What do you think?
Rate this book
Wake Me Up For The Elephants: Comic tales of a restless traveller
“Keenly observed, fun-filled tales, yet with a beautifully understated appreciation of life’s poignant moments, too.� Peter Kerr, best-selling author of Snowball Oranges
From the author of the Amazon best-selling Greek travel memoir, Things Can Only Get Feta, comes a new collection of funny and candid tales. Wake Me Up For The Elephants has the humour and flavour of Marjory’s Greek memoirs but with a broader Africa, Fiji, Australia, Greece, Scotland and Ireland. They are exotic, romantic locations and the stories are based on real journeys, some of which were taken as journalistic assignments. They introduce the reader to wild locations, eccentric fellow travellers and hilarious, often scary, dodging wild animals on safari and a male stalker in Mombasa; dance torment in tropical Fiji; a supernatural mystery in the Australian bush; a beach gallop in Ireland led by a lobster fisherman; a boating mash-up on the exquisite Greek island of Paxos.
But this collection is not all fun and frolics. Some of the stories, particularly from Scotland, are undercut by nostalgia as the author grapples with the notion of a homeland and where a restless traveller belongs when the wandering, and the laughter, stops.
This book is also in part a prequel to the Greek travel series, revealing the author’s unforgettable adventures just before embarking on her four-year Big Fat Greek Odyssey.
Praise for Marjory McGinn’s Greek travel
“Gerald Durrell meets Bill Bryson.â€� Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ reviewer
“Marjory tells a good story with a journalist’s eye for mood and detail.� Alex Martin, Anglo Hellenic review.
“I loved the characters and the enthusiasm that drives the narrative.� Mark Douglas-Home, best-selling author
“Part travel, part history, this very personal memoir (Things Can Only Get Feta) is a love letter to the characters that inhabit their little bit of paradise.� Jill’s Book Café.
“I have read a lot of travel books and Marjory McGinn is one of the best writers in this genre.� Amazon reviewer
“I could read this series forever. The author’s books have brought humour, knowledge and good people.� Amazon reviewer
From the author of the Amazon best-selling Greek travel memoir, Things Can Only Get Feta, comes a new collection of funny and candid tales. Wake Me Up For The Elephants has the humour and flavour of Marjory’s Greek memoirs but with a broader Africa, Fiji, Australia, Greece, Scotland and Ireland. They are exotic, romantic locations and the stories are based on real journeys, some of which were taken as journalistic assignments. They introduce the reader to wild locations, eccentric fellow travellers and hilarious, often scary, dodging wild animals on safari and a male stalker in Mombasa; dance torment in tropical Fiji; a supernatural mystery in the Australian bush; a beach gallop in Ireland led by a lobster fisherman; a boating mash-up on the exquisite Greek island of Paxos.
But this collection is not all fun and frolics. Some of the stories, particularly from Scotland, are undercut by nostalgia as the author grapples with the notion of a homeland and where a restless traveller belongs when the wandering, and the laughter, stops.
This book is also in part a prequel to the Greek travel series, revealing the author’s unforgettable adventures just before embarking on her four-year Big Fat Greek Odyssey.
Praise for Marjory McGinn’s Greek travel
“Gerald Durrell meets Bill Bryson.â€� Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ reviewer
“Marjory tells a good story with a journalist’s eye for mood and detail.� Alex Martin, Anglo Hellenic review.
“I loved the characters and the enthusiasm that drives the narrative.� Mark Douglas-Home, best-selling author
“Part travel, part history, this very personal memoir (Things Can Only Get Feta) is a love letter to the characters that inhabit their little bit of paradise.� Jill’s Book Café.
“I have read a lot of travel books and Marjory McGinn is one of the best writers in this genre.� Amazon reviewer
“I could read this series forever. The author’s books have brought humour, knowledge and good people.� Amazon reviewer
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2023
38 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 27, 2023
Heartwarming and fun filled tales
Once again I have been drawn into Marjory's world and been held captive by her stories. Written in her warm, chatty style we learn about some of her travel tales around globe. A collection of stories from Australia, Africa, Fiji, Scotland, of course, her beloved Greece plays a role too.
The authors mother/daughter trip to Scotland was very poignant and precious memories were made.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and, along with her Peloponnese series of memoirs, I highly recommend reading this authors books.
Thank you for an interesting and enjoyable journey.
Once again I have been drawn into Marjory's world and been held captive by her stories. Written in her warm, chatty style we learn about some of her travel tales around globe. A collection of stories from Australia, Africa, Fiji, Scotland, of course, her beloved Greece plays a role too.
The authors mother/daughter trip to Scotland was very poignant and precious memories were made.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and, along with her Peloponnese series of memoirs, I highly recommend reading this authors books.
Thank you for an interesting and enjoyable journey.
September 19, 2023
I always think a great travelogue is is a delicate balance of descriptions, background knowledge, and history of the destination, and anecdotes of the author's adventures there. In this collection of travel stories, Marjory McGinn has achieved the perfect combination of all of these things. Her descriptions allow readers to vividly imagine each destination and feel like they are right there with her, and her journalism skills shine as she informs the reader about the history and culture of each place, especially in the chapters about Scotland. But her anecdotes of her adventures really steal the show! McGinn has a wonderful sense of humor that kept me giggling throughout this whole collection of stories... and if you've read any of McGinn's other nonfiction work, you'll be delighted to know that Wallace the Jack Russell terrier even makes an appearance! I highly recommend this book! You'll both laugh and cringe at the antics of "Lecherous Larry" in Kenya, shiver at the spooky mystery that unfolds at Hanging Rock in Australia, dance the night away in Fiji (whether you want to or not!), explore a landscape worthy of a soundtrack of electrified bagpipes in Scotland, race down the beach on the back of a horse at full gallop in Ireland, and take an unforgettable boat ride in Greece. There's something for everyone in this brilliant collection of stories!
June 19, 2023
A collection of short stories which can be read as a prequel to the author's series of Greek memoirs, this is an amusing series of travel anecdotes both from Marjorie's life as a media journalist, and her personal travels. From safari in Kenya to picnicking at Hanging Rock, with trips to Scotland, Ireland and Greece and waiting out a possible hurricane in Fiji, these are humorous stories but with some interesting travel information added. A very enjoyable read.
May 3, 2023
An exceptionally good travel memoir.
I have read and enjoyed every book that Marjory McGinn has written, and this brilliantly penned travel memoir is no exception. The reader is transported from the wilds of Kenya, to the rugged Macedon Ranges in Victoria, and on to Fiji with some weird reactions to the local Kava. We are taken on some incredible tours through the author's native Scotland; across the sea to Ireland and finally we arrive on the beautiful island of Paxos in Greece.
This memoir had me enthralled from the beginning right through to the very last page, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I have read and enjoyed every book that Marjory McGinn has written, and this brilliantly penned travel memoir is no exception. The reader is transported from the wilds of Kenya, to the rugged Macedon Ranges in Victoria, and on to Fiji with some weird reactions to the local Kava. We are taken on some incredible tours through the author's native Scotland; across the sea to Ireland and finally we arrive on the beautiful island of Paxos in Greece.
This memoir had me enthralled from the beginning right through to the very last page, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
April 28, 2023
A really enjoyable easy to read book , bringing to life some of Marjorys memorable travels and experiences.
As always, there are plenty of giggles to to had, as well as some side splitting moments and a few spooky ones too!
Marjorys touch of poignancy and nostalgia make for a book that is both entertaining and informative: transporting the reader into feeling that they are ' present' with her on her journeys. Highly recommended.
As always, there are plenty of giggles to to had, as well as some side splitting moments and a few spooky ones too!
Marjorys touch of poignancy and nostalgia make for a book that is both entertaining and informative: transporting the reader into feeling that they are ' present' with her on her journeys. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2023
A fascinating read
Really enjoyed this book. I've read all of Marjorys books and this one about different places that she's travelled to around the world was very enjoyable and funny at times. We've visited Greece on holiday many times so anything about Greece has got my attention, also my Granddad was Scottish he was born in Aberdeen so I found the chapter about Aberdeenshire very interesting as I've never been to Scotland, which is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit. I will be looking out for the 1983 film Local Hero that she mentions in the book.
Really enjoyed this book. I've read all of Marjorys books and this one about different places that she's travelled to around the world was very enjoyable and funny at times. We've visited Greece on holiday many times so anything about Greece has got my attention, also my Granddad was Scottish he was born in Aberdeen so I found the chapter about Aberdeenshire very interesting as I've never been to Scotland, which is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit. I will be looking out for the 1983 film Local Hero that she mentions in the book.
August 13, 2023
living many places
I enjoyed this book going thru many countries—I have also lived or visited many of the same but I wish I read this book first as there are many places I would have gone even though we enjoyed our places. If you have time to spend in Europe read this book first as it will give you extra places to go. We flew, took trains, buses and drove so be sure to check prices first and sign up for specials. Scotland is one of my favorite places also.
I enjoyed this book going thru many countries—I have also lived or visited many of the same but I wish I read this book first as there are many places I would have gone even though we enjoyed our places. If you have time to spend in Europe read this book first as it will give you extra places to go. We flew, took trains, buses and drove so be sure to check prices first and sign up for specials. Scotland is one of my favorite places also.
July 11, 2023
Much Enyoyment!
I’ve read all of Marjory McGinn’s witty and captivating books (some more than once) and really enjoy her delightful way of describing people, places and things that draw me into her stories. And her latest book, Wake Me Up For The Elephants doesn’t disappoint!
She writes of some of the adventures..and humorous misadventures she faced during her many travels to exotic locales around the world as a journalist and tourist. Actually, some were scary!
If you are looking for a fun summer read, this is it!
Enjoy!
I’ve read all of Marjory McGinn’s witty and captivating books (some more than once) and really enjoy her delightful way of describing people, places and things that draw me into her stories. And her latest book, Wake Me Up For The Elephants doesn’t disappoint!
She writes of some of the adventures..and humorous misadventures she faced during her many travels to exotic locales around the world as a journalist and tourist. Actually, some were scary!
If you are looking for a fun summer read, this is it!
Enjoy!
June 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this latest book from Marjory McGinn as I just knew I would. I have read both the Peloponnese series and also her delightful Bronte in Greece novels. She truly is a skilled storyteller with a keen eye for detail and a perceptive judge of character. Wonderfully descriptive, She takes the reader to South Africa, the South Sea Islands, Australia, Scotland, Ireland and Greece. I have been amazed at some of her experiences and laughed aloud at others. I particularly loved the stories about Scotland and Ireland as these are countries close to my own heart. Her travels around Scotland with her mother were both poignant and hilarious. I'm still chuckling at some of the experiences they shared. This book is a delight with fun observations and lots of background information which make it a treat from start to finish. I can't recommend it highly enough.
December 27, 2023
Typical of Marjory Mc Ginn Good Reading
Good stuff! Ms. McGinn takes experiences and relates them in script that is are a pleasure to reading; relaxing entertaining with the right amt of detail to not ‘runon.�
Topics as she describes them are appropriately humorous, related and descriptive as to provide you through her words of choice forming visual mental scenes of her experiences. All the content with the exception of her Africa adventure, were very typical of McGinn’s quality of expression as a writer.
Good stuff! Ms. McGinn takes experiences and relates them in script that is are a pleasure to reading; relaxing entertaining with the right amt of detail to not ‘runon.�
Topics as she describes them are appropriately humorous, related and descriptive as to provide you through her words of choice forming visual mental scenes of her experiences. All the content with the exception of her Africa adventure, were very typical of McGinn’s quality of expression as a writer.
December 10, 2023
Short, Sweet and Interesting
Enjoyable little travel stories that were fun to read. Having spent 3 weeks in Australia this past summer I now know why it was hard to understand some people-they were speaking Australian with a Scottish accent!
Enjoyable little travel stories that were fun to read. Having spent 3 weeks in Australia this past summer I now know why it was hard to understand some people-they were speaking Australian with a Scottish accent!
October 2, 2024
An enjoyable read from beginning to end, with a few caveats. Firstly, I must congratulate the author in her efforts to write a humorous and informative book detailing various chapters of her life, both as a professional journalist and in her personal capacity. The narrative is interspersed with plenty of dialogue to keep it fresh, and her eye for quirky details and observations keeps the pages turning. I particularly enjoyed her characterisation of Ninian Brody, the 25th Laird of Brody Castle. She creates an endearing and personal portrait of the man.
My only and real criticism is not regarding the writing per se, but the feeling that one is slightly misled by the cover. Indeed, the opening chapter is set in Africa (Kenya), and the subsequent two are also in other locales, but Chapters 4 to 8 are all in Europe, and three of those in Scotland! Considering that she grew up and spent a good deal of her professional life in Australia, one or two more chapters from that time period would be welcomed. I felt it slipped slightly into sentimental territory later on, regarding her return to Scotland, although, as I said above, she writes well and informatively.
Looking at her catalogue of books I see a whole series coming out of Greece, so I wonder if perhaps she might consider a similar project with the Scottish chapters?
Retrospectively, I do understand why she may have chosen the African chapter to begin with, and to illustrate the cover. As a young journo with a bevy of fellow female Aussie journos abroad, there is plenty of scope for drama, humorous takes on chauvinistic males (Aussie, not African), and the like. It's definitely the funniest chapter of the book and if she has more in that vein it would make for another good read.
My only and real criticism is not regarding the writing per se, but the feeling that one is slightly misled by the cover. Indeed, the opening chapter is set in Africa (Kenya), and the subsequent two are also in other locales, but Chapters 4 to 8 are all in Europe, and three of those in Scotland! Considering that she grew up and spent a good deal of her professional life in Australia, one or two more chapters from that time period would be welcomed. I felt it slipped slightly into sentimental territory later on, regarding her return to Scotland, although, as I said above, she writes well and informatively.
Looking at her catalogue of books I see a whole series coming out of Greece, so I wonder if perhaps she might consider a similar project with the Scottish chapters?
Retrospectively, I do understand why she may have chosen the African chapter to begin with, and to illustrate the cover. As a young journo with a bevy of fellow female Aussie journos abroad, there is plenty of scope for drama, humorous takes on chauvinistic males (Aussie, not African), and the like. It's definitely the funniest chapter of the book and if she has more in that vein it would make for another good read.
May 6, 2023
I have been a fan of Marjory McGinn’s writing since I first read Things Can Only Get Feta, and I’ve read every one of her captivating books. This memoir is just as good as the others, but even better, the author takes us travelling to countries across the globe recounting trips she did in the past, many of which were for her journalism job in the 1990s. I started in Kenya at the famous Treetops hotel; I then went to Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Ireland and Greece. What an adventurous life Marjory has lived, both as a single journalist and with her husband, Jim. I enjoyed each of the stories; they are all so well written, but those about Kenya, Australia, Ireland and the north of Scotland made the greatest impression. There is a wealth of information, local colour and humour in all the accounts. There are also some moving and poignant reflections, and it was lovely to travel so widely and learn so much. Thank you, Marjory. This was a marvellous book. I loved it!
June 27, 2024
An interesting & often times hilarious memoir of the author’s varied travels for work & pleasure. There are 8 chapters set in different locations around the world, from Kenya, Africa to Paxos, Greece. A Media trip to safari parks, Nairobi & the coast at Mombasa with Jason, provides plenty of tales. Readers are taken on an exotic journey to the Islands of Fiji, with a dose of local flavour! The trip up Hanging Rock in Australia reminded me so much of the scary movie. I particularly enjoyed travelling with Marjory & her mum, Mary to the Hebrides & Highlands of Scotland. There were holidays with husband Jim to Skye, & Galway (Ireland), with a wonderful gallop across the beach. The visit to interview Ninian Brodie at his ancestral home in Morayshire was fascinating & informative. The couple’s love of Greece…and boating…was enjoyed in Paxos!
Highly entertaining. Recommend to all armchair travellers everywhere
Highly entertaining. Recommend to all armchair travellers everywhere
September 9, 2023
In Wake Me Up for the Elephants, Marjory McGinn takes us along as she travels to a variety of places in eight short stories. In Kenya, she and her Aussie pal-journalists enjoy safaris, taste Zebra and go to discos all to the angst of Jason, their irritable guide-protector. In Victoria, Australia, her visit to the haunted Hanging Rock leaves her baffled with mysteries while in the Fijii Islands she is almost taken away by a local strange concoction that sends she and her friends into a dancing frenzy. In Scotland, she visits castles, strange B & B's with her mom, meets an eccentric hitchhiker, interviews the last family member of one of Scotland's oldest families and goes on to enjoy horseback-riding in Ireland. Finally, she and her husband have boat mishaps in Greece and they even stumble onto a nudist beach! This is a great recap of living the life.
June 4, 2023
Marjory McGinn is best known for her series of travel memoirs based in Greece, but this is an equally fascinating book that gives an insight into what it is really like to be a travel journalist. With stories covering countries as diverse as Africa, Greece, Australia, Fiji, Scotland and Ireland, the author’s skilful narrative weaves a spell in each chapter.
The author is particularly adept at describing the many colourful and unusual characters she either travels with or meets along the way, and she brings each location to life with her flowing prose. There’s plenty of humour in there too, and I found myself turning the pages and chuckling as I imagined some of the situations she found herself in! Highly recommended.
The author is particularly adept at describing the many colourful and unusual characters she either travels with or meets along the way, and she brings each location to life with her flowing prose. There’s plenty of humour in there too, and I found myself turning the pages and chuckling as I imagined some of the situations she found herself in! Highly recommended.
April 2, 2025
Interesting
I enjoyed the book and she's a very good writer. The chapters on Scotland can be very difficult for an American ( me). There were a lot and I do mean a lot of words I had to look up. I've been reading English books since I was 10 years old with my 1st Agatha Christie, and still a great many words to look up. So I do recommend it just be prepared for a slog through Scotland -even though it's very interesting.
I enjoyed the book and she's a very good writer. The chapters on Scotland can be very difficult for an American ( me). There were a lot and I do mean a lot of words I had to look up. I've been reading English books since I was 10 years old with my 1st Agatha Christie, and still a great many words to look up. So I do recommend it just be prepared for a slog through Scotland -even though it's very interesting.
May 11, 2025
Marjory has led a very interesting life, and she regales us with some of her travel tales, from her journalist days to her heading back to her homeland of Scotland. She dodges lecherous men in Africa, falls under the ethereal spell of a legendary Australian landmark, tours the Highlands and islands with her indomitable mother, and is a welcome guest for a thespian Scottish laird. Would that we were all so adventurous of spirit
October 29, 2023
Interesting Read
Good stories about the author’s various adventures traveling in various countries. Lots of humor and good descriptions. It made me want to travel to these places.
Good stories about the author’s various adventures traveling in various countries. Lots of humor and good descriptions. It made me want to travel to these places.
December 28, 2024
Love a live letter to travel and to Scotland.
April 12, 2025
Great to read more about Wallace.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.