Here are some customer reviews of
Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived
: As one of the previous reviewers stated, I thank Ralph Helfer for giving us the gift of Modoc's story and I thank God for giving us the pleasure of his creatures. Like another reviewer, the cover caught my eye while browsing in a bookstore. After reading the inside flap, I knew I had to read this one! Often with books and movies about animals, I wasn't sure I could finish the book if it became upsetting. It does evoke strong emotional responses; alas, I absolutely could not put it down. Several reviewers commented on the difficult writing style of Mr. Helfer, but I did not find it so; possibly because the story is so engrossing. After I finished, I told my husband that anyone, after reading this story, had to believe animals will be in Heaven. I have recommended this story to the members of our local book club, two read it and said they liked it greatly. Also, I make a point to recommend to anyone I talk with who likes to read; they must read Modoc.
Just finished this and even though I agree with most of the other reviews, I can't help but add my additional enthusiasm. I think this is one of my all-time favorites. Beautiful, magical, spiritual, moving. There's something for everyone here.
Modoc is a heartwarming story of friendship, survival and hope. It also is a true story that would prove a challenge if it were made into a motion picture. I recommend this book to your spouse, friends, even your children.
It's been a while since a book produced the sort of emotive response, upon completion, that Modoc did. The last few chapters were the ones that caught me feeling pain and pathos for the great elephant, and a smiling appreciation of her love for her trainer. This sweeping epic tells the story of a boy and his female elephant, inseparable from their dual births on the same day in turn of the century Germany. Born to the circus, Modoc and Bram forge a career of adventures as they travel the world experiencing metaphysical lessons in life and love. These lessons are taught through their interactions with Bram's two great [human] loves, the bigoted and megalomaniacal circus owner, ship and circus mates, and Indian leaders, spiritual and temporal. It is billed as a love story first, adventure second, and it is plain to see the special, almost supernatural bond the elephant and the trainer hold as they both age well into their 70's. This novel gives one pause thinking about our own interactions with animals, and pets. I chuckled to think of how things would be different if my Siamese cat were suddenly 10 feet tall and 3 tons. Playtime would take on a slightly different dynamic. Yet Modoc was always gentle and a constant lifesaver to Bram, aware of her immense power and always desirous of his happiness. It was also interesting to see that the author Ralph Helfer, was also the same Ralph in the story who found Modoc and employed Bram and her for the last 20 years of their lives. I'm not sure what the target audience age was but it proceeds easily and swiftly, and reminded me of the Black Stallion books I read back in 7th grade. Ultimately a feel-good, slightly embellished, true story that is recommended reading.
I read this book at one sitting, and like other reviewers, was sobbing at the end! Awkwardly written in some ways, it simply enhances the genuine feelings that Modoc and Bram had for each other. I would recommend this book to any person who wonders if animals can love, and I find it more difficult than ever to watch people dealing .with animals in that superior, cavalier manner humans are famous for. I recommend this book highly. Here is a book that makes the reader think, feel, and long after finishing the book, it still remains in the mind. This one covered all the bases!
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