The Dark Horse

The Dark Horse Synopsis

By the author of Black Narcissus and The River

'[Godden's] distinctive, poised and unsentimental books have never lost a shred of their almost hypnotic appeal' ROSIE THOMAS, GUARDIAN

'One of our best and most captivating novelists' PHILIP HENSHER

'[Godden has] a genius for storytelling' EVENING STANDARD

'All horses can walk - some badly, some well, but to a few is given a gift of movement feline in its grace, a slouching, flowing continuous movement that is a joy to watch. Dark Invader strode in glorious rhythm, his great shoulders rolling, muscles rippling along his flanks under the satin skin.'

In 1930s Calcutta, a beautiful racehorse brings together a group of outsiders: John Quillan, a talented trainer ostracized for his interracial marriage; Mr Leventine, the shrewd new owner of Dark Invader; Ted Mullins, his groom, his career derailed by scandal; and Mother Morag, head of an order of nuns working with the city's destitute.

Sold in disgrace and shipped to India after a disappointing first season, the horse requires gentleness and careful handling - but soon becomes the firm favourite for the famous Viceroy Cup race, and a source of hope. When he disappears only days before the race, Mother Morag's sharp wits and gentle wisdom may be their salvation...

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