it. I feel like so much is lost and I gained only 1 thing by reading it but in still guessing at another in the same area (I found out what was meant by "Polly's mistress" and who "Mary and the children" might possibly be). I don't get the feeling that this book has the same meaning if it were only read in graphic novel form because much of the details of treating animals and others well is lost in that part of the book. I'm also not a fan because I just don't like to be told how to envision the characters and setting beyond maybe a couple details. Yes, I'm one of those people who has to read the book before seeing the movie because it's ruined if I do it the other way around.

The novel portion of this book is beautifully written, despite some portions being slightly...draggy. I didn't feel like I needed to hear about the 14 trips back and forth down the lane, or across the meadow, or even through the city, but the information is important to the story when it comes to something happening after/during/because of that trip. Just like I personally didn't need to hear about what was done to the horses after they were brought in from rides, but I realized when it became important to the story that not everyone is familiar with routines or why they are done. The story still felt draggy when I got that, but I knew it meant I should pay attention to those parts.

Overall, I give the story of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell 5 STARS because it is a timeless classic for me that is just as good now as I thought it was *coughcough* years ago. I love the messages about being kind to others, no matter what species, color, or sex they may be. I hope those who read the book will mentally add in being kind to all those who exist. There really isn't a reason to put conditions on it or add any religious twist to it. Just be nice and do good things in life without expectation of reward. The book also advocates for standing up for injustices. We need more of that in this world as well. The lessons to be learned in this book are definitely timeless. ( )