Scan barcode
book_concierge's review
3.0
Audio book narrated by Keith Nobbs
Y’Tin is the best elephant handler in his village, a skill that takes courage, patience and intelligence. Still, his mother would rather that he spend more time on schoolwork than on the elephants. He is, after all, only thirteen years old and there will be plenty of time to decide his life’s work. Perhaps he will be like his father, who works with the American soldiers in the war against the North Vietnamese forces. But after the Americans pull out, Y’Tin, his family, and the other Dega in their village will have to fend for themselves.
Kadohata weaves an interesting and harrowing tale of bravery, friendship and loyalty. Set from 1973 to 1975 in the highlands of Vietnam, the author takes the reader into an environment few of us have experienced, and none of us has lived as intensely as the villagers depicted in this story. Forced by circumstances to flee into the jungle, Y’Tin struggles to remember the life lessons his father imparted over the years. There are no happy endings when war is involved, but this ending is hopeful.
Keith Nobbs does a wonderful job narrating the audio book. He has good pacing and is believable as the voice of a 13-year-old, albeit one wise beyond his years due to the situations he encounters. The book is suitable for readers 9+ years old, although there are some horrible scenes of war atrocities which may be frightening for the younger and/or more sensitive reader.
Y’Tin is the best elephant handler in his village, a skill that takes courage, patience and intelligence. Still, his mother would rather that he spend more time on schoolwork than on the elephants. He is, after all, only thirteen years old and there will be plenty of time to decide his life’s work. Perhaps he will be like his father, who works with the American soldiers in the war against the North Vietnamese forces. But after the Americans pull out, Y’Tin, his family, and the other Dega in their village will have to fend for themselves.
Kadohata weaves an interesting and harrowing tale of bravery, friendship and loyalty. Set from 1973 to 1975 in the highlands of Vietnam, the author takes the reader into an environment few of us have experienced, and none of us has lived as intensely as the villagers depicted in this story. Forced by circumstances to flee into the jungle, Y’Tin struggles to remember the life lessons his father imparted over the years. There are no happy endings when war is involved, but this ending is hopeful.
Keith Nobbs does a wonderful job narrating the audio book. He has good pacing and is believable as the voice of a 13-year-old, albeit one wise beyond his years due to the situations he encounters. The book is suitable for readers 9+ years old, although there are some horrible scenes of war atrocities which may be frightening for the younger and/or more sensitive reader.
emilywv's review
1.0
A young boy and his village are abandoned by the U.S. soldiers they aided during The Vietnam War and are left to face terrible retribution by the North Vietnamese forces. Readable but depressing.
jaredpence's review against another edition
4.0
I found this little book quite moving. The love Y'Tin had for his elephant was beautiful. And you get a glimpse in the background and how horrific the U.S.'s involvement in Vietnam was.
jennybeastie's review
3.0
Cynthia Kadohata really doesn't pull any punches, and this book, set in North Vietnam after the American forces have withdrawn is a very realistic story of genocide. It's also a story about profound bonds with elephants, and about the hopeless choices one makes in war. It's packed with all kinds of thoughtful relationships and messages, but ultimately it is a tragic piece. There are no winners, there is only hardship with a thin gleam of hope, and there is a horrific massacre. I'm glad to know more about this time in this country, even as my own country's actions appall me, but I would keep this book for tweens or teens -- Y'Tin may only be 13, but the lessons he is learning are harsh.
sirah's review
4.0
This book made me uncomfortable. In some ways that's a good thing. It reminded me enough of What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein that I was intrigued, but A Million Shades of Gray is much grittier. It starts out in a small village in Vietnam during what is called the Vietnam War by Americans and the American War by Vietnamese. As you probably know, the war didn't end when the American troops left, but it became a lot less hopeful for the jungle people that Y'tin calls his family. Y'tin has always wanted to be an elephant handler, but when war and famine continue, Y'tin must make hard decisions.
As I said, this book made me uncomfortable. That isn't to say I dislike it, only that it's difficult to read. Y'tin is constantly faced with hopeless situations where he must think deeply about right and wrong, but often discovers that no matter what he does, he still loses. The ending was sad, but it might have been the only way to end this book right, because no matter what happens to him, Y'tin never stops thinking about how to do what is right. I cried.
The content is pretty mature, including murder, war, drunkenness, violence, and peril, and the themes are hidden in an otherwise bland description of landscapes and daily life. Somehow the book manages to transcend itself in some ways, though, in order to become something really unforgettable.
As I said, this book made me uncomfortable. That isn't to say I dislike it, only that it's difficult to read. Y'tin is constantly faced with hopeless situations where he must think deeply about right and wrong, but often discovers that no matter what he does, he still loses. The ending was sad, but it might have been the only way to end this book right, because no matter what happens to him, Y'tin never stops thinking about how to do what is right. I cried.
The content is pretty mature, including murder, war, drunkenness, violence, and peril, and the themes are hidden in an otherwise bland description of landscapes and daily life. Somehow the book manages to transcend itself in some ways, though, in order to become something really unforgettable.
mlinamman's review
4.0
An interesting look at the impact the Vietnam war had on a young elephant handler and his elephant. If you're interested in learning more about the war and a fan of historical fiction then I recommend this book.