All around me men cried and fell to the ground, and horses reared and screamed in an agony of fear and pain. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. They still do every day.The book that inspired Steven Spielberg’s Hollywood blockbuster movie and an internationally acclaimed stage show … it can only be Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. “Helped me through hoping, keep believing. Morpurgo includes that the hope from his children, grandchildren, his great-granddaughter April and others whom he’s met over the years have shown him how radiotherapy wasn’t the only thing doing the healing. Recalling the young people who he taught as a teacher, read his books, or those he’s met with has given him cause for hope and rejoicing. He mentions how his thoughts have turned towards children and grandchildren and what might become of their lives in the ever-changing world. Morpurgo states that he has been a “lucky old parrot” and how, during his radiotherapy, it’s important to think of positive things such as the impact people moving across borders can have on our ideas, science, culture and trade. He explains his perception of being sick:Įven an unwelcomed medical diagnosis does not surprise you. In this week’s issue of Spector Magazine Morpurgo spoke about how he feels at his age and that it’s easy to feel that you’ve seen it all, done it all, and that nothing really surprises you anymore. Currently, the status of the illness is uncertiain. Now seventy-four, Morpurgo received radiotherapy last year to treat cancer in the larynx after having to cancel public appearances in September due to poor health. However, the latest struggle for Morpurgo was even more difficult.Īccording to BBC News, Morpurgo has recently revealed his tiring fight against cancer. The book has been adapted into a play and film and has always chords with audiences worldwide.

Albert, Joey’s previous owner, does everything he can to bring him home. English author Sir Michael Morpurgo has always been known for his book War Horse which follows a horse named Joey purchased by the army in World War I France.

War horse author michael morpurgo