Michael Morpurgo is one of my favourite authors. I read lots of his books. Knowing that Elephant in the Garden was based on a true story that happened during World War II made the title very interesting to me. I kept asking myself “Elephant during the war? Elephant kept in a garden? I must read that book!”.
I was interested in how an elephant named Marleen got to live in the garden of a Dresden family.
An old woman named Lizzie tells the story from her bed in a Canadian nursing home. Her audience is her nurse and the nurses son Karl ,who reminds Lizzie of her young brother. During WWII Lizzie, her mum, Mutti, and her younger brother Karli lived in Dresden. They father was fighting in Russia. Mutti was a zoo keeper at the Dresden Zoo and cared a lot about the animals. She had seen the small elephant been born and even named him herself – Marlene. They got very attached to each other, especially after the death of Marlenes mum. Mutti persuaded the head of the zoo to let her keep Marlene in their garden. She knew that all the animals would be destroyed before the air attack on Dresden. Dresden was bombarded heavily. On their way to a relative’s farm in the country, Lizzie, her mom, Karli, and the elephant Marlene tried to get away. Their journey was very hard physically and emotionally. Have they reached safety? What happened to them all? Did their father came back from the war?….
I think kids ages 9 to 12 would enjoy this great, sweet story that doesn’t go into too much detail about how terrible the war was. My only criticism is that its a bit slow in some parts. Also, I’d like to see more pictures in the book, even though it’s meant for kids. I would give it 9 out of 10.
Want to tell the world about a book youve read? Join the site and send us your review!
Michael Morpurgo’s historical fiction novel “An Elephant in the Garden” tells the story of Lizzie a teenage girl living in Dresden Germany during World War II. When the Allies begin bombing Dresden, Lizzie flees the city with her family and their dear elephant friend, embarking on a perilous journey across war-torn Germany.
Overview of the Plot
The story begins in 1945. Lizzie lives with her mother Mutti, younger brother Karl, and father Pappi, who is away fighting in the German army Mutti works as a zookeeper and has grown attached to a young orphaned elephant named Marlene. Knowing the zoo plans to kill the animals if the Allies bomb the city, Mutti brings Marlene home each night to stay in their family garden for safekeeping
On Lizzie’s 16th birthday, the Allies attack Dresden. As the city burns, Lizzie, her family, and Marlene flee as refugees. After a harrowing journey, they arrive at Lizzie’s aunt and uncle’s farm, where they discover Peter, a Canadian RAF pilot who parachuted to safety when his plane was shot down. At first hostile toward the enemy soldier, Mutti comes to accept Peter after he saves Karl’s life.
Peter joins the family on their treacherous weeks-long walk west toward the American troops, using his compass to guide them. Along the way, they endure freezing cold, hunger, and close calls with German authorities. At one point, they stay at a countess’s estate after Karl falls dangerously ill. The compassionate countess shelters them and asks that they escort several orphaned children to safety.
When they finally reach the Allies, the noise frightens Marlene and she runs away. Though heartbroken, Lizzie and her family cannot search for her amidst the chaos of war. After parting ways with Peter, Lizzie eventually immigrates to Canada where she reunites and marries him. One day, she and Peter spot Marlene at a traveling circus.
Key Characters
-
Lizzie: The protagonist. A kind and brave sixteen-year-old German girl.
-
Mutti: Lizzie’s fiercely devoted mother who works as a zookeeper. She rescues Marlene from the zoo.
-
Karl: Lizzie’s mischievous younger brother.
-
Marlene: An orphaned baby elephant who becomes part of the family.
-
Peter: A Canadian RAF pilot who joins Lizzie’s family on their journey west. He and Lizzie fall in love.
-
Pappi: Lizzie’s father who is away fighting in the German army.
-
Countess: A generous German woman who shelters Lizzie’s family at her estate.
Key Themes
The Devastation of War
The story vividly depicts the death and destruction caused by WWII bombing raids. Firebombs reduce Lizzie’s hometown of Dresden to ashes, forcing her family to flee as refugees.
Perseverance and Resilience
Despite hunger, bitter cold, illness, and the ever-present threat of bombs and capture, Lizzie’s family persists in their journey to safety. Their resilience highlights the remarkable strength of the human spirit.
The Meaning of Family
Lizzie’s family selflessly supports each other. Mutti risks everything to save Marlene, who becomes part of the family. Even Peter, initially an “enemy,” is embraced as one of their own. The story highlights how family is defined by love and loyalty, not just blood.
Hope and New Beginnings
Though the journey is arduous, Lizzie and her family make it through to the other side of the war. Their story represents the possibility of rebuilding and finding happiness, even after profound tragedy. Lizzie’s new life with Peter in Canada symbolizes the promise of a brighter future.
Why It Matters
“An Elephant in the Garden” sheds light on the plight of German civilians, especially children, during WWII bombing campaigns. Stories like Lizzie’s provide an important counterperspective to narratives that focus only on the Allied forces as victims and heroes.
Morpurgo’s tale highlights wartime suffering on all sides. It underscores how ordinary families faced unthinkable hardship, tearing their lives apart simply to survive. Ultimately, the novel delivers a poignant anti-war message coupled with an uplifting affirmation of humanity’s resilience.
Critical Response
The book has received positive reviews, with critics praising Morpurgo’s ability to tell a moving story from a rarely seen point of view. Booklist calls it a “thoughtful exploration of the terrible impact of war on both sides,” while Kirkus Reviews describes it as “a moving but somewhat flawed tale of human – and animal – courage in the face of tragic suffering.”
Overall, Morpurgo succeeds in crafting an engaging, emotional journey about a little-known aspect of WWII history – one that underscores both the horror of war and the enduring power of family.
An Elephant in the Garden Book Summary
FAQ
What is the moral of An Elephant in the Garden?
What is the main theme of An Elephant in the Garden?
What is the author’s purpose in An Elephant in the Garden?
What happens at the end of An Elephant in the Garden?