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When the Elephants Dance |
Author: Tess Uriza Holthe
Published: 2003-06-24 |
List price: $14.00
Our price: $11.20
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Usually ships in 24 hours
As of: November 20th, 2008 10:46:27 PM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 Heartfelt and engaging
This book was chosen for my bookclub to read. I was skeptical...another war book BUT - it was fabulous. The book has several "mini" stories woven into the broader context of the war - about the people trying to survive. Excellent stories that are moving and well told.
 Excellent Literature!!!!
This book was wonderfully well written. The author uses taglog phrases, includes filipino superstitions, and filipino myths. I loved this book! Great read for all ages!
A "Must Read"
In addition to being an excellent historical novel and great read, "When the Elephants Dance" is also a must read for anyone contemplating a visit to the Philippines whether short term or long term. Whether the visit is for pleasure or business, this book puts the Philippine experience in a historical perspective and helps the visitor or outsider to have a bit of an understanding of the culture and helps to remove some preconceived ideas. I read this book after returning from the Philippines and will now be able to use the perspective for my return visits.
a stunning masterpiece
It usually takes me a couple of pages (or chapters for that matter) to really get into a book. but "When the elephants dance" had me hook, line, and sinker from the first paragraph. I was immediately drawn to Holthe's powerful storytelling abilities. When I read that there would be interwoven stories, I wondered if the connections would feel disjointed. Much to my surprise, the stories from each of the characters flowed so seamlessly I forgot I was reading a separate story.
"Ghost Children", told by one of the characters, Aling Ana had me crying buckets. It's been a long while since a book was able to tug at my heartstrings like that.
This is definitely a book that I would read over and over again. I highly recommend "When the Elephants Dance" anyone and everyone. You will not be disappointed!
A Must Read!
When the Elephants Dance is the story of the Philippine's during WWII after the Japanese had taken control of the islands. Due to exorbitant costs and danger of death most families at that time hid with local neighbors and friends, only going out to trade or search for food to survive. This book is the story of one family - hiding in their basement with 11 neighbors and friends.
The book is broken down into 3 main parts - the first being told by the 2nd child Alenjandro, the second being told by the older sister Isabelle and the third being told by the guerilla leader (and friend of this family) Domingo. Interwoven into each of these three parts are stories from the elders that are hiding with them - stories from their childhood that teach lessons or morals pertaining to what that narrator is going through in that moment.
These lyrical stories interwoven with the desperation of the times make for a breathtaking story and subtly teaches you a lot about the Philippines. The character description in this book is phenomenal - it's one of those stories that you won't want to put down because it's riveting but that you won't want to end because you know you're going to miss the characters when it's over.
This is a MUST read!
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