Book Review: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

“It is a foolish man who thinks stories do not matter—when in the end, they may be all that matter and all the forever we’ll ever know.”

Lynda Rutledge, West With Giraffes

Review:

I’ve had this book on my TBR for a while now. I don’t remember what drew me to it in the first place aside from it being historical fiction, so I went into it fairly blindly. 

I was surprised in the opening pages to see it set in the future (2025) where we meet Woodrow Wilson Nickel toward the end of his life. After the introduction, the book follows him in the 1930s while tensions are building around the world when two giraffes are found to have survived a hurricane in transport. We follow their cross-country journey along with Woodrow and others. 

It didn’t register as I was reading that this book is inspired by a true story. I might have appreciated it more had I realized. I didn’t find myself overly absorbed in the story, though I did enjoy the premise. It kept me good company during a day of commuting and waiting room visits, so for that, it was perfect. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Touching story.
• There was a good lead-in to the story.

What I didn’t like:

• I wasn’t a fan on the writing style.
• I struggled to connect with the characters.

Afterthoughts:

Was definitely hoping to enjoy it more than I did, but can’t say I disliked it either.

Where to buy the book: