Customer Reviews

Elephant Man

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not the kind of book that you read, put down, and forget about. It's the kind of book that has you so engrossed that you forget the time and just read and read and read-and cry. This is really one of the most moving books I've ever read. It's the story of a man who is hideously deformed, so everyone treats him like he's just an animal. Only he's treated worse than an animal- he's a circus sideshow freak who is stared at, made fun of, kicked and beaten. His life has been horrible but he is at heart an ordinary man. What makes this book so moving is that it is true. You'll cry because he's beaten and cry when he's rescued. You'll cry basically through the whole book, because it is awful to think of a person being treated the way John Merrick was. And it will change the way you look at people, and the way you think about them, if they happen to be a little different from how you are.

It's been about 20 years since I read the book, but as I recall it attempts to flesh out a movie whose creators had already gone to some lengths themselves to embellish upon what's known about the last years of the life of Mr. Merrick.

Since only a few primary sources, and brief ones at that, are available on the subject, a good deal of embellishment would have been needed to create the movie. A certain degree of sensationalization (is that a word?) is probably unavoidable as well, in order to sell the movie to a larger audience. This is apparent in the way that Merrick's appearance is only gradually revealed, and then only after the suspense has been suitably built up by the depiction of various reactions of horror and/or sadness. Additional scenes were invented as well, to help transport the viewer into the world of late 19th century London and the hospital setting where most of the movie transpires.

I don't think that kind of fictionalization was wrong on the part of Lynch and the others who made the film. In fact, I'm both a big fan of the movie and an avid reader of nonfictional material on Merrick.

But the book, as I recall so many years later, carries the embellishments a bit too far. The male hospital worker who in the movie parades his compatriots through Merrick's quarters, is here shown sexually abusing some female hospital patients as well. It also failed to strike me as more than an average-quality novelization of a wonderfully made film which deserved better.

My critique is necessarily weakened by the lack of other details in my memory of the book. And I suppose that, to the extent the book interests more people in learning about the real Merrick, or even just in watching the movie, its writer achieved something positive.

As a real memorial to Merrick I find the book sadly lacking. Better to turn to Dr. Treves's "The Elephant Man" or Ashley Montagu's similarly titled book. (I refrain from comment on Howell and Ford's "True History of the Elephant Man," though I own a copy, as it fails to document its sources.)

I was interested in this book the day it was assigned to me for a book report and I loved it. I expected it to start out slow, not reaching interesting boundaries until nearly the end but I was WRONG! This book gives us a detailed look into the life of a tragedy ridden man who had friends who were willing to work with him. A very touching book. It eats me up inside that at one time this man who felt more in his life than most "ordinary" humans do had to sell himself at a circus and be laughed at and gawked at. Merrick was no freak. Merrick was a human being. The "Elephant Man" label doesn't do this man justice. Such innocence for such an angst ridden soul. Only true stories can capture this much emotion.

I found this book to be really good and touching as well. It also helps teach people that it is what is on the inside that counts, and not how they look. It teaches people to look into the heart of a person.

This is one of the most delecate books I've read in a long time. You will find yourself wanting to reach out to John Merrick, A.K.A. "The Elephant Man", and wanting to take care of him and protect him from the world. The end was a tearjerker for me. I'm sure some of the fellow readers of this book agree

With grace and superb tact, Ms. Sparks grabs the attention of the reader from the very first page, engaging him/her in a wondrous tale of the human need for love, acceptance, and belonging. One rages at the evil selfishness that motivates Merrick's captors, basks in the kind love that moves Dr. Treves, and rejoices magnificently with John Merrick as he discovers the human dignity of love and goodness. The reader is led to discover that true beauty is found in character rather than outward appearances. While there is much of decadence forced upon John, the triumph of human goodness leaves the reader rejoicing. Wonderfully engaging!

By far, this is the book I most enjoyed reading (actually I finished it in 2 days!). It is extremely touching and gives you a sense of warmth. The story of John Merrick made me realise how people should appreciate and make the most of what they have. I felt I was very much involved in the story and each chapter made me eager to read the next one. I look forward to read more books on John's life.

I would like to know how in the world people can be so cruel to such a wonderful human being? I read this book a total of three times in one year. I still do not see why as human beings we tend to make fun, and gauck at the poor people that are less privlaged than us! It is obvious to me that mankind can be cruel and heartless. The author of this book definatley has a knack for taking us into the life of Merrick. The first time that I picked it up, I read the whole book that very day. She deffinatley has a way to keep the reader interested. By far the best book out there about John Merrick. Very well done! A must read for everybody.

This book means a lot to me beacause it's a true story and I have to say that I am in love with Joseph Merrik(Jhon) There are no words to express my love for that man, he was perfect on the inside and thats the truth. I read a book and saw pictures of him, and I felt no disgust, only horror at the pain in his eye's, he was really mistreated!Those pictures haunt me to this day!

I read this book six years ago when I was twelve. It remains one of my most memorable books. It absolutely moved me to tears. I read the last page over and over, crying and sniffling, feeling depressed to the point where I thought I was gonna die from being depressed. But wow, I couldn't believe it was a true story. I find that the most impactful movies and books on historical characters, are those that move you to learn more about the real life persons. This was one of those impactful books. Read it! You won't regret.