Some books don’t roar. They whisper. If Elephants Could Talk by Ranjeeta Raam is one such book. A middle-grade verse novel that’s as tender as it is powerful, as lyrical as it is thought-provoking.
Author: Ranjeeta Raam
Genre: Middle-grade verse novel
Themes: Grief, silence, animal advocacy, finding your voice
**This was a gifted copy by Hachette India. There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating.
Book Review: If Elephants Could Talk by Ranjeeta Raam
At the heart of the story is Meenakshi, a 13-year-old girl who hasn’t spoken since her Amma passed away six months ago. Her grief is raw, unspoken, and all-consuming. She’s bullied at school, misunderstood by peers, and invisible to the world around her. The only place where she finds a sliver of peace is her Bharatanatyam class. Dance becomes her language. Her body expresses what her voice cannot. It’s in those familiar movements, the Devi hasta, the aramandalam, that she begins to breathe again.
Then she meets Ganesha, the temple elephant, at the place where her Appa is a priest. Ganesha is majestic, but shackled. Gentle, but wounded. Mute, yet speaking volumes. In his eyes, Meenakshi sees her own story mirrored. And in his pain, she finds her purpose. She rediscovers her own voice in choosing to speak up for him.
I didn’t expect this little book to wreck me. But it did, quietly and beautifully. If Elephants Could Talk is tender, lyrical, and left me in tears (the good kind).
What sets this book apart is its lyrical structure. I was so fascinated by it that I took my time to research this style of poetry. It is called Concrete Poetry or Shape/Visual Poetry. Here, words are arranged to form shapes or patterns on the page, echoing movement, emotion, or symbolism. For example, the line “My heart sinks…” descends on the page, mimicking the literal sinking of the heart.
Written in free verse, the book flows like a Bharatanatyam performance- graceful, deliberate, emotional. It isn’t just poetry. It’s choreography. As someone who trained in Bharatanatyam for over ten years, this format felt deeply personal. I didn’t just read the words, I felt them in my limbs. I could see the jathis, the mudras, the pauses. It was like watching a quiet performance unfold across the page.
Set in Kerala, this book doesn’t just reference the state. It truly brings life to it. The backdrop is rich with familiar images: temple courtyards, Malayalam phrases, the fragrance of incense, the sound of coconut fronds brushing against tiled roofs. It felt like walking back home. Being from Kerala myself, this made the book even more intimate. It was real, warm, and rooted.
I read this book during a tender season in my own life. Meenakshi’s grief spoke to me in a way few stories have. Her silence, longing, and quiet strength resonated deeply. Grief is not always loud. Often, it’s in the things left unsaid; in broken routines and in the silence of rooms that used to echo with love.
A Roar Against Animal Cruelty
What also stayed with me is how the book speaks about animal rights, particularly the plight of temple elephants.
As someone who has long believed in the ethical treatment of animals, this hit home. I’ve always said no to elephant rides. I’ve walked away from safaris where elephants are used for entertainment. During a family trip to Guwahati, when everyone went on an elephant safari, I stayed behind. I remember thinking, maybe one elephant didn’t have to work that hour because of that small act.
It’s not always easy to go against the norm, especially when tradition is used to justify such practices. But this book gently challenges that. It shows how compassion and culture don’t have to be at odds. That it’s okay, even necessary, to question customs that cause harm.
Elephants, like all animals, are not meant to be paraded in temples, made to carry gods on their backs to feel divine. They’re not born to be chained, or to entertain in circuses, or to stand still for photo ops.
They’re not props, trophies, or performers. They’re beings and they deserve space, freedom, and dignity. And while they cannot speak, we can.
In a gist, here’s what you can expect from this book.
💫Grief💫Healing💫Kindness💫Courage
Yes. Ranjeeta Raam has written a gem of a novel. One that’s perfect for middle-grade readers, yes, but also deeply moving for adults. Especially those who are healing, remembering, or learning to use their voice again.
Please read this book. And when you do, listen closely to the words, the silences between them, and
to what the elephants would say… if only they could talk.
📖 Rating: 5/5
Author Appreciation
Where to buy If Elephants Could Talk
You can grab a copy of If Elephants Could Talk from Amazon
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This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
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hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
Have you read If Elephants Could Talk? Or a book that made you reflect on your beliefs or gave voice to your unspoken grief? Let’s talk in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
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While elephants are adorable creatures, I too think they shouldn’t be used for the purposes they are in Kerala. They deserve to live with dignity. Such dignified creatures they are.
This seems to be a book with a difference. But I doubt I’ll like it.
What a sweet book. In Kaziranga, I actually saw tears rolling down an elephant’s eyes. He was being broken. I stopped taking animal safaris after that. I would like to read this book sometime.
I’ve never come across this author before, but the way you wrote the review immediately pulled my interest to know more about the story and also your reflections on the temple elephant’s plight added a good weight that it made me believe this isn’t just a children’s novel but a tender call to empathy.
It’s inhumane to chain animals and use them for entertainment. It took me some time to take a stand, but I now openly advocate against it. Your review has piqued my interest in the writing style. Concrete poetry sounds fascinating, and I’d love to explore it further. Thank you for bringing it to our attention!
Wow, your review sounded more lyricalk and poetic. I went in a flow reading it and realized I was enjoying it more than reading about the book. I wonder your review is so beautiful then this book is gonna leave similar impact too.
Oh, great! To see animal plight from the eyes of a 13-year-old must be quite moving. This seems to be a very different kind of book in every sense. Thanks for the wonderful review, the pics, and, of course, as always, your lovely props!!
You are just not a dog person, but a pure animal lover Shalini! The blurb of this book seems truly fascinating, and I would love to read this.
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This review beautifully captures how If Elephants Could Talk whispers grief and healing through verse. The main character’s bond with Ganesha really struck a chord. It’s a tender nudge to question traditions and listen to the silent voices that truly deserve our empathy
This review comes straight from your heart, and it shows, Shalini. Thank you for introducing us to this book. As always, your post is visually appealing.
While reading your review of the book, I somehow felt my 10-year-old daughter may like it. Would it be suitable for her?
I think so. Because the grief of losing a mom is portrayed vividly in the book. So, you may want to help her with that. ❤️
Lovely review. This seems like a good book to gift children
Meenakshi’s story and the lyrical Bharatanatyam rhythm deeply resonated with me, reminding how grief often speaks in silence and subtlety.
I loved your review. You explained the themes so beautifully. I’ll definitely gift this to my nephew!
Your review is so heartfelt and clear. Made me feel Meenakshi’s silence and grief deeply. Loved how you connected the poetry with dance. Will check more to add this in my reading list.
This sounds sooo interesting. And it seems the author has handled serius topics as grief in really fabulous way and made it pallatable for young readers.
Every animal that is tamed generally undergoes a painful process to learn “good behaviour” be it a dog or an elephant unless you have nurtured them from a baby stage.
Coming to the book, i should thank you for showing the glimpse of this style of ‘concrete Poetry’ , it needs a lot of deliberation and creativity and still does not lose its impact. I could pick it up just to savour the writing.
Your review is compelling me to check this book out. Thank you for sharing your wonderful review
What a beautiful review! I’m curious to read the book now to explore the beautiful poetry form. It makes a subtle impact.
This sounds like such a powerful and moving read. The way you described Meenakshi’s grief and connection with Ganesha gave me goosebumps. I’ve always felt strongly about animal cruelty too, I avoid animal rides and shows for the same reason. It’s heartbreaking how animals are used for entertainment.
Well I am not an animal lover nor do I hate them. But what you tried to portrayed in this review after reading the book I can strongly relate too. They too have pain and joy as equal as humans. You need to be equally compassionate, caring and lovable towards the animals as you behave towards humans. A different book indeed.
Your review makes me feel that this is a tender, powerful read for both middle‑grade and adult audiences—especially anyone honoring grief, finding their voice, or seeking compassion in unexpected places. Will pick up on days when looking for some comfort through a book
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Such a heartfelt write-up! Your own experience as a Bharatanatyam dancer brought so much depth to the discussion of verse structure and emotional choreography. The Kerala setting felt vivid and lived-in, a perfect backdrop for Meenakshi and Ganeshan’s friendship. This review moved me ; adding this to my must-read list!
This review piqued my interest! I’m always drawn to books that blend imagination with meaning. “If Elephants Could Talk” sounds like a heartfelt read—definitely adding it to my reading list!
Firstly had no clue on concrete/ visual poetry…so big thank you for introducing me to the concept and this review is so heart-warming. Definitely take note of the author and the book.
Wow, looks like a lovely read. I should try to get my hands on this for myself and my daughter. We could enjoy a little more emotion in our lives.
This sounds like a beautiful read and your review is just as lyrical Shalini. What a treat to read your post!
What a lovely review! I must get this one for my son (and me!).