Still Life with Elephant: A Novel

By Judy Reene Singer

“Brimming with humor and hope, Still Life’s a charmer.”
—People

The way to a cheating man's heart is through . . . an elephant?

Professional horse trainer Neelie Sterling somehow missed the fact that her veterinarian husband, Matt, was having an affair with his blonde, pretty business partner. Neelie often misses things. (When Matt originally told her he was getting a colleague to help with the practice, she thought he said collie—and Neelie likes dogs.) Now the blonde is saying she's pregnant, and Neelie's life is in a tailspin. But she sees an opportunity to patch up the holes in her disintegrating marriage when she learns that Matt is leaving for Zimbabwe to rescue a badly injured elephant. Foolishly optimistic, she joins the expedition.

On a dangerous, revealing, exhilarating trip through Africa, Neelie comes to learn a lot about herself as a woman and a wife. But it isn't until they return home with their pachyderm patient that her eyes are truly opened to what is going on around her. And with the help of a very large and very special animal, she may even discover how to love again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jul 21, 2009
• ISBN: 9780061893667

Judy Reene Singer

Judy Reene Singer is a dressage competitor, horse trainer, and all-around animal lover. She has written about the equestrian world for more than a decade and was named top feature writer of the year by The Chronicle of the Horse. She is the author of Horseplay and Still Life with Elephant.

Reviews for Still Life with Elephant

[bookish59 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sweet book about gullible Neelie Sterling; loves Matt, her vet husband, horses and donuts. Already sad at not having children, she is devastated by a call from her husband's colleague, Holly. Thankfully her family and friends help her deal with emotions of betrayal, depression and anger. Restless she goes on a risky but life-changing trip to Zimbabwe. While still confused about the future she gains a new perspective on life, becoming stronger and more independent. And in time she makes a number of decisions and a major change in her life on how to move forward. I enjoyed reading this because while it described the shattering of Neelie's world and trust, novel is balanced out with Neelie's amusing 'mishearing.' Reminded me of the Amelia Bedelia books I read to my sons years ago. (I liked the stories more than they did.) But, of course, not the same at all because Amelia was simply a 'literalist' while Neelie's hearing issue may be a psychological response to an overwhelming childhood ordeal involving a beloved horse. I was a bit disappointed in ending but book is very good.

[smits_52 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

being a wildlife lover, I enjoyed many aspects of this book. It does however border on a bit of a romance novel. It is saved from being too predictable by Neelie herself who has a really fun habit of not hearing properly and we get to try and figure out with her what people are saying.The best parts of this book are the parts where Neelie is in Africa or working with the mother elephant Margo or the baby elephant Abbie.

[nyiper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very readable---good story! I'm happy she has at least two other books for me to read.

[fiadhiglas · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Started out strong. Loved the premise of the horse trainer who isn't good with humans, and falls in love with elephants. The stuff about animal body language was fascinating. Cast of characters (except for soon-to-be-ex-husband and his girlfriend) were reasonably appealing. Genuinely humorous dialogue.And then the rich boyfriend who only wants to make Neelie happy shows up. And fixes everything. Story went off the rails into soppiness for the last 60 pages.Definitely didn't appreciate the digs at mental illnesses, whether of horses or human beings.

[lovejoy_rat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great nicely written book mixes animal training with romance and a dash of adventure. Read it when you're in the mood for a sweet read that will keep you laughing. The author includes details about the majesty and heartbreaking poverty of Africa, and includes many details of training elephants and horses. A great book for an animal lover or a romance lover.

[sdmtngirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great read-in-one-setting or rainy day book. A typical divorce story with a twist, elephants, the protagonist, Neelie Sterling, finds her vet husband has had an affair with a colleague who is now pregnant, stripped their accounts, hocked the house and more misguided heinous deeds. Not to mention an unresolved issue of her own. But a chance trip to save an elephant turns the tide. a good read to pass on to a friend.

[hammockqueen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

pretty decent story of dumped woman finding a new future on elephant saving trip. It got a little unbelieveable but made for a good story.

[stonelaura · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a pretty cute story of a horse trainer whose veterinarian husband has been unfaithful and unscrupulous with their funds. While she’s still reeling, and still believes she loves him and wants him back Neelie joins him on a trip to Africa to rescue an elephant. The venture is sponsored by rich and handsome Tom, who falls for Neelie. In the process of nurturing the elephant and her unexpected little baby back to health Neelie learns to listen better, rely on her skills and accept real love. I just wish I could eat all the donuts she does during the course of the story!

[libasst · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The hard-of-listening joke got tiresome quickly. Overall I found the book only mildly interesting. Skimmed some chapters.