1
of
1
The Dark Horse
A Virago Modern Classic
Series: Virago Modern Classics
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 343 ratings, 48 reviews)
Brief Description
By the author of Black Narcissus and The River '[Godden's] distinctive, poised and unsentimental books have never lost a shred of their almost hypnotic appeal' — ROSIE THOMAS, GUARDIAN 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' — PHILIP HENSHER '[Godden has] a genius for storytelling'...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Dark Horse. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
Latest News
The Books That Made Us Readers
The book hero team are sharing the books that made them readers!
The Making of an Accounts Hero
From childhood loans and dishwasher money to tax returns, Excel and Book Hero’s accounts, Marnie...
Play to Screen Report 13/08/26
From major casting rumours and long-awaited adaptations to new family favourites heading to the big...
Welcome Piece House to Book Hero!
Meet Piece House, a New Zealand-owned puzzle company creating stunning jigsaw puzzles featuring beautiful artwork...
Gotta catch 'em all! Pokemon Tonies Now Up For Pre-Order
Pokemon tonies have just been announced & are up for pre-order. Official release date is...
See moreFrom the esteemed author of Black Narcissus and The Diddakoi comes the classic story of Dark Invader, a powerful racehorse who wins the hearts of India's people.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
By the author of Black Narcissus and The River
'[Godden's] distinctive, poised and unsentimental books have never lost a shred of their almost hypnotic appeal' — ROSIE THOMAS, GUARDIAN
'One of our best and most captivating novelists' — PHILIP HENSHER
'[Godden has] a genius for storytelling' — EVENING STANDARD
'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. Dark Invader strode in glorious rhythm, his great shoulders rolling, muscles rippling along his flanks under the satin skin.'
In 1930s Calcutta, a beautiful racehorse brings together a group of outsiders: John Quillan, a talented trainer ostracised 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, head of an order of nuns working with the city's poor.
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. 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...
Series: Virago Modern Classics
View all-
Rebecca
"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again..." In Rebecca, Daphne Du Maurier weaves a suspenseful and atmospheric tale that captures the reader from its very first line. As a young and inexperienced lady's companion, the unnamed heroine's life is marked by yearning and meekness. Her mundane existence takes an unexpected turn on a trip to the South of...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
An Angel At My Table
An Angel at My Table by Janet Frame is a poignant and compelling autobiography that traces the extraordinary journey of one of New Zealand's most acclaimed authors. The narrative begins with her enchanting childhood, unfolding the wonders and curiosities of her early years. As Frame grows, she faces the dark and harrowing experiences of being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, resulting in...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Valley Of The Dolls
Before Jackie Collins, Candace Bushnell and Lena Dunham, Jacqueline Susann held the world rapt with her tales of the private passions of Hollywood starlets, high-powered industrialists and the jet-set. Valley of the Dolls took the world by storm when it was first published, fifty years ago. Never had a book been so frank about sex, drugs and show business. It...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
An Episode of Sparrows
Someone has dug up the private garden in the Square and taken buckets of dirt, and Miss Angela Chesney of the Garden Committee is sure that a gang of boys from Catford Street must be to blame. Angela's sister, Olivia, isn't so sure. She wonders why the neighbourhood children—the 'sparrows' she sometimes watches from her window—have to be locked out...Paperback$2399Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Jane of Lantern Hill
For as long as she could remember, Jane Stuart and her mother lived with her grandmother in a dreary mansion in Toronto. Jane always believed her father was dead—until she accidentally learned he was alive and well and living on Prince Edward Island. When Jane spends the summer at his cottage on Lantern Hill, doing all the wonderful things Grandmother...Paperback$8300Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Emily of New Moon
Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery tells the story of Emily Starr, who has never known what it is to be unloved. But when her father dies, she is left in the care of her mother's family. Emily is a stranger to the proud Murrays, none of whom think they can cope with such a heartbroken, headstrong girl....Paperback$3700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Fran Lebowitz Reader
Contrary to what many of you might imagine, a career in letters is not without its drawbacks - chief among them the unpleasant fact that one is frequently called upon to actually sit down and write. Acerbic, wisecracking and hilarious, this is the definitive essay collection from the New York legend and satirist. Lebowitz turns her trademark caustic wit to...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Emily's Quest
Emily's Quest follows the journey of Emily, who knows she's destined to be a great writer. She also believes that she and her childhood sweetheart, Teddy Kent, are meant to conquer the world together. However, when Teddy leaves home to study at the School of Design in Montreal to pursue his dream of becoming an artist, Emily's world falls apart....Paperback$3700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
The Secret Diaries Of Miss Anne Lister: Vol. 1
ANNE LISTER IS THE INSPIRATION FOR GENTLEMAN JACK, A NEW BBC/HBO SERIES BY SALLY WAINWRIGHT, STARRING SURANNE JONES. 'Engaging, revealing, at times simply astonishing: Anne Lister's diaries are an indispensable read for anyone interested in the history of gender, sexuality, and the intimate lives of women' — SARAH WATERS 'The Lister diaries are the Dead Sea Scrolls of lesbian history;...Paperback$4600Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Valley Of The Dolls
Giving a party was not as simple as going to one. You could always leave someone else's party. You were stuck with your own. Dolls - red or black; capsules or tablets; washed down with vodka or swallowed straight. For Anne, Neely and Jennifer, it doesn't matter, as long as the pill bottle is within easy reach. These three starlets...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Charioteer
Injured at Dunkirk, Laurie Odell, a young corporal, is recovering at a rural veterans' hospital. There he meets Andrew, a conscientious objector serving as an orderly. The men find solace in each other's friendship, which slowly develops into a covert, chaste romance. Then Ralph Lanyon appears, a mentor from Laurie's school days and now a naval officer. Through him, Laurie...Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Loving Spirit
Cornwall, 1900s. Plyn Boat Yard is a hive of activity, and Janet Coombe longs to share in the excitement of seafaring: to travel, to have adventures, to know freedom. But constrained by the times, instead she marries her cousin Thomas, a boat builder, and settles down to raise a family. Janet's loving spirit—the passionate yearning for adventure and for love—is...Paperback$3099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780349017594
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 13 February 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Virago Press Ltd
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 126.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 167g
Pages: 208
About the Author
Rumer Godden (1907-1998) was the acclaimed author of over sixty works of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Born in England, she and her siblings grew up in Narayanganj, India, and she later spent many years living in Kolkata and Kashmir. Several of her novels were made into films, including Black Narcissus, The Greengage Summer and The River, which was filmed by Jean Renoir. She was appointed OBE in 1993.
Also by Rumer Godden
View all-
An Episode of Sparrows
Someone has dug up the private garden in the Square and taken buckets of dirt, and Miss Angela Chesney of the Garden Committee is sure that a gang of boys from Catford Street must be to blame. Angela's sister, Olivia, isn't so sure. She wonders why the neighbourhood children—the 'sparrows' she sometimes watches from her window—have to be locked out...Paperback$2399Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Five for Sorrow Ten for Joy
By the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The River 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' - Philip Hensher Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy is about growth, choice, struggle, and the freedom of the soul - Joan Chittister '[Godden's] distinctive, poised and unsentimental books have never lost a shred of their almost hypnotic appeal' - Rosie Thomas,...PaperbackSold Out -
In this House of Brede
INTRODUCED BY LAUREN GROFF 'Rumer Godden's novels have a timeless shimmer' GUARDIAN 'One hundred years after her birth, Rumer Godden's novels still pulse with life' MATTHEW DENNISON, TELEGRAPH 'Her craftsmanship is always sure' NEW YORK TIMES 'The motto was Pax but the word was set in a circle of thorns. Peace, but what a strange peace, made of unremitting toil...PaperbackSold Out -
The Battle of the Villa Fiorita
FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BLACK NARCISSUS AND THE RIVER 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' PHILIP HENSHER '[Godden has] a genius for storytelling' EVENING STANDARD 'Her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty' NEW YORK TIMES 'Descriptions of the Italian setting are gorgeous but the real strength is the childlike perspective' DAILY MAIL When their mother leaves...PaperbackSold Out -
The River
By the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The Greengage Summer The River will make you laugh, make you cry and, in its way, change you forever' JULIE MYERSON 'Her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty' NEW YORK TIMES 'Bold, beautiful . . . everyone’s appetites will be satisfied' ELLE The River is Rumer Godden's beautiful tribute to India...PaperbackSold Out -
A Fugue in Time
Ghosts past, present, and future haunt an old London house in this masterful work of fiction from a New York Times Bestselling author. 'A genius for storytelling' EVENING STANDARD 'One of our best and most original novelists' PHILIP HENSHER 'Her craftsmanship is always sure . . . pure, delicate, and gently witty' NEW YORK TIMES Grizel Dane, a bold young...PaperbackSold Out -
Cromartie v. the God Shiva
BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' PHILIP HENSHER '[Godden] writes with grace and a cheerfully lilting prose' KIRKUS REVIEWS 'Her craftsmanship is always sure' NEW YORK TIMES A revered effigy of the God, Shiva, is missing from the Patna Hall Hotel on south India's exquisite Coromandel coast. Was it stolen, and...PaperbackSold Out -
The Lady and the Unicorn
By the author of Black Narcissus and The River 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' Philip Hensher 'Her craftsmanship is always sure; her understanding of character is compassionate and profound; her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty' New York Times In a crumbling Calcutta mansion, with faded frescos and a jasmine-covered garden, the Lemarchant family live, clinging...PaperbackSold Out -
Kingfishers Catch Fire
By the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The River 'A haunting tale . . . the whole book burns with beauty and poetry' Evening Standard 'Powerful adult themes underlie the novel's glimmering surface' Rosie Thomas, Guardian 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' Philip Hensher Sophie Barrington Ward, without a husband, with two children and very little income,...PaperbackSold Out -
Black Narcissus
Rumer Godden's stunning classic novel of devotion, faith and madness You have to be very strong to live close to God or a mountain, or you'll turn a little mad . . . High in the Himalayas, the mountaintop palace shines like a jewel. Built for the General's harem, laughter and music once floated out over the gorge. Now it...PaperbackSold Out -
Black Narcissus
NOW A HAUNTING BBC DRAMA, STARRING GEMMA ARTERTON AND DIANA RIGG 'A remarkable and beautiful book' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'I envy anyone reading it for the first time' AMANDA COE '[Godden has] a genius for storytelling' EVENING STANDARD High in the Himalayas, the mountaintop palace shines like a jewel. Built for the General's harem, laughter and music once floated out over...HardbackSold Out -
An Episode of Sparrows
By the author of Black Narcissus and The River 'A masterpiece of construction and utterly realistically convincing' — JACQUELINE WILSON 'Godden's rich understanding of human nature, her humour and her beautiful prose inevitably leave one aglow' — CHICAGO TRIBUNE 'Godden here tries her deft writing hand at landscaping a child's heart' — TIME * Someone has been digging up the...PaperbackSold Out
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseCass and the Beast
A sweeping and original picture book about a girl who chooses not to be afraid, a modern-day heroine in a story we feel in our bones like an ancient folktale. When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey. The creature takes her on a thundering ride through...Hardback$2399Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseB is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Signed CopyThe Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
