The novel 'Horse' is the story of an enslaved man grooming a winning thoroughbred Lexington was a winning thoroughbred in the mid-1800's, and the basis of Geraldine Brooks' new novel, "Horse." Scott Simon talks with her about her story.

Geraldine Brooks, Horse This book is based on a real horse, a real painting, a real skeleton, and real people. The stories were fictionalized but it was difficult to know where her research on real events ended and the fiction began.

It is a brilliant work with poignant moments enhanced by a cast of historical characters reimagined by the author. But the most affecting are the fictional ones such as the Black groom, Jarret, who symbolizes the abusive treatment endured by the enslaved.