2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You Will Dance With Joy, July 14, 2000
This review is from: In the Way Elephants Do (Paperback)
Wow! Want to experience the life of an elephant? Learn about the behavior of man as perceived by elephants? Visit the African elephant homeland? Learn about the role of elephants as trained warriors during ancient times? Then read this book!
Noah the Wanderer creatively speaks directly to the reader. He shares his fascinating life of adventure, sorrow, pain, and happiness as he grows up in the flatlands of Africa, explores the continent, is captured and forced into slavery in Europe, and how he eventually ends up in North America.
This is a book filled with insights into not only the psyche of the elephant but of men throughout the ages. Highly readable, the author provides ample exciting and humorous incidents that give reason to continue to discover next what will happen to this noble, loyal, courageous, and astounding friend.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST READ!, February 23, 2005
This review is from: In the Way Elephants Do (Paperback)
Touching, thought-provoking, and beautifully told, the story of Noah, and that of mankind, is one that will linger in your heart and your mind for a very long time.
In The Way That Elephants Do by David Kilpatrick is a deeply moving epic tale of one elephant's life. Although the story is told from the perspective of an inquisitive and nomadic pachyderm, you're drawn into his world with ease. Danger, love, history, the world, and the connection between humans and animals are deftly combined in the portrait of Noah, the Wanderer.
Noah tells his story to a boy, one of the few "Keepers" who can understand his tale. The story isn't just about him, it's about elephants, man, our relationship through history, and it's done in a way that our history books will never allow. History, the good and the bad, is revealed without revision. No excuses for bad behavior, only the understanding that this is simply how we humans, and elephants, are.
There is something here that rings so true and pure. Moving, even haunting, without ever becoming preachy. The story of Noah, and of all elephants, isn't that different from that of humankind. Perhaps the story flows so well and with such clarity because it's told simply. Maybe it's the honesty and the "no excuses" manner in which the tale is related. Or, possibly, the magic of this story is in the relationship between man and animal and our desire to be the chosen one. The one to whom this story is told. Because of the way the book is written, the reader does become the chosen one. We're taken into Noah's confidence as one who will understand.
I can't imagine the months of research put into this book. I don't know how David does it, but he blends the history of man and animal seamlessly into a thought-provoking tale that turns the way one views the world on end. Man's stewardship of animals is examined, and exposed - warts and all. Our failings and our successes, painted in loving strokes on the canvas that becomes one of the best books I've ever read. I will never look at animals the same again. I bet you don't either.
Buy two copies. One for yourself and one for your best friend.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An impassioned, inspired work, July 11, 2000
This review is from: In the Way Elephants Do (Paperback)
This is a monumental piece of work! The author was clearly driven to write it, and his inspiration is quite clear throughout. It is a must for any reader who loves elephants. I read it on a recent family trip to Africa, and it was wonderful accompaniment.
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