An enthralling longseller set in one of the most turbulent and fascinating periods in history: the late 12th century, on the border between the Kingdom of Castile and the Muslim territories. A story of love, adventure, war and personal challenge, with a deep bond with animals, which has established its author as a key figure in the Spanish historical fiction landscape.
In the late 12th century, on the border between the Kingdom of Castile and Muslim territories, the Almohad troops devastate everything after defeating the Christian army. In the midst of this chaos, Diego de Malagón, the humble teenage son of an innkeeper, watches as his father is killed and his sisters kidnapped. During the heat of battle, Diego escapes on his horse Sabba to Toledo, never forgetting the face of the man responsible: Don Pedro de Mora, a corrupt Christian who allied with the Muslims.
Starving and dressed in rags, Diego meets Galib, a Mudejar veterinarian who, astonished by the boy’s natural gift with animals, decides to become his mentor. From that moment on, Diego sets two goals: to rescue his sisters and to become a great horse healer.
At first, Diego struggles to reconcile his eagerness to learn with his resentment toward Muslims, whom he blames for the loss of his family. Over time, however, he begins to let go of his prejudice and comes to see Galib as a mentor, a savior, even a second father. But as adolescence sets in, he finds himself drawn to someone he shouldn’t: Benazir, Galib’s wife.
Years later, political tensions rise in Toledo, making life difficult for its Muslim residents. Galib plans to send his family away, and Diego must choose: go with them or stay and pursue his vengeance? Before he decides, Diego gives in to temptation with Benazir, and Galib catches them. Now alone with only his loyal mare Sabba, Diego has no choice but to flee the home he’d known for years.
Taking refuge in a monastery, Diego recommits to his original goal: to avenge his family’s honor and find his sisters. He joins the Order of Calatrava, studies medicine, and trains in combat. He becomes the most renowned veterinarian of his time, serving nobles and even the king. He also falls for Mencía, daughter of a powerful Navarrese nobleman, though their love seems doomed. In this new chapter, Diego reunites with his former mentor, who has forgiven him.
Meanwhile, Blanca and Estela—his sisters—have survived as concubines in the caliph’s court in Seville, enduring years of abuse. Their fortunes may change when Don Pedro de Mora arranges for the caliph’s daughter Najla, their friend, to marry the King of Navarre. Najla promises to free them once she’s wed. But just before the marriage, the king resumes the war, leading to the historic Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212.
Diego fights not as a healer but as a warrior. He finally confronts Don Pedro in a deadly duel and kills him, fulfilling his promise. But the cost is high: Sabba dies saving Diego from Don Pedro’s blade.
The Christian army triumphs, and as the prisoners are freed, Diego finds his youngest sister alive, along with Mencía, who gave up everything to find him. At last, they can begin the life their father had dreamed of.
RELEVANT INFO: The Horse Healer is an international bestseller that cemented Gonzalo Giner’s place among the great historical fiction authors. Translated into several languages and loved by readers and critics alike, Giner won the prestigious Fernando Lara Novel Award in 2020.
This gripping historical novel is a tribute to knowledge, science, animals, and the bonds they forge. Rich in historical detail, it immerses us in the dramatic era of the Reconquista in Iberia, exploring honor codes, the epic battles of Alarcos and Las Navas de Tolosa, and Muslim-Christian relations with a call for dialogue and empathy. As a veterinarian himself, the author provides authentic insight into the profession’s origins.
The Horse Healer is not only a vivid historical portrait—it also delivers action-packed battle scenes and a moving tale of impossible love.
Comparable titles include The Physician by Noah Gordon and The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, both with acclaimed screen adaptations.
AUDIOVISUAL POTENTIAL: TV Series, Miniseries, Film, TV Movie.
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES: Spanish, English, Italian, German.
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