36 pages • 1 hour read
Tess Uriza HoltheWhen the Elephants Dance
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
When the Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe follows a group of Filipino neighbors hiding in a cellar during WWII, sharing traditional stories to maintain hope and resilience amid the chaos of Japanese and American forces clashing in the Philippines. The narrative shifts perspectives between Alejandro, his sister Isabelle, and guerilla leader Domingo, intertwining their experiences with Filipino myths and legends. The book involves sexual violence and wartime atrocities.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
When the Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe intertwines Filipino folklore with historical events during WWII, drawing praise for its vivid storytelling and complex characters. Reviewers laud its lyrical prose and cultural insight, though some find the pacing uneven and narratives occasionally disjointed. Overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and historical portrayal.
Who Should Read When the Elephants Dance?
Readers who appreciate The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien will likely enjoy When the Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe. This novel, rich in historical context, intertwines tales of wartime courage, community, and folklore, appealing to those who treasure human resilience and compelling storytelling.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Relationships: Family
WWII / World War II
Asian Literature
Military / War
History: World
Historical Fiction
Magical Realism