West with Giraffes: A Novel by Lynda Rutledge
Fiction suggested by Joyce
From Joyce – Inspired by a true story, “West with Giraffes” transports us to the vivid landscape of 1938 America, where a 17-year-old protagonist embarks on an awe-inspiring cross-country journey, driving two giraffes and discovering his own identity along the way. … novel that seamlessly blends history and fiction to deliver a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
Historical and Social Context: Set against the backdrop of 1938 America, the novel explores the societal challenges of the era, including animal rights issues, racial discrimination, and the economic hardships of the Dust Bowl. These elements deeply influence the characters’ experiences and interactions throughout the story.
From Amazon – An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, includiing the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a yound female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.
Part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffesexplores what it means to bbe changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, and the passing of time.