Horse Heaven is a funny, passionate, and brilliant novel by Jane Smiley that dives into the world of horse racing. The story is woven into a marvelous tapestry of joy and love, chicanery, folly, greed, and derring-do.

The characters are as exquisite as they are haunting. Rosalind Maybrick, the wife of a billionaire owner, suddenly finds her life transformed in ways she never anticipated. Then there's Tiffany Morse, a 20-year-old stuck in her job at Wal-Mart, who prays for a change and gets more than she bargained for.

Meet Farley, a good trainer in a bad slump, and Buddy, a ruthless trainer who can't seem to lose even when he wants to. Roberto, an apprentice jockey, faces the challenge of outgrowing his dream career. Leo the gambler and his son Jesse try to understand why their "system" doesn't work.

Don't forget Elizabeth, a 62-year-old theorist of sex and animal communication, and her best friend, Joy, the mare manager. They all revolve around the horses: two colts and two fillies with the potential for greatness. Justa Bob, the plain brown horse who wins by a nose, and Mr. T., a horse with amazing talents, add to the mix.

Even Eileen, the Jack Russell terrier with real convictions, plays a significant role in this strange, compelling, and sparkling universe of horse racing. This book is a veritable celebration of the sport, depicted with verve, originality, tenderness, and sheer exuberance.