Italian author Simona Bonanno presents a poignant narrative about childhood, freedom, and the profound connection between humans and horses in her story "Neve." The tale centers on a young girl whose life represents a stark contrast to the technology-driven dreams of her contemporaries, instead finding joy and liberation through her relationship with horses.
The story opens with Helen Thomson's evocative quote: "In riding a horse we borrow freedom," which sets the tone for the entire narrative. Bonanno introduces readers to Neve, a distinctive young girl living in what the author describes as "a timeless world." Physically characterized by her brown-gold hair, tapered fingers, and sharp gaze, Neve stands apart from other children her age in more ways than appearance alone.
While other little girls of their generation dream of conventional fairy-tale fantasies—including becoming princesses, wearing fashionable dresses, and owning modern smartphones—Neve's aspirations differ dramatically. Bonanno notes that these contemporary children fantasize about handsome princes who resemble teenage pop singers, arriving on white horses for rescue, and they dream of taking selfies to share on social media platforms.
Neve's world, however, exists free from such modern preoccupations because, as Bonanno explains, "her own life was a dream itself." In this dream-like existence, she rides various horses including snow-white ponies and others with leopard-like markings reminiscent of "cocoa-sprinkled cappuccino." The absence of smartphones and technology in her world allows Neve to share magical moments directly with her beloved ponies, with whom she runs freely and joyfully.
The author describes an almost mystical communication between Neve and her horses, noting that she could hear the girl talking to them as if they might respond "with attentive eyes and straight ears." This connection suggests a deeper understanding between human and animal that transcends ordinary interaction. The horses appear enchanted by this little princess, whose kingdom consists of the expansive grounds surrounding the stables.
Bonanno concludes her narrative with a profound observation about the nature of happiness, describing Neve's treasure as "the greatest as it was possible to have: happiness." The author emphasizes this theme with a simple yet powerful statement: "Happiness is a simple thing," suggesting that true contentment can be found in basic human connections with nature and animals rather than in the complex technological pursuits that occupy modern childhood.
