I was an English major in college, but not one of those high-falutin’ intellectuals looking for symbolism and political subcontexts on every page. I liked to read. I liked to write, so I majored in English and did a good bit of each in college.
I like books about people. No, not biographies, but books that invite his into the lives and hearts of people — ordinary or extraordinary. I’m drawn to stories — to characters — to themes of friendship, personal growth, internal or external struggles. I know that’s why memoir has quickly become my favorite genre. I enjoy a great character-driven novel in the same way (if not more).
Hannah’s Dream by Diane Hammond is this sort of novel. Hammond delicately deals with the human experiences of love, lack of love, loss, hope, duty, growing up and growing old.
And when I this is a character-driven novel, let me go one step further and say that this book is full of characters — Max Biedelman, a sort of androgynous woman who lived in the early twentieth century; Harriet, the director of the zoo which Max founded, who taps into the confidence and spirit of Max as she tries to find acceptance for herself and financial success for the zoo; Sam Brown, a man who has given his life and his heart to two women, his wife Corinna and the elephant Hannah.
Sam has spent the last forty-one years of life caring for Hannah, at the dying wish of Max Biedelman, but he is old and sick and needs to retire. He just can’t do it until he finds someone who will properly care for Hannah as he has done. Will that person be Neva, the new elephant keeper that Harriet has hired? None of the others have worked out, but Sam sees signs in the beginning that she just may be different.
This book reminded me a bit of another book dealing with an elephant (Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, which I enjoyed), and also Life of Pi, which delved a bit into the debates about zookeeping. However, this novel is not the result of an author trying to jump on the bandwagon of the popularity of books about animals (Marley and Me also comes to mind, though I haven’t read that one).
No, no, Diane Hammond has her own reasons for telling this story. Tomorrow in our Books on Screen column, the author will be writing about her work with the real whale upon whom the movie Free Willy was based and how it helped birth this novel (updated: here is a link to that column).
I loved this story, and if you enjoy stories such as I’ve described, I think you’ll enjoy it too.
We have three signed copies of Hannah’s Dream to give away. Please leave a comment if you’d like to win (U.S. addresses only), and we’ll announce the winners next Wednesday.
This giveaway is closed.
Managing Editor Jennifer Donovan is a contributing editor at 5 Minutes for Mom. She has been blogging at Snapshot for over two years. You’ll almost always find her holding either a book, a fork, a child’s hand, her laptop, or some combination therein.
This sounds like something I would enjoy reading. Thanks for sharing!
I’d love to win! I’m always looking for new good books to read =)
Sounds great! Count me in.
Sounds like it would be a really fascinating book! I’m in!
I’m in the middle of listening to the Water For Elephants audio book right now. I would love to be able to compare and contrast!
I could definitely use a good book to read now that the weather is turning cool and cozy. Thank you so much!
This sounds great! And I loved Water for Elephants, too. Add my name in for the giveaway — thanks!
I want to win!
I’d love to win this book to enjoy this fall 🙂
heatherlbrandt (at) verizon (dot) net
Looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the contest!
I’d love to read it.
This looks interesting; not one I’d be inclined to pick up on my own. Thanks for the recommendation and the giveaway. I’d love to give it a try.
this sounds very interesting and right up my alley. I am sure it would be a exciting read. Sign me up to win this one pls. Thanks!!!
I’d love to receive a copy!
I love to read it is the one thing that can get my mind off everyday life problems.
I’d love to win it.
Sounds Great 🙂
Your first paragraph made me smile. It sounds exactly like me since that’s why I majored in English also. Thanks for the review on this book. I’ll definitely have to check it out. 🙂
would love to read, gonna put it on my list..great review
I want to read this!!!
AH!! Finally a book after my own heart!! and struggle!! I hope I win!!!
Hope I win.
Sounds great! Love to win.
Count me in!
Perfect — I need a new book
[email protected]
This sounds wonderful. Thank you.
I would like to read me. Please enter me.
Count me in! Always look for a good read.
i am interested to win the book and then read it. if you would like a book report i could do one after reading the book. [email protected] with daytime #: 202 564 8272 belongs to john pratt living at 700 7th st. s.w. # 333 in washington, d.c. 20024. thanks in advance and have a blessed day.
I think I would love this book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Please enter me! Thanks:)
I’d love to win!
Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the review.
love to have a copy
Sounds like a good read.
I was an English major in college too, but somehow only read two books start to finish. Now that I’m home with my baby boy, I read all the time. It’s the most relaxing way to spend nap time.
Great review, Jennifer. I really liked both Water For Elephants and Life of Pi (although I’m still reeling over that ending lol) and would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
enter me.
Sounds like a good book.
Sounds great….ELEPHANTS are my FAV animal!!!!! 😀 Thanks so much!!
This sounds like a delightful crisp Fall night book!
Thanks for your review – sounds like a wonderful book!
Please enter me
Sounds good! 🙂
I love to read to and I agree to not go too deep
Hello, My brother was a Veterinarian for over 30 years! I grew up in a family who took in any and every kind of animal that no one wanted. I have read many books about the handling of Circus animals, puppy mills and animal testing. I also have a friend who works at a zoo who would enjoy this book. Please enter me in your book drawing. Many thanks…..Cindi
It sounds very interesting. Would love to read it.
Good review. I’d be interested in reading this too.
Sounds like some good reading! Would love to “check it out”
Please include me in your giveaway!
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