"The Horse with the Golden Mane" contains three novellas, all based on people Vassallo has met or events from his own life. Bonding--whether with our animal friends or with those in our human family--is the theme that Vassallo skillfully weaves through each story, bringing them together into a complete collection.

The Horse with the Golden Mane: Stories of Adventure, Mystery and Romance

Russell A. Vassallo
Krazy Duck Productions (2007)
ISBN 097767391X
Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (3/07)


Are you looking for a book with adventure, mystery and romance all in one volume? If that is what you are looking for, your search is over. "The Horse with the Golden Mane" has it all. There are three short stories in this book which encompass all of these: adventure, mystery and romance. This is a very delightful read by a great story teller. Russell A Vassallo brings his love of animals and being a gifted storyteller to life in this book. And, if you don't favor horses, there is a dog as a major character in the first story.

The story "Eric" deals with a man who was freed from a Nazi death camp and exiled to America. He develops an unusual friendship between him and a Doberman pinscher. It is very exciting to see how this story comes to an end as there are many twists and turns throughout. I had difficulty laying this book down while engaged in this story.

The next is the story of "Taj." Taj is a horse who hasn't lived up to his full potential as a race horse. Grant Larsen feels a connection between him and the horse and saves his life. Perhaps the real reason for Taj's existence isn't really racing, but a different purpose. He chases all over looking for where this horse could have been taken. He is amazed and surprised when he sees what Taj's purpose really is. It's a heartwarming story with a tear-jerking ending.

The title story "The Horse with the Golden Mane," is a wonderful story of undying love of a man named Pierce Bernard. With a self-sacrificing love, Pierce frantically searches for his wife.  Pierce develops a bond with an abused horse. The lack of trust in humans that this animal has after its abuse is very well brought out. Pierce finds himself talking with the horse and it becomes evident that the horse ends up being a very close friend to Pierce. In the process of getting the horse to trust him, Pierce learns very much about himself. Will Pierce ever find his wife Maya?

I would highly recommend this book to animal lovers and short story lovers. The stories are very engaging and addictive. My wish is that Russell A Vassallo writes more books like this one. "The Horse with the Golden Mane" is an awesome book that I will long remember reading.