I don’t really consider myself a horsey-person so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the cover of Second Chance by Diana Thurgood. It turns out this heart-warming true story is actually a ripper read. 

Second Chance is Diana Thurgood’s first book and it’s a story the author justifiably felt compelled to write about one of her long-time friends, Tiffany Williams.

Tiffany’s life, her career in the NSW Mounted Police Force and her amazing connection with a horse called Toby form the foundations for this book and Toby is a good example of not judging a book by its cover.

Tiffany discovered Toby by accident via a random ‘Horse For Sale’ ad. He was malnourished and maltreated on a drought-stricken farm when she found him. He was also far from an attractive looking equine and with his “Roman nose” and “a face only a mother could love” he was destined for the knackery before being rescued by Tiff.

The bond that Tiff and Toby share is so beautifully told by the author and it’s easy for the reader to find themselves baracking for their success as the story unfolds.  We learn about the countless obstacles and setbacks in nursing Toby back to health and the horse’s amazing talents and humorous idiosyncrasies that reveal themselves as his condition improves. 

We also hear of Toby saving a drowning tourist and how the bond between he and Tiff symbolically saves her during tough times.  But the key triumph is definitely Toby’s inspiring journey from despair to distinction – from fragile and frail to poster boy of the NSW mounted police unit.

This book also offers insight into what it’s like to be a mounted police officer and the wide range of duties that officers and their horses perform – often under dangerous conditions. In fact some of the situations Tiff and Toby encounter will have you holding your breath as the details of accidents unfold.

But Second Chance does not restrict itself to the telling of what it’s like to be a ‘mountie’  or simply filling the pages with all manner of horsey things as the author has woven in some wonderful stories about a range of important people in Tiffany’s life. Through this we get an up close and intimate look into Tiffany’s life and I commend the author on all the beautiful and personal details she weaves in the chapters to create the picture of a whole person rather than a simple and singular slice of one.

Throughout the book there’s a great spread of unexpected events and definitely a few laugh-out-loud moments to balance the story and keep the reader engaged. Horse-lovers will totally enjoy Second Chance as will anyone after a darn good true story that’s quick and easy to read.

Author: Diana Thurgood
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9 781761 06881 
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This book review is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.
Read Serena Kirby’s interview with Diana Thurgood.