The Winter Horses

Written by Philip Kerr

In Nazi-occupied Ukraine, a hidden girl and an old caretaker try to save the last rare wild horses.

3.9 Goodreads · 2,277 ratings

288 pages· 62,678 words· Est. 7 hour read· 930L· AR 6.1 · 10 AR pts

$16.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

It is 1941, and the Nazis have overrun Ukraine. Max, the devoted caretaker of an animal preserve, must live alongside the occupiers while keeping a secret: Kalinka, a Jewish girl who has lost her home and family, is hiding in the park. Kalinka forms a bond with the rare Przewalski's horses that roam the preserve, and when the Nazis set out to destroy the herd, she and Max fight to save the last of them.

From the publisher

From Philip Kerr, the New York Times bestselling author of the Bernie Gunther novels, comes a breathtaking journey of survival in the dark days of WWII in Ukraine, a country that remains tumultuous today. This inspiring tale captures the power of the human spirit and is perfect for fans of The Book Thief, Milkweed, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. It will soon be another cold winter in the Ukraine. But it's 1941, and things are different this year. Max, the devoted caretaker of an animal preserve, must learn to live with the Nazis who have overtaken this precious land. He must also learn to keep secrets--for there is a girl, Kalinka, who is hiding in the park. Kalinka has lost her home, her family, her belongings--everything but her life. Still, she has gained one small, precious gift: a relationship with the rare wild and wily Przewalski's horses that wander the preserve. Aside from Max, these endangered animals are her only friends--until a Nazi campaign of extermination nearly wipes them out for good. Now Kalinka must set out on a treacherous journey across the frozen forest to save the only two surviving horses--and herself.

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