Perestroika in Paris | Jane Smiley

Reading this book was kind of like taking a vacation back in time. For one thing, I have a soft spot for thoroughbred horses since my dad had been a horse photographer as his profession. Truth be told, I'm actually terrified of horses, unless I'm on the ground with the fence between, but I love the idea of loving horses. Second, this story was like smoothing aloe lotion on a sunburn. During our time of bitter divisiveness, it was so relaxing to read a story that's all about kindness, and helpfulness, and support for your fellow creatures.

While most adult novels are about passions and problems, this book reads almost as a children's story with animals that talk and communicate with humans and other species (I could imagine that a 9-10+ year old child would enjoy it read aloud, although there is some talk about stud fees and reproductive matters for horses). Some are nervous, some are bossy, some are a bit overbearing. Perestroika, or Paras, is a thoroughbred racehorse who, out of sheer curiosity, wanders out of her racetrack stall one evening when her trainer accidentally leaves the gate ajar. She doesn't really want to escape--her life is pretty darn cushy--but as a "curious filly" she wanders out and finds herself in the midst of Paris. Fortunately she had the foresight to pick up the handbag with the trainer's winnings from her last race so she's not without resources, even if she doesn't know what that means. Over the course of the story, she meets other animals and they become their own community, taking care of each other. and giving each other advice. The story gets more interesting as they start interacting with and become connected to humans. I was a little antsy reading the beginning of the book when it was all animals, but I was all-in once the animals came together to help their humans, just as their humans had helped them. The story is set in relatively contemporary times (there are a couple of mentions of cell phones) but it's actually quite timeless. Cars aren't mentioned, and it feels like the story could be current day or 100 years ago. This is a sweet, sweet story that sends out kindness like a beacon. So refreshing!