Review of “Kick the Latch” by Kathryn Scanlan
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
“Kick the Latch” by Kathryn Scanlan is a wonderfully anecdotal framing of an interview with a horse trainer named Sonia. Each chapter is a quick blurb of story within the particular and unique vernacular of this former jockey. Its full of colloquialisms and the kind of fun phrases born in the South and in rural, agricultural communities. And what an interesting life Sonia leads! From race horses to prison guards and a slew of close calls with crime and drugs in both worlds, Sonia comes through it with a strangely neutral to positive attitude. This kind of calm “well!” to it all and move along with a smile and a shrug.
Despite being primarily about race horses, the book is distinctly human. For much of her life, Sonia’s life is all about the horses’ well-being. But in focusing on them, there’s so much to learn about one’s self. It’s beautiful.
The final chapter ends with talking about the unity of horse and humans. Specifically, how if a jockey and horse win, the phrase is not “we won” but “we win”. There’s something about it that really captures the soul of the book and so much of Sonia’s experience in the racing world. The active form of the verb. An on-going endeavor. As though their trajectory and selves are tied together and moving into the future as one, threads pinned together by this victory.
Earlier in the book, Sonia discusses how important it is to keep a horse confident. That if they lose, they “sour”. Even if you have to fix practice races, a horse needs to win. There’s something about being a winner that gives a horse meaning and momentum to keep moving forward. This tethering of the we in the final chapter highlights that it’s true for humans too. Humans need momentum to keep moving forward. Sonia later discusses her experience of moving on from racing and navigating a run of down-right bad luck filled with homicidal exes and unfortunate injuries. It follows her path to regaining confidence to live and thrive as a prison guard—a vocation that requires strength, mentally and physically. Over the course of her time, Sonia regains her footing and her confidence to build a peaceful life, after all the chaos of racing and prisons is over.
The book is ultimately a fast read. The vibrant but blunt language paired with short snap-shot stories lends itself to pages zipping by. It’s heart-rending, at times jarring, and wholly unapologetic. Highly recommend!
