The Elephant's Journey

Interesting Facts

• The book is based on real events that occurred in the 16th century when the Portuguese king João III gifted an elephant named Solomon to Archduke Maximilian II of Austria.
• The plot revolves around the elephant's journey from Lisbon to Vienna, which lasted about two years.
• José Saramago employs his characteristic style in the book, including long sentences and minimal punctuation, creating a unique narrative rhythm.
• The book explores themes of power, human nature, and the absurdity of life through the lens of a historical journey.
• The elephant Solomon and his mahout Subhro become central characters through whom the author reveals cultural and social differences between various regions of Europe at the time.
• The narrative is filled with irony and satire, allowing the author to critically examine historical events and human weaknesses.