Equestrienne

The Equestrienne is a coming-of-age novel set in 1984 in a small town in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, where totalitarianism reigns. Karolína, a rebellious girl, runs away and finds a riding school, where she befriends Romana and Matilda. Together, they form a successful trick-riding team, but the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 and the arrival of capitalism threaten to destroy the riding school. The team must turn professional, but can they maintain their friendship and resist the lure of greed and power?

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 80 pages
\n Publication date: 01 October 2021
\n Publisher: Parthian Books
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In the year 1984, a small town nestled in the eastern region of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic found itself firmly entangled in the grip of totalitarianism. Amidst this oppressive atmosphere, a young girl named Karolína grew up in an all-female household, surrounded by her hot-blooded, knife-wielding grandmother. Tired of her mother's incessant love affairs, Karolína fled from home and stumbled upon a riding school on the outskirts of town. There, she met Romana, a girl with one leg shorter than the other, and Matilda, a rider and trainer who helped the two girls overcome their physical limitations. Together, they formed a successful trick-riding team, dazzling audiences with their daring feats and mesmerizing performances. However, their success soon attracted unwanted attention, as Karolína delved into the world of Pink Floyd, smoking, and discovered her uncanny ability to see deep into the souls of others.

As the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 brought about the arrival of capitalism, the riding school faced the threat of destruction. The team was forced to turn professional, a decision that posed a significant challenge to Romana and Karolína. In a sport where perfect scores were the norm, could they still maintain their friendship and pursue their dreams without compromising their values?

The Equestrienne is a poetic, caustic coming-of-age novel that delves into the desires and struggles of a young girl named Karolína. Set against the backdrop of the Velvet Revolution, the novel explores the themes of freedom, individuality, and the consequences of greed and power. Through the bond between Karolína and Romana, the book celebrates the strength and resilience of women, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. It also serves as a bitter acknowledgement that relationships can be destroyed by these very forces.

As the riding school faced the challenges of professionalism, Karolína and Romana were forced to navigate a complex web of rivalries, jealousy, and betrayal. Their friendship was tested to its limits, as they faced the pressures of success and the temptations of fame. However, through it all, they remained steadfast in their support of each other, relying on their shared love for horses and their unwavering determination to succeed.

In the end, the riding school faced its greatest test when a rival team threatened to dismantle it. However, Karolína and Romana, with the help of their teammates and supporters, emerged victorious. Their triumph was not just about winning a competition; it was about proving that friendship, loyalty, and hard work could overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

The Equestrienne is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the lives of young girls in a tumultuous time. Through its poetic prose and vivid characters, the book reminds us of the power of friendship, the importance of pursuing our dreams, and the consequences of our actions. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring strength of women.

\n Weight: 114g\n
Dimension: 128 x 202 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781913640828\n \n