From the author of Unicorn Farmhand: Every horse has a talent or two. Some can sit, some can jump over obstacles, and some can select a button for a treat. For one particular draft horse, Dok Saau, his talent is in writing. He does not just scribble letters in the ground as a trick, but he also uses his talent to express his own thoughts to his bemused owners. Surprised by his strange talent, his owner Chang Gao brings him to the Horse Fair, where he beats the other horses by writing proper answers to several questions. After a DNA scan, he is revealed to be a unicorn: even though he was supposed to be released into the wild, the authorities let Chang Gao keep him so that he might become a local attraction. Yet even as he tries to adjust to his new life as an animal celebrity, every now and then he faces recurring nightmares from his troubled past. As he seeks Chang Gao's help, will he be there to help him defeat his fears? Or would they instead attract something much worse: something that could threaten his comforts or even his own life?
Unicorn Farmhand is a fanciful tale told from the perspective of Dok Saau, the “horse” who discovers he is actually a unicorn. It was fun reading the story from his point of view, especially due to the charming way he described the humans who he considers his family. Dok Saau is a likable character who doesn’t let his special talent go to his head. He’s nice to the horses and the other animals he lives with, and he is content to live a humble life, even though he has amazing abilities. His one desire is to be understood. The quote on the book cover (“How far will you go for your friends to understand you?”) captures the essence of the story.
This book has an interesting mix of settings, combining innocent accounts of Dok Saau’s games with his animal friends and terrifying glimpses of his life in a circus. Sometimes, it felt like an ancient folktale, and sometimes, it felt like a science fiction novel. The two extremes were dispersed throughout the book in such a way that it didn’t feel jarring to read, even though the atmospheres were very different. One thing I thought was funny was how nonchalant Dok Saau’s owners were about his ability to write! They were impressed, sure, but it wasn’t viewed as a miracle. I liked how the fictional society in Unicorn Farmhand makes efforts to protect extraordinary animals like Dok Saau.
I liked the simple writing style in Unicorn Farmhand because the tone of the book reveals the character of Dok Saau. His goal isn’t to show off his skills; it’s merely to have a voice. The final battle could certainly have been more dramatic, but when I remember that Dok Saau is the narrator, it makes perfect sense that he would tell things modestly without throwing in unnecessary theatrics! In conclusion, Dok Saau’s journey is a triumphant story despite a few sad moments. As he confronts his past, he faces his fears and learns to appreciate his identity. I enjoyed reading Unicorn Farmhand. It has a truly unique plot and characters that are easy to cheer for.
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book reviewed above.
Author photograph by Stephanie Dribus
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