Book Notes | ‘Elephant Company’
“A spellbinding, true story of elephantine and human courage … (and) a triumph that will make you cheer!” is how American naturalist and writer Sy Montgomery described Elephant Company by Vicki Croke. Based on a true story about James Howard Williams, an English veteran of World War I and II, the book relates Williams’ growing love for elephants and how his experiences with them provided lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude.
Williams took a job as manager of several logging camps in Burma (now Myanmar) after World War I. The Bombay Burma Trading Corporation used elephants and the local Burmese to harvest teak trees in this lucrative industry.
Most called him Billy Williams (later it became Elephant Bill). He immersed himself in the world of elephants and logging by learning their language and everything he could about the animals, even performing autopsies to better understand their health and care. After studying and observing the current practices, Bill reformed how the elephants were raised and trained.
A lifelong friend and savior
One elephant, named Bandoola, rose above the rest in intelligence and strength and became Bill’s lifelong friend and savior. Friend, because they had such a connection, and savior, because Bandoola saved Bill when he was delirious with malaria.
Life in Burma was not easy. In addition to the heat and humidity there were monsoons, malaria, and elephant itch. Then came World War II. In 1942, when the Japanese were trying to take over the country, Billy was asked to evacuate the British citizens to India—with support from his elephants. It was an incredible and successful feat but not nearly as daring as a second trek across Manipur and Assam in 1944 to save several dozen refugees.
Most members of the UMRA Book Club I group really enjoyed the book and were amazed by Jim William’s accomplishments and talent as an animal “whisperer.” A few thought there was more information than they’d ever care to know about elephants but were definitely in awe of the magnificent animal.
—Joni Mitchell, UMRA Book Club I
April Book Club I
Fri, Apr 21 2023, 2pm
Joni Mitchell will lead the discussion of Elephant Company by Vicki Croke when the UMRA Book Club meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 21.
Email Pat Tollefson at [email protected] for more information, including suggestions for starting a new book club.
To read summaries of the book club members’ discussions, go to “Book Notes.”
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.