If Wishes Were Horses by Karly Lane, Paperback, 9781760633370
Writing a novel is no easy feat, but Karly Lane proves herself to be a master at storytelling with her novel If Wishes Were Horses. Lane has captivated readers with her writing style and beautifully woven plot that keeps you engaged till the last page. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look into some of the key themes and ideas presented in the book, along with a critical evaluation of Lane’s writing style and how effectively she conveyed her message.
The Plot
If Wishes Were Horses is a story of resilience in the face of adversity. The story follows the life of a girl named Chelsea who was abandoned by her mother at a young age, and left to be raised by her father in rural Australia. Despite the challenges she faced growing up, Chelsea learned to find joy in the simple things in life, especially her love for horses. The novel focuses on Chelsea’s adult life where she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, after her father’s death, by moving to a new town in the hopes of starting fresh.
However, as she discovers, starting over is not easy. Chelsea is faced with new challenges and obstacles in a town that seems to be fighting against progress. As she learns to navigate through the ups and downs of her new life, she meets a variety of different characters, such as Rachel, the owner of a local nursery, and Will, a handsome horse trainer. Through these relationships, Lane beautifully weaves together a story of hope and second chances.
The Themes
If Wishes Were Horses touches on several important themes such as love, loss, and the importance of community. One theme that stands out is the concept of ‘home’. Chelsea’s journey teaches us that home is not necessarily a specific geographic location, rather it’s a feeling that we carry within us. A feeling of comfort and belonging, that can be achieved through the people we surround ourselves with. This message is communicated through the tight-knit community of characters that Chelsea encounters, each playing an important role in her journey.
The novel also explores the idea of second chances, as demonstrated by Chelsea’s journey towards self-discovery. Lane emphasizes that it’s never too late to start over, and that sometimes the most challenging experiences can lead to growth and new beginnings. This message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where many of us are faced with major life changes beyond our control.
The Writing Style
Karly Lane’s writing style is engaging and emotive, with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the Australian countryside. Lane’s use of imagery is particularly notable, as she paints a beautiful picture of the rural landscape that Chelsea finds solace in. Her pacing and plot development keep the reader engaged and invested in the story, with a perfect balance of tension and relief.
One of the strengths of the book is how effectively Lane communicates the emotional depth of her characters, allowing the reader to empathize with their experiences. The various relationships that Chelsea builds throughout the novel are well-crafted and realistic, making each character feel like an integral part of the story.
However, on the downside, some parts of the novel feel slightly predictable and clichéd. The romantic subplot, in particular, can feel a little formulaic at times. However, this is a minor flaw, and does not detract from the overall experience of the book.
Recommendation
Overall, If Wishes Were Horses is a well-crafted, emotionally resonant tale that is sure to delight readers. Lane’s writing style is captivating and immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. The themes of hope, resilience, and the importance of community are poignant reminders of the value of human connections, making it a heartwarming read. While some parts of the story may feel predictable and formulaic, this does not detract from the overall experience of the book.
If you’re a fan of heartwarming stories with beautifully written characters, If Wishes Were Horses is a must-read. It is a story that is sure to stay with you long after you turn the last page.
FAQ
What is If Wishes Were Horses about?
If Wishes Were Horses is a novel about resilience in the face of adversity. It follows the life of Chelsea, a girl who was abandoned by her mother and left to be raised by her father in rural Australia. As an adult, Chelsea embarks on a journey of self-discovery after her father’s death, by moving to a new town in the hopes of starting fresh.
What are the major themes of the novel?
The major themes of If Wishes Were Horses are love, loss, the importance of community, and second chances. The novel explores the idea of home and the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. It also emphasizes that it’s never too late to start over and that sometimes the most challenging experiences can lead to growth and new beginnings.
What is Karly Lane’s writing style like?
Karly Lane’s writing style is engaging and emotive, with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the Australian countryside. Lane’s use of imagery is particularly notable, as she paints a beautiful picture of the rural landscape that Chelsea finds solace in. Her pacing and plot development keep the reader engaged and invested in the story, with a perfect balance of tension and relief.
