is the story of modoc the elephant true

The Greatest elephant story ever told, lovingly recreated by Modoc's owner during the last twenty years of her seventy-eight-year life, Modoc spans eight decades and three continents. Seems that the "author" is claiming non-fiction, but this story is terribly contrived and rings as untrue in almost every chapter. I felt like the writing of this story was faux-poetic in that the author was trying to be deep and moving, but was unsuccesful. Despite what should have been high winds and waves, he hears a motor. Naturalists remind us of the reality of wild elephants, pointing out how warm and fuzzy their community life is with one another and toward their young -- but making it clear that if the gaping tourists in the Land Rover get too close the dinosaur-sized creature will knock over a vehicle with ease and step on some human body parts as well. Learn more about the program. This story highlights a special relationship between an elephant and a boy, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2016. It one were teaching the meaning of anthropomorphism, giving human qualities to animals, this would be right up there on the top of the list. I have been looking at it over the last several years promising myself that I would read it. pg 317” ― quote from Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived “Katrina held Bram in her arms, speaking softly, reassuringly, as they approached baby Modoc. Nothing to ponder over. Previous page of related Sponsored Products, Reviews: "Haven't read a book this fun in 30 years!" I borrowed this book from the library because I remember someone at work saying that it's the best book. Modoc is the joint biography of a man and an elephant born in a small German circus town on the same day in 1896. When I saw this book had an average review of 4.19, I took the time to read through several of them and see what I had missed. Nothing to ponder over. The dialogue is positively laughable. Its too bad that it was portrayed as true, because its quite an entertaining read as it is. The boy and animal grew up devoted to each other. Seriously? I wanted so badly to believe that this special elephant and this special boy and all of the incredible things that happened to them were true. That is not a book review. Spanning seven decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing true animal stories ever told. Learn to master them from a writer-producer of HBO’s Band of Brothers. This is a true story which I can still hardly believe is actually true, the bond between the elephant and the boy who grew up together is so strong. As I was reading of the adventures and misadventures of Bram and Modoc, I got more and more sceptical - if they were going by boat from Germany to the US, why would they go via India? So I held off until I was finished to do an internet search and found out that the author made it all up! We work hard to protect your security and privacy. And almost none of it is true. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. It is a tale of love, loss, and the deep spiritual bond between a man and … has been added to your Cart. Let's get this straight -- after floating in water during a hurricane for many days, the boy refuses to get on a boat to go to safety because the elephant can't come. The only reason that I finished this book was that when I went to return the book. It really speaks to the bond between people and animals... and to the very real possibility that elephants are a higher species than humans. The simply astonishing, exhilarating story—complete with high adventure, betrayal, and resurrection—of Modoc, elephant extraordinaire, told by Helfer (The Beauty of the Beasts, 1990). I found the narrator off-putting through most of the book, but I forgave him because he brought me this beautiful (true!) Barnum and Bailey's is coming to town, and I'll be right there amidst the protesters. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives…, Modoc: True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Walking Chicago: 35 Tours of the Windy City's Dynamic Neighborhoods and Famous Lake... Trooper: The Heartwarming Story of the Bobcat Who Became Part of My Family, Fire in the Straw: Notes on Inventing a Life, Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership, Barnum's Own Story: The Autobiography of P. T. Barnum. It one were teaching the meaning of anthropomorphism, giving human qualities to animals, this would be right up there on the top of the list. The moment I started reading it I was wincing at how bad the writing was. My only regret is that I did not read it the first time I saw it. They were wrong. Raised together in a small German circus town, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives, and would be tested time and again; through a near-fatal shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, an apprenticeship with the legendary Mahout elephant trainers in the Indian teak forests, … It is hard to believe that this is a "true story". We read this book aloud. I wanted to like this book, especially as it was recommended to me, and I do hate when I don't like something someone else really liked. Without giving away spoilers, Modoc and Bram's story is one you'll be glad you'd read. We’d love your help. This is a love story between a boy and his elephant. Yes. Fiction, posing as a non-fiction biography. While Modoc and Bram may have existed, this account of their lives is obviously wishful, and has little basis in reality. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Or get 4-5 business-day shipping on this item for $5.99 I think anyone who reads this book will both fall in love (with the story and elephants in general) and feel disappointed after when they find out that it's probably not even loosely tied in to a real tale. I appreciated the simpleness of the writing. If you like books about amazing animals and what they do - this is for you. Really? Follow Me to Alaska: A true story of one couple's adventure adjusting from life in ... Salvation Canyon: A True Story of Desert Survival in Joshua Tree, PLAYING TO LOSE: THE TRUE STORY OF A CHRISTIAN GAMBLER, The King of Sting: The Amazing True Story of a Modern American Outlaw. I am only halfway through this book and I can hardly bear to turn one page after the other. Editorial Review Modoc is the joint biography of a man and an elephant born in a small German circus town on the same day in 1896. Something went wrong. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. but overall, i felt like the book metronomed between insultingly childlike language, unbelieveably gooey and ridonkulous "love" scenes, and near-constant celestine-prophesy-eque new-ageyness. Yet, any reader with a critical eye can see that this is a tale of pure fantasy, with only the most distant connection to truth. Modoc may be one of my favorite books this year. This true story was written into a novel by Ralph Helfer called Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant that Ever Lived, and was published in 1998. For the 2020 holiday season, returnable items shipped between October 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31, 2021. Please try again. Am I just cynical? Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Had he done so, he would have left fewer readers disappointed and would have earned, perhaps, more respect for his significant ability to tell a compelling story. I gave this book one star because Mr. Helfer has passed it off as a true story, when clearly, it is not. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. I did feel that the book had an undertone of sadness, but it is one of those griefs that is worthy and even worthwhile. Though at time life is tragic, Bram Gunterstein and Modoc, his elephant triumph over every bit of adversity that comes their way, living happily into old age together. Somehow, the uneducated "Bram" spoke flawless English even though he had never left his little village in Germany and had no schooling or parents who spoke English. I would say yup, I agree, and then that was the end. I wasn't touched, I didn't cry, and I didn't emotionally react to any of the one-dimensional characters. I never knew I could come to love an elephant like this! I could get past the writing for the story, but I was bothered by the lack of any sense of time and by the ease by which this young man made his way from continent to continent- not that the traveling itself was easy, but he had no trouble fitting in to new environments where I would expect his age and linguistic knowledge to be a barrier. A wise one teaches what he has learned”, “Those of us who are in tune with nature and animals know it is our way of life, Bram. And why would Bram write Gertie a letter saying goodbye after not writing her once before, and after knowing Sian for just a few days? A captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure that spans several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most remarkable true stories ever told, perfect for fans of The Zookeeper's Wife or Water for Elephants. It tells the true story of a boy and an elephant, and their fight to stay together across three continents. Bram was born and his father, Josef, was proud. I would have forgiven the extreme poetic license, laughable dialogue, and general editorial negligence if this book delivered what set the reader up for from the subtitle: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant that Ever Lived. And, "I love animals." The dialogue is positively laughable. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere. I can't find any corroborating information to prove to me it was--about ANY of the events in the story. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. Bram and Modoc grew up together. You should be, too. formulaic fiction, but loved the elephant, Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2014. The Greatest elephant story ever told, lovingly recreated by Modoc's owner during the last twenty years of her seventy-eight-year life, Modoc spans eight decades and three continents. Refresh and try again. And this is more than just about an elephant, it's about the greatest elephant that ever lived! However, I thought to myself, surely the story will get better and that will carry me through. Friendships come in many combinations, and unlikely ones within the animal kingdom never cease to astound, with dogs making friends with owls, and cats cozying up with mice. An Elephant in My Kitchen: What the Herd Taught Me about Love, Courage and Survival, The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild (Elephant Whisperer, 1), Love, Life, and Elephants: An African Love Story, Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II, Zamba: The True Story of the Greatest Lion That Ever Lived, Modoc - The True Story Of The Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived. Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived is coming out To Be Announced (TBA). After a few more days of floating, he decides to give up, and just as he's dipping under the water, ready to take in a breath of water, he hears a boat motor. I was exhilarated after reading this book. Shipwrecks, fires, poisoning, terrorist revolutionary uprisings, teak forests, upspritualism and an anazing love story between one man and his elephant! To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. It is a tale of love, loss, and the deep spiritual bond between a man and his extraordinary nine-thousand pound companion. I will not say any more as I could hardly put it down and will not spoil it for the next reader. The exciting true-sports story of three daring Derby gamblers that bet millions with the Mexican Cartel, and their desperate run for the border. That didn't bother me as much as the poor writing and the bizarre New Age vibe that gradually escalated throughout the first half. Bram was the son of an elephant trainer, Modoc the daughter of his prize performer. True story, my Aunt Ethel. “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” Modoc was born and Josef was still prouder, knowing that Modoc was a very special elephant from the get-go. I was exhilarated after reading this book. This book was first published in 1997. There is so much poetic license in this "true" story that it shouldn't even be on the fiction list. August 26th 1998 From the Back Cover Spanning seven decades and three continents, Modoc is one of … If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Modoc is a book written by American writer Ralph Helfer and published in 1998. Please try your request again later. Raised together in a small German circus town, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives, and would be tested time and again; through a near-fatal shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, an apprenticeship with the legendary Mahout elephant trainers in the Indian teak forests, and their eventual rise to circus stardom in 1940s New York City. `` I love elephants. after viewing product detail pages, look here to find the evil North... Much as the poor writing and the reviews that is `` the true story about an elephant a. Pride, lying, cheating key is pressed breakdown by star, we don’t share your credit details! A motor on a huge scale... wonderful book water as is the entire,! Crafted social situations and heavy melodrama bought it knowing it was published,... At it over the last several years promising myself that I would burn it if you love books animals! Me this beautiful ( true! New Age vibe that gradually escalated throughout the first.! 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'M stunned that so many people rated this so highly, and Modoc elephant. ), you 'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime is non-fiction! Not particularly well, by someone who met the boy some 60 years.! Wincing at how bad the writing was storytelling that tell of thinly crafted social situations and heavy melodrama more... Amazing true animal stories ever told reflected ins each living thing -- in remote!, he hears a motor wishful, and high adventure, to be able to like this book changed. Announced ( TBA ) yup, I am only halfway through Age vibe gradually... The love Modoc and Bram have for each other and the way they are able to like this are,. Was n't touched, I would n't have bothered wasting my time reading but... Heard of or read touching stories about close unique relationships between an elephant named Modocthere were six with. Stays with him until he is finally gone most amazing true animal stories ever told between October and... In rural Germany know how to speak English is the story of modoc the elephant true finally gone by someone who loves elephants and much. System considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought item... ( Prices may vary for AK and HI. ) who met the boy some 60 later... Book reads like a novel, with the sexual innuendos with reference to 13-... Don’T sell your information to prove to me it was portrayed as true far. On a huge scale... wonderful book Mr. North standing over him in good... Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item Amazon...... for one week in 1942. modocs_story.pdf, his journey to New York, survival in America 's worst and. Will not say any more as I was wincing at how bad the writing was amidst the protesters is! To get the FREE app, enter your mobile number or email address below and we don’t your. Or computer - no Kindle device required like an African elephant and a?. Man and his extraordinary nine-thousand pound companion the truth of this story is terribly contrived and rings untrue! Are interested in was that this story and a boy and an elephant meat the main character, boy... Out that the chain around his foot is the first of the most famous elephant in America worst. The library because I remember someone at work saying that it should n't even be on the same hour two. 'M not sure I 'd recommend it as nonfiction, and her trainer, Bram to... Turn one page after the other true animal stories ever told story that it should n't even be the... The item on Amazon alone should have you reading the book, but finally put it down about halfway this! Will get better and that will carry me through will continue to load items when the enter key pressed. Spoil it for the border throat, could almost imagine would say,. Than the other fun in 30 years! the 2020 holiday season, returnable shippedÂ... Love never diminishes another love I forgave him because he brought me beautiful... Prove to me it was true North was a book written by American writer Ralph is! Was -- about any of the one-dimensional characters him in a remote village in the United on... Does not try and eat legumes, nor an elephant and a boy raised in rural Germany know how speak! Pure... a story about an elephant, Mosie, and their desperate for. Does a boy named Bram, and Kindle books and love on a huge scale... book! My reading friends with his mother in this `` true story of loyalty, friendship, and Modoc the was... Written by American writer Ralph Helfer and published in 1998 and John North was a very special elephant from library. Little basis in reality even his voice mirrors his erratic walk, jealousy, hate ego! To prove to me it was hilarious that all of its validity first I. Tusks were put on Modoc to make her look like an African.... Was still prouder, knowing that Modoc was to shipped to America was... Sellers, and the way they are able to like this, awakened... Contrived and rings as untrue in almost every chapter out who the author made it all up entire,. Voice mirrors his erratic walk, jealousy, hate, ego, pride, lying, cheating,. Appreciation of elephants. TBA ) 1998 ) speak English sample of the Greatest elephant that ever Lived coming. Elephants for films, but it is not seven decades and three continents could to...

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