You'd think a book about an alcoholic homeless man who sees a miniature fluorescent pink elephant in the riverside cave he calls home, would have a fairly short narrative - ending with him waking up in the morning and realising he was seeing things. However, when our anti-hero Schoch wakes up and realises that there really is a tiny freak of nature sharing his cave, it's the start of a wonderful romp through the streets and surrounding areas of Zurich, involving genetic engineers, circus folk, veterinarians, big pharma reps, and a wealth of other wonderful characters.
Starting with several seemingly completely unrelated narrative threads, you do wonder where on earth Suter is going with this story - what could possibly link an itinerant boozer with a genetic engineer and a circus? However, he effortlessly weaves his narrative threads into a truly stunning rich tapestry of a tale that had me hooked and unable to put it down.
At times hilarious, at other times tragic, in some points romantic, in others redemptive, this is a great story. The translation flows astonishingly well, with only the character names and the setting making the reader think this might not be in the language it was originally written.
Suter's narrative flow is truly extraordinary, taking the reader on a truly magical journey, seeing some characters blossom and others wither on the vine. No spoilers from me though, read the book to find out more. I strongly recommend that you do as this is a truly excellent piece of fiction writing.

This was a fast and easy read with accessible and immediate language that, despite its quirkiness, delivers poignancy, food for thought, a discreet romance and an undeniable delight in the titular character. Yes, Sabu Barisha IS a pink miniature elephant. And yes, what the heck?! Did I mention she glows in the dark? But it is also a book about emotional journeys and redemption as well - as well as one of the most satisfying come-uppances in recent literature! The interesting thing about this book is that it works on many levels and you can pick your level depending on how taxing you want this work to be. On one level a fantastical tale with a happy ending, on another a modern fable about ethics, morality, social responsibility, sanctity of life, animal rights - there's lots to unpack. But you really don't have to to be charmed by this novel.

Such a different yet brilliant book. At first I couldn't decide whether it was for me or not. Then it just hit me that of course it was for me, I just couldn't put it down. Truly wonderful

This really is a one-off. And one to learn from. Humour, science, sadness - especially for one character and about cruelty to animals - but above all a pink elephant leads the way into a searing insight into genetic engineering.

A vagrant finds a miniature toy like living elephant that glows pink in the dark .Where it comes from and how involves the ill use of genetic engineering for the purposes of commercial gain. A rogue scientist conceives the idea of making use of his knowledge to produce in secret a dwarf elephant that is pink and will glow in the dark. His idea is to genetically modify an elephant egg before impregnating it and implanting it into the womb of a female elephant. The book is well researched and throws light on how these complex procedures can be carried out. In the execution of the plot use is made of elephants in a travelling circus and the services of the elephant keeper and their vet who loves the animals. There after follows a battle of wits between the animal lovers who manage to conceal the successful birth of the abnormal animal to allow it to enjoy its life the instigators who when they realise that they have been duped try to recover the fruits of their labour. A most interesting and heart warming story with some interesting characters.

I have a bit of a thing for elephants, so when I read that this book followed a homeless alcoholic who stumbled across a tiny pink glow-in-the-dark elephant I knew I had to request it. The book alternates between two timelines, one being the present day which centers on the main protagonist, and the other being everything leading up to the creation/birth of Sabu. Each timeline is full of great stuff, from the scientific detail surrounding genetic modification and artificial insemination to honest descriptions of the everyday lives of the homeless. There are moments that are distressing but they're balanced out by wonderful scenes of Sabu growing up. All in all a great read.

How would you react on seeing a small glowing pink elephant? I really enjoyed finding out how the characters dealt with the phenomenon. A gentle and absorbing read.

Schoch lives a very basic life between the streets of Zurich and a small cave where he shelters. He passes his days by drinking and conversing with other homeless people. When he sees a tiny, glowing pink elephant in his cave he (naturally) assumes that the alcohol has something to do with it - but the elephant doesn't go away. Schoch decides that he needs to protect the little creature, and vows to take care of it - but someone is looking for the elephant, someone who has invested a lot of time and money into creating something that will grant them worldwide notoriety. Someone who will stop at nothing to get the elephant back.

I requested this on Netgalley because it sounded unlike anything I've ever read - and it was, but in a good way. It was such a lovely and worthwhile reading experience, I loved the different parts of the story and how they came together. From Schoch, the homeless man; Kaung, the elephant whisperer; and hateful Roux, the man determined to use genetic engineering to gain infamy - it was a beautiful book.

I'd recommend it if you're looking for an engaging, different read.

Ahhhhh what a total GEM of a book, seriously now it’s unique you’ll not find another plot like it...I mean glow in the dark bright pink elephants!?

I can’t really describe the book haha it’s so difficult, but a homeless, alcoholic wakes up in his cave to find a bright pink glowing elephant there! He ignores it and thinks it’s the drink, it’s not! Someone’s has been bio engineering glow in the dark mini elephants, one has gotten away and he wants it back!

Here lies the story and what a story, it’s seriously a bloody great read I couldn’t stop reading it and put it down for a second, I had to know what happened to the elephant....it’s brilliant totally ingenious and I truly hope for more from this author!!! I’d give it ten stars if I could. !!

Read it people !!!!

A delightful surprise. Although the story centres around a genetically engineered elephant, it is it's affect on those that come into contact with it that is the real story. It is beautifully written and heart warming but not sentimental. A very enjoyable read.

Hmmm… I have to say I was expecting a roustabout light-hearted fantasy of a book, concerning as it does a pink, luminescent miniature elephant and the homeless guy that finds him. I thought it would be along the lines of A Street Cat Named Bob, but no – there is a welter of drama courtesy of the animal's short, chequered history – and from the point of view of the dodgy scientists who bred him. I think, however, that many people will turn to this and find their expectations not fully delivered – and in wholly good ways. It's thoroughly entertaining – seldom feeling a beat too long, with its many, short chapters. It's not funny as such, but it's certainly not too dark or serious. It has a lot to say about the possibilities of genetic manipulation, which also comes as something unexpected. All in all it's quite rich and layered, and full enough to avoid Street Cat similarities and provide a lot that justifies its best-seller status. If you can take the quirky premise on board, and don't object to the very broken timeline, you'll find a very confidently written story, with hard science and an uplifting heart. Recommended.

An alcoholic staggers back to his sleeping den on the riverbank and, as he lapses into unconsciousness, thinks he sees a tiny pink elephant glowing in the darkness. Worse is to come for when he awakes it is still there! If you suspend disbelief just a little you are in for a truly absorbing read. In some ways this book is an adult fairy tale but, in others, it points to the limitless possibilities of genetic science. Suffice to say that this little, glowing pink elephant ends up being a real game changer for many peoples lives. A truly original work and if it weren't for a slightly weak ending, would definitely have earned five stars. Nonetheless I take my hat off to Martin Souter for the most captivating tale I have read in years.

Elefant starts with a small pink elephant that a homeless man finds in his sleeping place. The origins of this tiny bizzare creature are told as a flashback alongside the current events as the evil genetics corporation try to find their experimental animal by any means. It's a lovely story with heart-warming themes and maybe some warning about the ethics of genetic manipulation. Loved it!

This is an absolutely enchanting book. It sounds like a children's book but it isn't, in any way. Addressing the immorality latent in genetic engineering and the touching emotions of those that come into contact with the results in this case. Schoch is a charming character; a homeless alcoholic I couldn't help but feel moved by and Klaus, the elephant whisperer is such an huge character for one so small. I loved this book despite usually reading crime/ thrillers. It was a lovely break from my norm.