As I read I could tell that it was a 'good book' but I never really connected to the characters. For me, it lacked those emotionaThis was an odd one.
As I read I could tell that it was a 'good book' but I never really connected to the characters. For me, it lacked those emotional little sparks that make me fall in love with a book, or with a charcter's story. Yes, emotional (and often truly terrible) things happened... but it felt somehow distant. Like I was witnessing something third or fourth hand - like someone was telling me a story, of a story, of a story they'd heard.
I didn't have a terrible time getting through it, like I said, it was a good read. With the chapter for Mabel towards the end of the book being, by far, the most profound and moving part of the entire tale. And the writing kept me reading at an impressive pace. But this just wasn't one for me....more
I really liked the setup of this book. I liked that I could flick from chapter to chapter. Dipping in and out as I pleased.
I also really appreciated I really liked the setup of this book. I liked that I could flick from chapter to chapter. Dipping in and out as I pleased.
I also really appreciated the way in which the author handled the topic - so that someone who has little to no knowledge of economics (like me) could keep up with the conversation.
Overall, I feel that some interesting points were made, and that I could now read more on the subject....more
I became aware of this book whilst watching 'Attenborough and the Giant Elephant' (which was an altogether captivating account of Jumbo's life and deaI became aware of this book whilst watching 'Attenborough and the Giant Elephant' (which was an altogether captivating account of Jumbo's life and death - Jumbo being both an African elephant and a much-loved Victorian celebrity).
Jumbo's keeper, Matthew Scott, was mentioned a number of times throughout the programme, as was this book, and I couldn't resist looking it up as soon as the credits were rolling!
At less than one hundred pages, and aimed at curious children, this is an easy but worthwhile read. Primarily for the tenderness which Scott displays when he talks about his fondness and understanding of the various animals who have been in his care and his great 'friendship' with Jumbo - who he reared from infancy. 'He was given to me a baby, and I have been more than a father to him, for I have performed the duties and bestowed the actions of a mother as far as my humble ability would permit. I am proud of my boy, 'Jumbo'. All the experience shared with him is a pleasure to me, and is a great reward, which I am thankful for in these my older days.'
Whilst Scott also gives us this little nugget of truth, which anyone who has EVER owned and/or loved an animal will understand: 'You cannot have the affection of any of the feathered tribe, nor really love the little pets, unless you sacrifice something for them. You must learn how to clean for them, what their various wants are, and you must also study their character to learn their little ways, before you can appreciate them, or they will appreciate you.'
And, finally, there is the touching way in which Scott persistently refers to the human race as the 'human family'. In the end, it seems a shame that this book isn't twice as long....more
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