Flicka is the title protagonist of the 1941 novel ‘My Friend Flicka’, written by Mary O’Hara, and the film adaptation of the same name, released by Twentieth Century Fox two years later. O’Hara based ‘My Friend Flicka’ from her own experience of running a ranch in Laramie County, Wyoming, where she moved with her second husband, Helge Sture-Vasa, in 1930. Indeed, she also wrote two popular sequels, ‘Thunderhead’ (1943), and ‘Green Grass of Wyoming’ (1946), during her time in Wyoming.
A classic coming-of-age tale set in the American Plains at around the turn of the twentieth century, ‘My Friend Flicka’ tells the story of Ken McLaughlin, the 10-year-old son of Wyoming ranchers Rob and Nell McLaughlin. A dreamy, distracted and hitherto underachieving boy, Ken is given the benefit of the doubt by his parents after failing the fifth grade at boarding school. In the hope of fostering reponsibility in the youngster, his father and mother agree, albeit reluctantly, to give him the chance of owning, raising and training a horse of his own, as he had always dreamed of doing.
To the initial displeasure of his father, Ken chooses a one-year-old, chestnut mustang filly, of partially wild descent, whom he names ‘Flicka’, from the Swedish for ‘girl’. The story explores the initial captivation of the boy by the power, speed and unruliness of his horse, his belief in her, and the loving bond that develops between them. Through that bond, Ken gains an understanding of responsibility, courage and determination and, in so doing, develops a deeper and more trusting relationship with his father.
Over eight decades after its original publication, ‘My Friend Flicka’ has stood the test of time. Although not specifically a children’s book, the story remains a firm favourite with horse lovers of all ages and deserves ranks alongside the likes of ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘National Velvet’ as classic horse tale.