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Four Nails
In ancient India, tragedy strikes a young elephant trainer. Forced into a slave caravan that takes him through perilous lands and into a world at war, Ashoka befriends a special elephant. He and that elephant, Four Nails, together lead Hannibal's army over the Alps and down the back of Rome. Though a time of constant danger and uncertainty, Ashoka finds beauty and kindness while helping others enslaved for the pleasure of ruthless rulers. To survive this remarkable journey, the elephant trainer calls upon his unique ways with the great greys and a strength known only to those with nothing left to lose.
Cover artist D L Keur
Cover artist D L Keur
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2016
243 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
G.J. Berger
5 books19 followersWhen G. J. was eight, his mom told him the story of Hannibal crossing the Alps with elephants and a great army. He asked her what happened to Hannibal after that. Mom didn't know, but he was hooked, had to find out, had to write about it.
G. J. spent much of his young life on the road and water, on ocean liners in steerage or working as a crew member on a tramp steamer. Wherever his travels took him, old walls, canals, storage holes deep in the ground made him wonder about how they got there, about the people who put them there, how they lived and got along.
The result is now two award-winning novels and a third in G. J.'s writing head. The places, the tides of history, some of the characters in Burnt Rocks and Four Nails are all as they were but have never been portrayed in any depth.
When not writing, G. J. tries to roam around the places he writes about, likes to sit and soak up the times back then and bring them to modern life in his stories. G. J. is convinced that for all the changes in last 2000 years, people loved and hated, suffered and rejoiced, destroyed and built out of the same urges as motivate them today. G. J. also writes reviews of all manner of historical novels for the Historical Novel Society.
G. J. lives in San Diego with his favorite grammarian and English Professor. They visit their two sons and two grandsons as often as the kids will have them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 16, 2023
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Thanks very much for that.
A difficult book to star but I'm going to give it 4★ as a young adult historical. If I was rating it as an adult historical it would be 3★ Edit; Have just changed the stars to how the read was for me.
It wasn't just that the hero, Ashoka, was very young (only eleven at the start of the book) it is the tone of the book sounds like a tale being told to older children. & have things explained to me like the elephant Four Nails was also called Surus became tiresome.
While there are some very strong themes in the book I don't think they would be shocking to a modern teen.
The story was an exciting one about a young mahout who ends up in the service of Hannibal. Recommended- but I would suggest to the author that they target the YA market.
A difficult book to star but I'm going to give it 4★ as a young adult historical. If I was rating it as an adult historical it would be 3★ Edit; Have just changed the stars to how the read was for me.
It wasn't just that the hero, Ashoka, was very young (only eleven at the start of the book) it is the tone of the book sounds like a tale being told to older children. & have things explained to me like the elephant Four Nails was also called Surus became tiresome.
While there are some very strong themes in the book I don't think they would be shocking to a modern teen.
The story was an exciting one about a young mahout who ends up in the service of Hannibal. Recommended- but I would suggest to the author that they target the YA market.
February 21, 2020
This was a awesome book i love everything about it
February 12, 2021
This is a story that will stay with me forever. I enjoyed the adventure of the young hero, and the historical knowledge that I gained about Hannibal.
December 15, 2020
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review through Voracious Readers Only.
Four Nails is the captivating story of a young elephant trainer forced into slavery to help his family. Set in Ancient India, it is a beautiful story about Ashoka, Four Nails and the bond between them. Ashoka is a young elephant trainer, only 11 years old. Four Nails is the largest elephant the people have ever seen. In the beginning of the story Ashoka is very naive due to his young age. It isn't until an old woman is beheaded as a lesson and her head use as a deterrence that Ashoka begins to understand the changes he is about to face in his young life. With Four Nails marked for death and Ashoka trying to make himself worthy of a master, the two develop an unlikely bond of trust. During Ashoka's enslavement he finds himself training elephants, including Four Nails, for Hannibal's army only to end up marching the elephants with the army to war against the Romans. We watch Ashoka grow a lot as his journey with Four Nails and Hannibal's army unfolds.
The characters in this book are well thought out and written. The story itself was amazing. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be engaging from the beginning. It pulls at your heart strings evoking lots of emotions. This book made me happy at times and broke my heart during others. I loved this book and am glad to have gotten to read it. Overall, I do recommend reading this book, especially for elephant lovers.
Four Nails is the captivating story of a young elephant trainer forced into slavery to help his family. Set in Ancient India, it is a beautiful story about Ashoka, Four Nails and the bond between them. Ashoka is a young elephant trainer, only 11 years old. Four Nails is the largest elephant the people have ever seen. In the beginning of the story Ashoka is very naive due to his young age. It isn't until an old woman is beheaded as a lesson and her head use as a deterrence that Ashoka begins to understand the changes he is about to face in his young life. With Four Nails marked for death and Ashoka trying to make himself worthy of a master, the two develop an unlikely bond of trust. During Ashoka's enslavement he finds himself training elephants, including Four Nails, for Hannibal's army only to end up marching the elephants with the army to war against the Romans. We watch Ashoka grow a lot as his journey with Four Nails and Hannibal's army unfolds.
The characters in this book are well thought out and written. The story itself was amazing. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be engaging from the beginning. It pulls at your heart strings evoking lots of emotions. This book made me happy at times and broke my heart during others. I loved this book and am glad to have gotten to read it. Overall, I do recommend reading this book, especially for elephant lovers.
March 24, 2016
Berger's unpretentious prose weaves a brilliant tale of heroism and cowardice, love and heartache through the special relationship between a glorious animal and its trainer.
August 22, 2016
We are proud to announce that FOUR NAILS by G.J. Berger is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 24, 2018
A lovely story, beautifully written and well researched. It was interesting to read the story of Hannibal from a different perspective, although I would have liked more focus on the relationship between Ashoka and Four Nails. I felt it was a little too long, as by the last few chapters I had lost a bit of interest, but otherwise very enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 3, 2018
This historical book about an elephant trainer and his elephants is a great read. I found the book emotional in places ; moving me to tears. The trials and tribulations the young Ashoka faces with Hannibel ;crossing the alps is brought to life in great detail. The lives of the people and the elephants during this period of time are brought to life for the reader .
Love this book. It is a book i will read again .
I have contacted the Author to inform him how much i enjoyed this read.
Love this book. It is a book i will read again .
I have contacted the Author to inform him how much i enjoyed this read.
September 25, 2021
Been a long time since I had world history
I chose to read this book ax it was reviewed and was
A #1 it was a more difficult book as it was a strange people and time I went to the library to try and learn of the path that lead from India to the alps and later to Rome. My only complaints are it needs to include a map. The librarian helped me with that. The other would be a page of the names and the correct pronunciation. It was a very interesting story and challenge me
I chose to read this book ax it was reviewed and was
A #1 it was a more difficult book as it was a strange people and time I went to the library to try and learn of the path that lead from India to the alps and later to Rome. My only complaints are it needs to include a map. The librarian helped me with that. The other would be a page of the names and the correct pronunciation. It was a very interesting story and challenge me
December 14, 2023
Throwing in some history fiction. This book was written well with good history and a good story
December 28, 2021
Interesting Tale about the travels of Hannibal and his elephants!
Ashoka was a brave young mahout and became an elephant trainer and leader of men. He used his giant elephant to help win wars for Hannibal.
Ashoka was a brave young mahout and became an elephant trainer and leader of men. He used his giant elephant to help win wars for Hannibal.
December 16, 2021
Fascinating historical fiction surrounding Hannibal's attempt to defeat Rome in the third century BC. It was so interesting to read about what the world would have been like then - from spiritual beliefs, to tribalism in Europe, etc.
December 1, 2021
A must read
Fiction and fact weaved into a very memorable story. The depth of the love between a human and an elephant is amazing.
Fiction and fact weaved into a very memorable story. The depth of the love between a human and an elephant is amazing.
Read
March 27, 2016'Four Nails' arrived as a review copy. I had enjoyed 'South of Burnt Rocks West of the Moon' Berger's first novel and winner of the San Diego Historical Fiction Award so looked forward to this novel. I like that period of history where the Romans were expanding their empire to the dismay of everyone else.
'Four Nails' covers Hannibal's invasion of Italy in his attempt to overthrow the Romans. As many people know he brought elephants over the Alps to do so.
Four Nails is one of those elephants and his mahout and trainer of elephants for Hannibal tells the entire story, from his first leaving from his Indian village to his final return.
It's a big book, a meaty story and well told. The characters are nicely 3D, the villains are nasty and readers will cheer Ashoka on through his ups and downs and eventual triumph. A good read for all those lovers of history and those who love a good story.
'Four Nails' covers Hannibal's invasion of Italy in his attempt to overthrow the Romans. As many people know he brought elephants over the Alps to do so.
Four Nails is one of those elephants and his mahout and trainer of elephants for Hannibal tells the entire story, from his first leaving from his Indian village to his final return.
It's a big book, a meaty story and well told. The characters are nicely 3D, the villains are nasty and readers will cheer Ashoka on through his ups and downs and eventual triumph. A good read for all those lovers of history and those who love a good story.
July 3, 2016
'Four Nails' arrived as a review copy. I had enjoyed 'South of Burnt Rocks West of the Moon' Berger's first novel and winner of the San Diego Historical Fiction Award so looked forward to this novel. I like that period of history where the Romans were expanding their empire to the dismay of everyone else.
'Four Nails' covers Hannibal's invasion of Italy in his attempt to overthrow the Romans. As many people know he brought elephants over the Alps to do so. Four Nails is one of those elephants and his mahout and trainer of elephants for Hannibal tells the entire story, from his first leaving from his Indian village to his final return.
It's a big book, a meaty story and well told. The characters are nicely 3D, the villains are nasty and readers will cheer Ashoka on through his ups and downs and eventual triumph. A good read for all those lovers of history and those who love a good story.
'Four Nails' covers Hannibal's invasion of Italy in his attempt to overthrow the Romans. As many people know he brought elephants over the Alps to do so. Four Nails is one of those elephants and his mahout and trainer of elephants for Hannibal tells the entire story, from his first leaving from his Indian village to his final return.
It's a big book, a meaty story and well told. The characters are nicely 3D, the villains are nasty and readers will cheer Ashoka on through his ups and downs and eventual triumph. A good read for all those lovers of history and those who love a good story.
January 20, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
A fun read, with a captivating plot and a very interesting character in the Elephant, Four Nails, which the book is centred around. On the other hand, most of the human characters were not very engaging and quite one dimensional. Even the main character, Ashoka was a bit dry. The book did have some parts that drew you in, such as the journey of Ashoka and Four Nails, through the Alps with Hannibal's army. The Battle scenes were especially riveting and written with a well-balanced amount of strategic descriptions and beautiful imagery. It's not perfect, but it is an enjoyable book that I would recommend you give a try.
A fun read, with a captivating plot and a very interesting character in the Elephant, Four Nails, which the book is centred around. On the other hand, most of the human characters were not very engaging and quite one dimensional. Even the main character, Ashoka was a bit dry. The book did have some parts that drew you in, such as the journey of Ashoka and Four Nails, through the Alps with Hannibal's army. The Battle scenes were especially riveting and written with a well-balanced amount of strategic descriptions and beautiful imagery. It's not perfect, but it is an enjoyable book that I would recommend you give a try.
February 1, 2019
I received a free copy of this book to review honestly.
As a fan of most historical fiction books I've read I was eager to get into Four Nails. I have to say that while there were many interesting details, much like a line of elephants in the desert, this book plodded along.
I honestly tried to keep going with it but it felt like every time something was getting interesting we took off on another side story and I wasn't sure we were ever going to get to Hannibal.
The prose is quite well written but the story line lacks enough focus and suspense to keep me interested for such a long book. Perhaps if it was broken into smaller more concise story lines as a series of books it would more easily captivate the reader.
As a fan of most historical fiction books I've read I was eager to get into Four Nails. I have to say that while there were many interesting details, much like a line of elephants in the desert, this book plodded along.
I honestly tried to keep going with it but it felt like every time something was getting interesting we took off on another side story and I wasn't sure we were ever going to get to Hannibal.
The prose is quite well written but the story line lacks enough focus and suspense to keep me interested for such a long book. Perhaps if it was broken into smaller more concise story lines as a series of books it would more easily captivate the reader.
November 11, 2019
An excellent historical fiction work set in the time of the Punic Wars with a young Hindu elephant trainer as the protaganist. The attention to detail concerning elephant training and Hannibal's campaign was fantastic and created an immersive setting. The characters were engaging as were their relationships - highly recommend this work!
I received a complimentary copy of this work through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this work through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 30, 2021
Fantastic book
Anyone who loves elephants will love this, although, some cruel things happen.
The relationship of the elephant and trainer is very tender and sweet. It seems mankind is bent on wars and destruction and animals get swept into it. Animals are in so many ways superior to man.
Anyone who loves elephants will love this, although, some cruel things happen.
The relationship of the elephant and trainer is very tender and sweet. It seems mankind is bent on wars and destruction and animals get swept into it. Animals are in so many ways superior to man.
March 9, 2021
Historical fiction during Hannibal's time written in 4 parts. I enjoyed part 1 and 4. Parts 2 and 3 were difficult to read because they focused on the sadness of war and became dry at some points.
October 27, 2021
Love this book.
Beautifully written with detailed attention to the relationship between the boy and his beast. I would highly recommend this book.
Beautifully written with detailed attention to the relationship between the boy and his beast. I would highly recommend this book.
December 24, 2020
Received in exchange for an honest review.
It feels like it has been quite a long time since I finished a good historical fiction. And this was a good historical fiction. Jumping back into the ancient days when Rome held tightly to the world with its Iron grip was an exhilarating experience.
Four nails is about a young man from India, named Ashoka, whose family owns an elephant camp. Ashoka has a talent with elephants and when the traders come to buy slaves his family is forced to sell him. He vows to return and begins a journey across the desert to the city of Carthage. There he is enslaved by a cruel man, but eventually he is sold and joins the retinue of Mahouts (that's the name for elephant trainers) in Hannibal's army.
Four Nails was a relatively easy read and if I were to classify it as something other than a historical fiction, I think I would place it in the category of young adult. Despite how it may seem, the book is not very heavy, but I think this works in its favor as many other such books are often too heavy. The main character is also very young at the start of the book and the book is about him growing up as he experiences many hardships. Some topics might be a little heavier, but I don't think they would be too much for a young modern audience.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting. The book pulled on my heart strings and gave me something to root for. This is something I could definitely see myself reading again. I wish I knew more about the historical aspects of books. I honestly am not a history buff and so could not say how much of it would have been true to life back then, although the author does provide some notes at the end.
Wish more people were reading this. It definitely deserves more attention.
It feels like it has been quite a long time since I finished a good historical fiction. And this was a good historical fiction. Jumping back into the ancient days when Rome held tightly to the world with its Iron grip was an exhilarating experience.
Four nails is about a young man from India, named Ashoka, whose family owns an elephant camp. Ashoka has a talent with elephants and when the traders come to buy slaves his family is forced to sell him. He vows to return and begins a journey across the desert to the city of Carthage. There he is enslaved by a cruel man, but eventually he is sold and joins the retinue of Mahouts (that's the name for elephant trainers) in Hannibal's army.
Four Nails was a relatively easy read and if I were to classify it as something other than a historical fiction, I think I would place it in the category of young adult. Despite how it may seem, the book is not very heavy, but I think this works in its favor as many other such books are often too heavy. The main character is also very young at the start of the book and the book is about him growing up as he experiences many hardships. Some topics might be a little heavier, but I don't think they would be too much for a young modern audience.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting. The book pulled on my heart strings and gave me something to root for. This is something I could definitely see myself reading again. I wish I knew more about the historical aspects of books. I honestly am not a history buff and so could not say how much of it would have been true to life back then, although the author does provide some notes at the end.
Wish more people were reading this. It definitely deserves more attention.
February 24, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Four Nails follows the story of Ashoka, a young Indian elephant trainer who is sold to a slave caravan and eventually ends up as the head mahout in Hannibal’s army. I really enjoyed seeing Ashoka grow from a boy into a man and how his experiences shaped his character. My favourite thing about this book was the elephants! I loved the parts that showcased the relationship between man and beast, and I loved how Ashoka had such a way with the elephants. This book seemed very well researched and I liked reading about Hannibal’s campaign from the mahout’s perspective. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it is a bit long and it dragged in a couple places but overall it held my interest and I found it to be a very enjoyable read.
I would recommend Four Nails to anyone who likes historical fiction, especially if they have an interest in Hannibal’s campaign against Rome.
Four Nails follows the story of Ashoka, a young Indian elephant trainer who is sold to a slave caravan and eventually ends up as the head mahout in Hannibal’s army. I really enjoyed seeing Ashoka grow from a boy into a man and how his experiences shaped his character. My favourite thing about this book was the elephants! I loved the parts that showcased the relationship between man and beast, and I loved how Ashoka had such a way with the elephants. This book seemed very well researched and I liked reading about Hannibal’s campaign from the mahout’s perspective. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it is a bit long and it dragged in a couple places but overall it held my interest and I found it to be a very enjoyable read.
I would recommend Four Nails to anyone who likes historical fiction, especially if they have an interest in Hannibal’s campaign against Rome.
July 2, 2019
This story in its essence is a coming of age tale. We see a young man rise from an inexperienced and innocent boy to the place of an experienced and upright man. This is not a new story but it does not have to be. Four Nails combines the base story that we all know, with a setting and time period that may be less familiar to many readers. You may know that Hannibal crossed the alps on the backs of elephants to invade Rome but did you know that those elephants were traded from as far away and India? Did you know how connected the ancient world really was? Did you actually know where Carthage was?
Four Nails is a historical fiction novel that was clearly written from a place of experience, it does not shy away from the horrors of daily life and war in the past, but it does not oogle them for shock value. And above all, it was a truly enjoyable read, one that made me continually carve out time in my day to read it. I would definitely recommend it, especially to those looking for a historical fiction novel that takes a look through the eyes of those often forgotten by history.
Four Nails is a historical fiction novel that was clearly written from a place of experience, it does not shy away from the horrors of daily life and war in the past, but it does not oogle them for shock value. And above all, it was a truly enjoyable read, one that made me continually carve out time in my day to read it. I would definitely recommend it, especially to those looking for a historical fiction novel that takes a look through the eyes of those often forgotten by history.
December 9, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only in return for a review.
(Star Rating: 3.5)
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the main character, Ashoka, and the elephants. In particular, I felt that his relationship with Four Nails came off the page and was very vibrant. These were the moments that I looked forward to when reading. There was also something incredibly special about the presentation of the elephants and their personalities.
It did feel like the characters could have been more engaging - it would have been nice to spend more time understanding them as individuals. I felt that would have complemented the plot line and historical setting.
The novel, centering on Ashoka who leads Hannibal's army, has clearly been very well researched. Though this is a genre I wouldn't normally chose to read, I enjoyed learning about this part of history. It did take a little while for me to get into the story, but I'm glad I did.
(Star Rating: 3.5)
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the main character, Ashoka, and the elephants. In particular, I felt that his relationship with Four Nails came off the page and was very vibrant. These were the moments that I looked forward to when reading. There was also something incredibly special about the presentation of the elephants and their personalities.
It did feel like the characters could have been more engaging - it would have been nice to spend more time understanding them as individuals. I felt that would have complemented the plot line and historical setting.
The novel, centering on Ashoka who leads Hannibal's army, has clearly been very well researched. Though this is a genre I wouldn't normally chose to read, I enjoyed learning about this part of history. It did take a little while for me to get into the story, but I'm glad I did.
June 28, 2018
It is very obvious to any reader of this novel that the author took great care in spending time researching to produce a narrative that is as historically accurate as possible. This gives it something of a G. A. Henty feel. Much is learned about the people and the countries of the world at that specific point in history. I loved following along with Ashoka as he simply took one step at a time in his extensive journey. Each word of wisdom that he encounters on the way relates well to him, but also to anyone else who takes the time to read this book. His relationship with Four Nails and each of the other elephants was a new concept to me, and makes me want to do some of my own study of elephants and their trainers. A beautiful story, well written, and thought provoking.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
April 30, 2019
Four-Nails by G. J. Berger is an interesting book. It follows its main character, Ashoka, for 11 years as he grows and matures, faces heartbreak and trials, and eventually triumphs. I enjoyed his realistic emotional growth.
The stir processes well. Although it starts rather slowly, after a few chapters I didn't want to put it down.
The book is split into five distinct parts. Each part covers a different stage of Ashokas life. The parts each started and ended well, tieing together all loose ends. And althought I am a fan of a good epilogue the story ended with all loose ends tied and all questions satisfied.
This story tells of a time in history and a culture that i am not overly familiar with. From what I do know of them this is a very acurate representation.
I would greatly recomend this book.
I recieved this book from www.voraciousreadersonly.com.
The stir processes well. Although it starts rather slowly, after a few chapters I didn't want to put it down.
The book is split into five distinct parts. Each part covers a different stage of Ashokas life. The parts each started and ended well, tieing together all loose ends. And althought I am a fan of a good epilogue the story ended with all loose ends tied and all questions satisfied.
This story tells of a time in history and a culture that i am not overly familiar with. From what I do know of them this is a very acurate representation.
I would greatly recomend this book.
I recieved this book from www.voraciousreadersonly.com.
December 8, 2019
I recently read Four Nails by G. J. Berger graciously gifted to me through Voracious Readers. This excellent book tells the story of a young Indian boy named Ashoka who has a very special affinity with elephants. The story is wonderfully told as the writer takes you on Asoka's journey. Ashoka is a gentle and kind young man who looks after all he encounters, animals and humans alike. I enjoyed every minute of this book, it is written with insight, through the eyes of someone who has visited these places and knows the story very well. It is always such a pleasure as a reader to feel what the characters are encountering through the pages of a book. Going on a journey, making new friends and experiencing new and interesting places. I can highly recommend this book. Next, I will be reading another of G. J's books, South of Burnt Rocks West of the Moon.
July 19, 2019
While this book had BEAUTIFUL elements, it just was not my type of story. The author did a beautiful job researching and gaining knowledge of the era to make the book truly authentic, and the character and storyline was pretty good. However, I am a reader that enjoys a lot of dialogue between characters, not so much description. But I know some readers do enjoy this, and being a historical fiction, it has a lot. If you enjoy a good historical fiction about an time era not often depicted in fiction writing, war. And elephants, this book is most defiantly for you! I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers, and I thank them and the author for sharing this story with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2020
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
What a brilliant book! I was hooked from the first instant I met Ashoka and his elephants. From a childhood on his family’s elephant camp, Ahsoka ends up as a trainer to Hannibal’s elephants on an epic journey over the Alps to Rome. As I followed this young man on his journey, I smiled, I cried, I winced and I cheered and my heart swelled with the love Ashoka showed the animals in his care. The ending is reminiscent of the epics of old – it left me smiling at a beautiful story, satisfied that this tale has concluded, yet craving more. I will definitely be reading more of G.J Berger’s work in the future.
What a brilliant book! I was hooked from the first instant I met Ashoka and his elephants. From a childhood on his family’s elephant camp, Ahsoka ends up as a trainer to Hannibal’s elephants on an epic journey over the Alps to Rome. As I followed this young man on his journey, I smiled, I cried, I winced and I cheered and my heart swelled with the love Ashoka showed the animals in his care. The ending is reminiscent of the epics of old – it left me smiling at a beautiful story, satisfied that this tale has concluded, yet craving more. I will definitely be reading more of G.J Berger’s work in the future.
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