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Leo Anthony's Reviews > Wake Me Up For The Elephants: Comic tales of a restless traveller

Wake Me Up For The Elephants by Marjory  McGinn
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really liked it

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.

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Reading Progress

September 27, 2024 – Started Reading
September 27, 2024 – Shelved
September 27, 2024 –
page 179
75.85% "Chapter 6"
October 2, 2024 – Finished Reading

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