A great historical novel, probably one of those I would rank high on my list of wonderful discoveries. It's taking place in Afghanistan a story, a journey quite unheard. Kessel takes us into an exotic world, the scents of ancient times, and yet this is a novel, a modern tale, it's just that it's located in a place away from occident and influence. In this northern Afghanistan, buzkashi is the most important game, one that tests the pride, virility, strength and skill of a true rider. The great Tursen today is too old to participate, but in his time he had not lost a single buzkashi. Yet he hopes his son, the proud and reckless Uraz take over by winning the largest buzkashi that is, one that will take place before the king. Alas, and even with the sublime Mad Horse, Jehol, bringing the Uraz little miss its goal, and will end up humiliated, he fractured a leg does not heal in the hospital, he was too proud to be touched by a western nurse, and that he will drag on horseback day and night, gangrene winner slowly .. He thus undertook a long and terrible journey with her by his side know Mukhi, a man first good and faithful, but in the increasing aggressiveness and malice Uraz, will turn over the pages. This novel is very beautiful, for her writing, by the landscapes described by the whole psychology contained in the characters and the links between them, by the metamorphosis of the hero, a very successful and sometimes frightening transformation. It is both simple and complex, rich and spoiled. It is a novel that marks anyway. There is also a film by John Frankenheimer, with Omar Sharif, Jack Palance, David de Keyser. I did not see but told me good. But read the book first, it really worth it ...!