Jody Jaffe’s Commander Speaks is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the equestrian world—through the voice of a horse. As someone who has spent a lifetime listening to horses who can’t articulate their thoughts as coherently as Jaffe’s equine protagonist, I was completely enchanted by Commander (or, as he prefers, Dante), the opinionated Hanoverian gelding at the center of this story. His sharp wit, keen observations, and no-nonsense attitude made me wish that horse communicators were real so I could have a conversation with my own horse.
Beyond the engaging and often humorous narrative voice of Dante, what I truly appreciated about this novel was its unflinching look at the darker side of the equestrian industry. Jaffe doesn’t shy away from exposing the unethical practices that exist in high-level competition—from horse doping to the exploitation of young riders by powerful trainers. The book weaves an engaging mystery that keeps the reader invested, not just in solving the crime but in seeing justice served for those who are often voiceless in the world of elite show jumping.
The novel balances its serious themes with humor, heart, and a well-developed cast of human and equine characters. Izzie, the animal communicator, is a fantastic protagonist—smart, skeptical, and refreshingly grounded in a world that often blurs the lines between superstition and science. The dynamic between her and Dante provides some of the book’s best moments, as their conversations shift between sarcasm, deep insights, and surprising revelations.
What makes Commander Speaks even more meaningful is the author’s generosity. Jaffe is donating the proceeds from the book to Type 1 Diabetes research—a cause close to her heart. As she explains, “Type 1 is a nasty autoimmune disease that wreaks havoc on families, most especially the person who has to inject insulin and deal with extremely painful and possibly fatal low-sugar episodes. My hope is to see the day my son leads an insulin-free life. This is my small way of helping that happen.” If Type 1 Diabetes has touched your life, this book is not only an excellent read but also a way to contribute to an important cause.
For anyone who loves horses, Commander Speaks is an absolute must-read. It’s a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and—if you’re anything like me—make you wish you could book an appointment with a horse communicator immediately.
You can buy Commander Speaks on Amazon.