Pavlov’s Elephant
In a deft dance of word and form, Rosalee van Stelten evokes landscape and spectacle, sadness and laughter, romance and adventure, and displays an overarching empathy with our world, its creatures great and small.
Pavlov’s Elephant continues the themes Rosalee developed so successfully in Pattern of Genes: the lasting lessons of childhood that go on to shape an entire life; the warmth of family; the keen observations of the world around her; the pleasures of travel. And always there is the keen delight in words and the ingenious use of rhyme and rhythm that infuse every page throughout the book. Pavlov’s Elephant is easily accessible and a pleasure to read, but leaves a strong impression not easily forgotten.
Reviews
“Van Stelten has a wonderful way of weaving together story, place and language. One is quickly drawn into her poems and always rewarded.”
Hazel Hutchins, author of After
