'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'
In 1930s Calcutta, a beautiful racehorse brings together a group of outsiders: John Quillan, a talented trainer ostracized for his marriage; Mr Leventine, the shrewd new owner of Dark Invader; Ted Mullins, his groom, whose career has been derailed by scandal; and Mother Morag, Revered Mother of the Sisters of Poverty.
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, winning the hearts of those who see him. Then, days before the race, Dark Invader disappears. When all seems lost, Mother Morag's sharp wits and gentle wisdom may just be their salvation. . .
'Godden has a genius for storytelling' Evening Standard
'Rumer Godden's novels pulse with life' Daily Telegraph
'One of the greatest horse books ever written' Lauren St John