Rating: 
Summary: Very Very Disappointing
Review: In "Zarafa," author Michael Allin has the gift of engaging the reader in a tale he or she would not have necessarily selected off a bookshelf. Zarafa is the main character - not a king, conqueror or superhero, but a giraffe. As we follow this giraffe from the depths of Africa to cosmopolitan Paris, we get to know her as intimately as any human travel companion. Along the way, we learn about French and Egyptian history, Arabic customs and Parisian ways, geography, exploration and many other interesting tidbits. The book's only shortcoming is its sentimentality, but this is not of the heavy-handed Disney variety and does not detract from a most engaging, interesting, and enjoyable journey.
Rating: 
Summary: Not exactly magical, this novel hobnobs with disaster
Review: This is a surprising little book that tells you so much more than the adventures of a giraffe in her way to post-revolutionary France. Anyone interested in Egyptology or the Ottoman Empire will also be surprised by the little bits of interesting information that permeate the tale.It is only a small book, but it is a big story. At times the writing itself appears a little stilted, but the author does a good job with the topic nonetheless. It is well worth reading.
Rating: 
Summary: The best little read...
Review: This is the best history story... keeps your interest all the way through and you'll be sorry when the read is over.... a must read!
Rating: 
Summary: An enchanting book combined with a historical backdrop
Review: Zarafa was totally enchanting book. I was drawn to it by the cover and once I started reading had difficulty putting it down. Allin has taken an obscure event and with painstaking research and deft prose has given us a story that should appeal to adults and older children alike. The story of Zarafa stayed with me and I have recommended it to my family and friends. Both my husband and I would now like to go to Egypt and follow Zarafas path. My next trip to France will take me to the museum in Beaune to view the original cover painting and possibly La Rochelle to see the remains of Zarafa although I might find that distressing. Some of the historical data was repetitious but it did serve to emphasize the atmosphere of the time and the situation. I plan to read it a second time and recommend it highly to those of a romantic nature. I think of Zarafa often and Allins perception of her grace and calm temperment have stayed with me and every giraffe that I encounter will now represent Zarafa. I just wish I could have seen her stately presence gliding through the town from Marseille to Paris.
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