Maybe, this was the author’s attempt to draw a parallel with our protagonist Ivan who is known by many names. As per her, she used a male name so that her work is taken seriously, and breaks the stereotype that women’s writing was limited to light-hearted love stories. The book opens with George Eliot ’s quote “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” well, you may already be aware that George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Anne Evans, an English Novelist. This book would definitely fit into the category – book for children of all ages. You choose your book according to how you assess your age be it at heart or as per the paperwork. So, I would say, there are mostly books for children of all ages. Especially, you can’t bracket them to a certain age group unless it’s an alphabet book, elementary math or better still – book on potty training. From the school of thought I hail from, there are no children’s books. To sum it up, this narrative is a work of fiction but its plot takes inspiration from true incidents of Ivan’s life.Īmazon.in Widgets Book Review: The One and Only Ivanīefore I begin the review on The One and Only Ivan, let me set the record straight. Winner of the 2013 Newberry Medal, The One and Only Ivan is inspired by the true story of Ivan, who was kept in captivity for 27 years at The World Famous B&I Circus Store, Tacoma, and later moved to Zoo Atlanta. And how he gives his best to keep up the promise he’s made to Stella, the Elephant.

True to the caption on the cover that reads “A story of courage, friendship and an unlikely animal hero”, The One and Only Ivan is the story of a silverback gorilla named Ivan, his friendship with other animals at the mall where they’re confined in glassed domains, his journey from being a victim to becoming a victor. Narrator: Narrated by Ivan, the silverback gorilla in first person Themes: courage, friendship, perseverance, hope Major Characters: Ivan (Narrator, a Silverback Gorilla), Bob (Stray Dog), Stella (Elephant), Ruby (Baby Elephant), Mack (Mall Owner), George (Cleaner at the Mall) and Julia (George’s Daughter) Setting Place: Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade & Zoo Atlanta Genre: Children’s Literature (not really)

Book ivan the gorilla