Introduction

The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse is a short story narrated by Aram Garoghlanian, a nine-year-old boy from an Armenian community living in California. The story is set among lush fruit orchards and vineyards, providing a vivid backdrop to the events that unfold. Aram’s narration gives us insight into his family, their values, and the adventures he shares with his cousin Mourad.

Key Elements

• Setting: California’s Armenian community with orchards and vineyards.
• Narrator: Aram Garoghlanian, a young boy aged nine.
• Community Values: Honesty and family reputation are highly valued.

Glossary

• Armenian: An ethnic group originating from Armenia.
• Vineyards: Farms where grapes are grown.

Summary

Mourad Comes with a Horse

One early morning, Aram is awakened by his thirteen-year-old cousin Mourad, who is known for his eccentric behavior and special connection with animals. Mourad surprises Aram by arriving on a beautiful white horse. Since Aram’s family is poor and cannot afford a horse, this is an exciting moment for him.

The Garoghlanian Tribe

The Garoghlanian family is known for their honesty despite their poverty. It is unthinkable for them to steal, so Aram trusts that Mourad has not stolen the horse. This belief highlights the family’s strong moral values.

Aram and Mourad Ride the Horse

Mourad invites Aram to ride the horse with him. Aram’s doubts about the horse being stolen fade as he enjoys the ride. They spend a long time riding, and Aram feels happy and excited.

Uncle Khosrove's Crazy Streak

Mourad’s eccentric behavior is said to be inherited from their uncle Khosrove, who is known for his impatience and loud temper. Khosrove often silences others by saying, “It is no harm, pay no attention to it.” For example, when his son reported a fire at their house, Khosrove dismissed it with the same phrase. This shows the family’s unique way of handling problems.

Later, Mourad wants to ride the horse alone. Aram tries but falls off when the horse suddenly rears and races forward.

John Byro - The Owner of the Horse, Comes to Aram’s House

An Assyrian farmer named John Byro, a friend of the Garoghlanians, visits Aram’s house. He reports that his white horse, stolen a month ago, is still missing. Aram realizes that Mourad must have had the horse for some time. Uncle Khosrove’s loud “It is no harm” scares Byro away, showing the family’s protective nature.

The Boys Hid the Horse and Kept It with Them

Aram informs Mourad about Byro’s visit and asks him not to return the horse until Aram learns to ride. Mourad agrees to keep the horse for six months. Mourad picks Aram daily to ride, but Aram keeps falling off, showing his struggle to learn.

John Byro's Trust in the Family Makes the Boys Change Their Minds

Two weeks later, while returning the horse to its hiding place, the boys meet Byro on the road. Byro recognizes the horse but refuses to believe the boys stole it, saying, “The horse is the twin of my horse” and “A suspicious man would believe his eyes instead of his heart.” That night, the boys return the horse to Byro, preserving the Garoghlanian family’s reputation for honesty.

Important Quotes

• “It is no harm, pay no attention to it.” – Uncle Khosrove
• “The horse is the twin of my horse.” – John Byro
• “A suspicious man would believe his eyes instead of his heart.” – John Byro

Practice Set

Level 1 – Easy

• Who is the narrator of the story?
• What is the name of Mourad’s uncle?

Level 2 – Moderate

• Why does Aram believe Mourad did not steal the horse?
• Describe Uncle Khosrove’s personality.

Level 3 – Challenging

• Explain the significance of John Byro’s trust in the Garoghlanian family.
• Discuss the theme of honesty as portrayed in the story.

Answer Key

Level 1 – Easy

• The narrator is Aram Garoghlanian, a nine-year-old boy.
• Mourad’s uncle is Khosrove.

Level 2 – Moderate

• Aram believes Mourad did not steal the horse because their family is known for honesty, and it is unthinkable for them to steal.
• Uncle Khosrove is impatient, irritable, and loud. He often silences others by saying, “It is no harm, pay no attention to it.”

Level 3 – Challenging

• John Byro’s trust in the Garoghlanian family shows the importance of reputation and honesty. Despite seeing the horse, he chooses to believe in their integrity, which leads the boys to return the horse.
• The story highlights honesty as a core family value. Even when tempted, the boys return the horse, preserving their family’s good name.

Quick Reference

• Theme: Honesty and family values.
• Characters: Aram, Mourad, Uncle Khosrove, John Byro.
• Setting: Armenian community in California.
• Plot: Mourad brings a white horse, the boys hide it, and eventually return it due to trust and honesty.

Glossary

• Eccentric: Unconventional or slightly strange behavior.
• Reputation: The beliefs or opinions generally held about someone.
• Assyrian: A member of an ethnic group from the Middle East.