Rating: 
Summary: Not exactly magical, this novel hobnobs with disaster
Review: This is a surprising little book that tells you so much more than the adventures of a giraffe in her way to post-revolutionary France. Anyone interested in Egyptology or the Ottoman Empire will also be surprised by the little bits of interesting information that permeate the tale.It is only a small book, but it is a big story. At times the writing itself appears a little stilted, but the author does a good job with the topic nonetheless. It is well worth reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Delightful
Review: This is a surprising little book that tells you so much more than the adventures of a giraffe in her way to post-revolutionary France. Anyone interested in Egyptology or the Ottoman Empire will also be surprised by the little bits of interesting information that permeate the tale. It is only a small book, but it is a big story. At times the writing itself appears a little stilted, but the author does a good job with the topic nonetheless. It is well worth reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Delightful
Review: This is a surprising little book that tells you so much more than the adventures of a giraffe on her way to post-revolutionary France. Anyone interested in Eqyptology or the Ottoman Empire will also be surprised by the little tit-bits of information that drift by in the story telling. One of the delights of this season
Rating:
Summary: The best little read...
Review: This is the best history story... keeps your interest all the way through and you'll be sorry when the read is over.... a must read!
Rating:
Summary: Not exactly magical, this novel hobnobs with disaster
Review: This novel has been described as magical and heavenly. Well, it does have many elements of a fairy tale, and it is light and refreshing, considering a typical visit to history. However, Allin stumbles through his prose and it seems awkward the entire way through, even while describing the sweeping geography or the sordid politics of the empirial giants. Sure, the historical happenings are related cleverly to Zarafa's conspicuous caravan, but apparently his editor was so entranced by Allin's "magical" prose that he completely forgot to correct Allin's blatant errors. Allin, probably because of his fanatical research into this subject, also feels that he should share every ridiculous detail with us along the way, even though it makes for a choppy and scatterbrained plot that is so convoluded that a plot diagram would look like a intricate spider web. Although I admit ooooohhhing and aaaaahhhhing over Zarafa's adorable behavior is tempting, this fairy tale does not begin nor end with happily ever after.
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Summary: It seems the smaller the book the bigger the pleasure.
Review: What a terrific read for such a small book. Mr. Allin is to be congratulated for his diligent research and enjoyable reporting - writing should be entertaining as well as educational and he scores perfect 10's on all. You are constantly bombarded by history, personality and events of such interest that you end up with a greater appreciation for this little reported period of the ages. It is both a treatise of diplomacy, scientific enlightenment and natural behavior that the whole interesting development of modern zoology and zoo-keeping are missed. Like the book Longitude you are surprised with little nuggets of information (i.e. Napolean converted to Islam while in Eygpt, etc.) that seem to make the book invaluable. I only wish that Mr. Allin had spent more time on the Giraffe's journey in France versus the solid reporting of the events leading up to its giving as a gift and its life in Africa. This is a book to be devoured in one sitting.
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Summary: Looking for paperback
Review: You do not mention availability of this title in soft-back. Do you have it? ISBN 0385334117 Ellis Wayne Please respond. Thank you.
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Summary: Zarafa steals the heart
Review: Zarafa steals the heart, which is not surprising when you realize that she charmed all of France, including Charles X, the greatest scientists of her day, and the French people en masse. The book acts as a brief history of the Enlightenment, bringing to life such figures as the viceroy of Egypt, the first "Egyptologists" (otherwise known as grave-robbers and plunderers), Napoleon himself, and the preeminent French naturalist of his day, Saint-Hilaire. Zarafa's relationship to all of these figures, and the sweetness with which she conquers France, makes a fascinating and sometimes poignant read. Allin has done his homework, and his affection for Zarafa makes the book much more than a dry history text.
Rating:
Summary: An enchanting book combined with a historical backdrop
Review: Zarafa was totally enchanting book. I was drawn to it by the cover and once I started reading had difficulty putting it down. Allin has taken an obscure event and with painstaking research and deft prose has given us a story that should appeal to adults and older children alike. The story of Zarafa stayed with me and I have recommended it to my family and friends. Both my husband and I would now like to go to Egypt and follow Zarafas path. My next trip to France will take me to the museum in Beaune to view the original cover painting and possibly La Rochelle to see the remains of Zarafa although I might find that distressing. Some of the historical data was repetitious but it did serve to emphasize the atmosphere of the time and the situation. I plan to read it a second time and recommend it highly to those of a romantic nature. I think of Zarafa often and Allins perception of her grace and calm temperment have stayed with me and every giraffe that I encounter will now represent Zarafa. I just wish I could have seen her stately presence gliding through the town from Marseille to Paris.
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