The Only Harmless Great Thing by Brooke Bolander

Set in an alternate history where humans and elephants share a deep, communicative bond, this poignant tale intertwines the tragic stories of two marginalized groups: the Radium Girls, young women who suffered from radium poisoning while painting watch dials in the early 20th century, and the elephants, who are exploited for labor. Through the eyes of an elephant named Topsy and a factory worker named Regan, the narrative explores themes of exploitation, resistance, and the enduring quest for justice, weaving together a tapestry of sorrow and resilience that challenges the boundaries of species and time.

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