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Elephant Moon

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Elephant Moon

By: John Sweeney
Narrated by: Helen Johns
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About this listen

As the Second World War rages, the Japanese Imperial Army enters Burma, and the British rulers prepare to flee.

But the human legacy of the British Empire will be left behind in the shape of 62 Anglo-Burmese children, born to local women after affairs with foreign men.

Half castes, they are not acknowledged by either side, and they are to be abandoned with no one to protect them. Their teacher, Grace Collins, a young Englishwoman, refuses to join the European evacuation and instead sets out to deliver the orphans to the safety of India. She faces impossible odds because between her and India lie 1,000 miles of jungle, mountains, rivers, and the constant, unseen threat of the Japanese.

With Japanese soldiers chasing them down, the group's chances of survival shrink - until they come across a herd of 53 elephants who, with their awesome strength and kindness, quickly become the orphans' only hope of survival.

Based on a true story, Elephant Moon is an unforgettable epic tale of courage and compassion in the midst of brutality and destruction.

John Sweeney is a reporter for BBC Panorama. He has won many journalism awards and is the author of five previous books. Elephant Moon is his first novel.

©2012 John Sweeney (P)2015 Audible, Ltd
Historical Historical Fiction Fiction Romance Elephant Survival Imperialism

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Critic reviews

"A deftly realised on-the-road novel alive with the horrors of war." (Yorkshire Evening Post)
"If you were to relocate Michael Morpurgo's War Horse to Burma in the Second World War, with elephants taking the sentimental role from the horses, you might end up with something like Elephant Moon by John Sweeney. It is a tender and loving tribute to 'Nature's great masterpiece.... The only harmless great thing', as John Donne described the elephant, as well as an insight into one of the forgotten battlegrounds of the war." (Literary Review)
All stars
Most relevant  
A fantastic listen. I loved the reader. I love the descriptions of all the elephants wonderful characters. The only thing not to like is finishing the book. I wantto hear more and more about the elephants I never wanted the story to end!

Wonderful

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A lovely story read beautifully by Helen Johns. I particularly enjoyed listening to how useful the elephants were and what characters they had.

A lovely story

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I loved it. Just listened for second time. Good story well read. i recommend it.

Elephant Moon.

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Where does Elephant Moon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This story was compelling, exciting and heartwarming all at the same time. A great read and one I will return to more than once.

What other book might you compare Elephant Moon to, and why?

The author gives credit to Elephant Bill (still sitting on our bookshelf from 40 odd years ago) which is the true life account of refugees and elephants and more.

Which character – as performed by Helen Johns – was your favourite?

Mother and little Oomi were my favourites - how could you not love the elephants?

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Oomi was caught in the flash flood I just had to read on to discover his fate.

Any additional comments?

Although this is fiction, it is based on fact. The elephants' skill and knowledge is well documented as is their close relationship with their handlers. The story put me through a whole range of emotions - much the same as Grace, the heroine, would have had.

Heartwarming

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A wonderful story well read For a while it seemed that it was going to be the usual happy end to each problem encountered. But it took a darker and more complex turn.
Loved it.

Why isn’t this a film

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I totally enjoyed this book which gives just a glimpse of the hardships that must have been suffered by those trying to escape the Japanese on the Burma to India road. Well written and well read.

A tale of determination and faith

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Wonderful characterisation of and connectedness between individuals, archetypes and animals. Vivid depiction of a time in history, a landscape the universal challenges between good and evil narrated with the heart and head of a brilliant journalist and gifted storyteller. I had to listen to it in one sitting , I became totally involved.

A subtle courageous novel

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This book started well. Intriguing premise. But when we get to Gregory's first real character revelation the story changes abruptly and the rest isn't as believable. Disappointed with the second half.

Elephant Moon ...

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A good all-round audiobook. The characters are really good, and the whole story flows nicely! Definitely recommend!

Enjoyed this book

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I knew little about the Bruma war - so the interesting background and fact story based on true events of elephant men helping refugees very good. The narrator is very good - pace and tone kept story moving
Parts of the plot were a bit far fetched and contrived at times - but overall an enjoyable listen

Intriguing if a little far fetched at times

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