Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Monday, January 27, 2025

The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella

How I Came Across It... *During 2024, I kept seeing this novel pop up on different lists. I ended up buying it for myself as a Christmas gift. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Shagun is a young man who has always felt different.

*After the loss of his twin sisters, and the disapproval from his father, he flees the home and ventures to all-boys boarding school.

*During his years at the school, he endures teasing, bullying, and abuse.

*Shagun ends up fleeing again, and finds himself living with and performing along side of a group of "traveling story tellers".

*It is here, he begins to feel he can truly be himself.

*Even with a new relationship, and time and space from his family, Shagun can't seem to escape his past or shame about who he truly is. What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *Beautifully written.

*The plot was a slow burn, but I found myself interested in Shagun and the path he traveled.

*There were some slow-moving parts, but I kept going and then would find a section I was engaged with.

*I found it interesting and fascinating to read about the Indian culture in India and what and who was accepted and those who were not.

*I'm not sure I always understood some of the deeper meanings, myths, and stories that were presented in the novel, but I didn't let that deter me from the overall plot. Who Should Read It... *Adult readers who gravitate toward strong fiction/literature will be the perfect audience for this story. If you enjoy character driven plots set in foreign lands, this is also the story for you. The plot doesn't always move fast, but the overall story is quite beautiful and emotional. Happy Reading!
Rating...
3 out of 5 stars


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