This theme drives the narrative, especially through the experiences of the protagonist, Paras. The novel shows that this longing is universal, making it part of the bond between humans and animals and key to the book’s message of mutual respect and understanding. Paras begins the narrative as a racehorse curious about the outside world and what life offers beyond races and victories. A phrase that Smiley regularly applies to Paras is that of a “curious filly,” indicating that she wants to seek new experiences. However, through her curiosity, Paras embodies the universal longing for freedom and belonging. Through her journey, Paras has three primary experiences that mark her journey from unhappy to happy captivity. The first experience is curiosity, the second is friendship, and the final is sacrifice. 

Para’s longing for freedom and belonging initially presents itself as curiosity. When Rania leaves her stall open, Paras finds a world of darkness. “She could see now that every stall was empty and dark—in fact, the green of the racecourse was the brightest color around, so bright that, for a moment, she didn’t dare head out there. But Paras was a very curious filly” (4).