The Elephant Man

by Christine Sparks

Book Overview

John Merrick had lived for more than twenty years imprisoned in a body that condemned him to a miserable life in the workhouse and to humiliation as a circus sideshow freak. But beneath that tragic exterior, within that enormous and deformed head, thrived the soul of a poet, the heart of a dreamer, the longings of a man. Merrick was doomed to suffer forever--until the kind Dr. Treves gave him the first real home in the London Hospital and the town's...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345345134
• ISBN13: 9780345345134
• Release Date: November 1986
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.1" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

The Most Touching Story Ever

By far, this is the book I most enjoyed reading (actually I finished it in 2 days!). It is extremely touching and gives you a sense of warmth. The story of John Merrick made me realise how people should appreciate and make the most of what they have. I felt I was very much involved in the story and each chapter made me eager to read the next one. I look forward to read more books on John's life.

Not the kind of book you'll ever forget

This is not the kind of book that you read, put down, and forget about. It's the kind of book that has you so engrossed that you forget the time and just read and read and read-and cry. This is really one of the most moving books I've ever read. It's the story of a man who is hideously deformed, so everyone treats him like he's just an animal. Only he's treated worse than an animal- he's a circus sideshow freak who is stared at, made fun of, kicked and beaten. His life has been horrible but he is at heart an ordinary man. What makes this book so moving is that it is true. You'll cry because he's beaten and cry when he's rescued. You'll cry basically through the whole book, because it is awful to think of a person being treated the way John Merrick was. And it will change the way you look at people, and the way you think about them, if they happen to be a little different from how you are.

A very good book

I found this book to be really good and touching as well. It also helps teach people that it is what is on the inside that counts, and not how they look. It teaches people to look into the heart of a person.

A Riviting Story of Human Emotion

With grace and superb tact, Ms. Sparks grabs the attention of the reader from the very first page, engaging him/her in a wondrous tale of the human need for love, acceptance, and belonging. One rages at the evil selfishness that motivates Merrick's captors, basks in the kind love that moves Dr. Treves, and rejoices magnificently with John Merrick as he discovers the human dignity of love and goodness. The reader is led to discover that true beauty is found in character rather than outward appearances. While there is much of decadence forced upon John, the triumph of human goodness leaves the reader rejoicing. Wonderfully engaging!

You'll want to reach out to Mr. Merrick.

This is one of the most delecate books I've read in a long time. You will find yourself wanting to reach out to John Merrick, A.K.A. "The Elephant Man", and wanting to take care of him and protect him from the world. The end was a tearjerker for me. I'm sure some of the fellow readers of this book agree