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Polly Evans
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Book
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Publisher | Bantam | ||
ISBN | 0553816799 | ||
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Reviewer
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Vicky
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Synopsis
At the age of thirty-four, Polly Evans finally fulfilled a childhood dream - to learn how to ride a horse. But rather than do so conveniently close to home, she decided to travel to Argentina and saddle up among the gauchos. Overcoming battered limbs, a steed hell-bent on bolting, and an encounter with the teeth of one very savage dog, Polly cantered through Andean vineyards and galloped beneath snow-capped Patagonian peaks. She survived a hair-raising game of polo and a back-breaking day herding cattle. Taking a break from riding, she delved into Argentina's tumultuous history: the Europeans' first terrifying acquaintances with the native 'giants'; the sanguinary demise of the early missionaries; and the gruesome drama of Evita's wandering corpse. "On a Hoof and Prayer" is the stampeding story of Polly's journey from timorous equestrian novice to wildly whooping cowgirl. It's a tale of ponies, painkillers and peregrinations - not just around present-day Argentina, but also into the country's glorious and turbulent past.
Polly Evans in 2007 by Victoria Warren
Review
A well written travel book I think is the very best way to learn history and geography of another country.
On a Hoof and a Prayer is definitely up there among the top 5 for me - but do I think Polly is absolutely barking mad! Yes!! Who in their right mind would go to Argentina to learn how to ride a horse?! Not only to travel the country but also to take part in a polo match and herd some cows! Does she get saddle sore - evidently not as the saddles are covered with sheep skin that protects the nether regions from the ravages of all day riding plus added extras!
Polly travels the length and breadth of Argentina giving us wonderful picturesque vistas of where she is in words that flow across the pages of her book - but not only that she gives you a history lesson wherever she goes. For instance did you know that Argentina's independence was July 9th 1866 or that Eva Peron's body was embalmed after death and then travelled the world being buried in several places including Italy before her final resting place with her husband in Spain. It would seem that for all the good work that she did for Argentina nobody wanted her.
Apart from the history of Argentina Polly's shenanegans with the horses are absolutely hysterical - from chasing their mounts in thick fog before the days ride to galloping beneath the snow capped Patagonian peaks and all inbetween.
As if that is not enough she also gets bitten by an outraged dog who sees her as very acceptable fodder. Needless to say Polly then got panic struck as to whether she had rabies or not!
I heartily recommend this book not just for it's fun but also as an excellent book on Argentian history. You can listen to Polly in Spoken Interview.
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