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The Elephant's Journey

A historical tale of an elephant's remarkable adventure

José Saramago author Margaret Jull Costa translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:2nd Nov '17

Should be back in stock very soon

The Elephant's Journey cover

An elephant's extraordinary journey from Lisbon to Vienna unfolds in The Elephant's Journey, blending history and fantasy in a captivating tale.

In The Elephant's Journey, readers are introduced to Solomon, an elephant who has spent two years in the vibrant city of Lisbon. His life takes a dramatic turn when King Dom João III decides to gift him to a Hapsburg archduke in Vienna. This whimsical decision sets the stage for an extraordinary adventure, as Solomon must embark on a journey across various landscapes, including the dusty plains of Castile and the picturesque shores of Genoa. The trek is not just a simple stroll; it is a monumental expedition that mirrors the legendary paths of Hannibal's elephants.

As Solomon travels, he encounters a world that is both beautiful and challenging. The narrative beautifully intertwines elements of history, mythology, and personal struggle, allowing readers to connect with Solomon's plight. The journey becomes a metaphor for resilience and the absurdities of royal whims, showcasing how a single creature can become a symbol of hope and perseverance. The snowy Alps present the ultimate test, pushing Solomon and his companions to their limits as they navigate treacherous terrains.

The Elephant's Journey is more than just a historical tale; it is an enchanting blend of fact and fantasy, where the line between reality and imagination blurs. Based on true events, this charming fable invites readers to reflect on the nature of loyalty, the bonds of friendship, and the unexpected paths life can take, all through the eyes of a remarkable elephant named Solomon.

It is extremely funny. Old Saramago writes with a masterfully light hand, and the humour is tender, a mockery so tempered by patience and pity that the sting is gone though the wit remains vital... a series of contained miracles of absurdity, quiet laughter rising out of a profound, resigned, affectionate wisdom -- Ursula K Le Guin * Guardian *
José Saramango wrote his final book with great panache -- Margaret Reynolds * The Times *
Here is a book as serious as it is charming; amid its ironies runs a sustained pleas for the subversive workings of the imagination: "every elephant contains two elephants, one who learns what he's being taught and another who insists on ignoring it all". Thank goodness for that' * Guardian *
A novel of wit, warmth and wonder -- Yann Martel
Here he has seized the opportunity to turn an unlikely tale of a transalpine hike into something far larger even than its elephantine subject. -- Amanda Hopkinson * Independent *

ISBN: 9781784871796

Dimensions: 197mm x 129mm x 14mm

Weight: 163g

224 pages