36 pages 1 hour read

Tess Uriza Holthe

When the Elephants Dance

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

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Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes
Relationships: Family
Period
WWII / World War II
Asian Literature
Topics
Military / War
History: World
Genre
Historical Fiction
Magical Realism