This is a story of survival, of hope and of despair, of pain and of transcendence.

As the poachers devastate the few remaining elephant herds, the legend of a "Safe Place" and of the white bone that can lead them there is taking hold of the elephants' imaginations. The leading character is a young cow named "Mud", orphaned at birth and possessed of great visionary powers. (One must point out that this novel is written entirely from the elephants' point of view.) On the very first day of her life, following the untimely death of her mother, Mud is rescued and adopted by another herd and becomes its eventual salvation, in many ways. Reading this book, one is alternately drawn deeply into the narrative, so moved emotionally that one is unable to continue, every few pages or so. I had to have a cry, take some deep breaths and say a prayer to the Goddess. Of course, I could not help but pick up the book once more and join Mud and her companions on their desperate trek through the drought-stricken African plains. This incredibly beautiful and spiritual novel will make you feel deeply for all the earth's creatures so abused by the human interference in the life of this planet as a whole, even to the point of being ashamed of being human. However, do not let that stop you, let it galvanize you into action! Barbara Gowdy, an extremely courageous writer, someone who has tackled many unusual controversial topics in her previous books, (We So Seldom Look On Love, Falling Angels, Mister Sandman), has reached a whole new level here, having actually travelled to Kenya and thoroughly researched elephant lore. The book does contain much known scientific data about these magnificent beings but is written by someone who has the soul of a poet and a healer, not a hide-bound, obsessed-with-facts scientist. The elephants do possess many hitherto undiscovered abilities such as for telepathy and other psychic gifts, and it would seem, with their great intelligence, memory and oft-demonstrated compassion for creatures of other species as well as their own, have their own mythology, religion and a complex language. Ms. Gowdy includes a glossary, which truly helps the reader enter the characters' world and minds. While the plot has many unpredictable and, at times, disconcerting and entertaining twists and turns, the need to follow Mud, et al. throughout their journey is such that one absolutely has to get to the last page, whatever it takes.

Highly recommended, although not for the faint of heart. Avalaible from HarperFlamingoCanada
To find out how YOU can help the elephants, please take a a few minutes of your time to explore this website:
Save the African Elephants