Rated of 5
by Susan B. (Rutledge, MO) this is a Keeper!
I really enjoyed this book. I found the style engaging and consistent with the time frame and location (18th century England). The character of the narrator-cum-hero was interesting, if occasionally perplexing, and the author did a good job of making the keeper’s near-obsession with his elephant charges seem utterly reasonable.
Readers interested in the setting, animals in general, or elephants in particular, should enjoy this one. I read it the same week I read Sara Gruen's Water for Elephant, and I think anyone who liked Water would also want to read Keeper.
Rated of 5
by Kathryn K. (Oceanside, CA) A Joy to Read!
Every once in a while a book comes along that is a joy to read. This coming of age story about a boy and an elephant is such a book.
Set in 18th century England, it is amusing, moving, as well as fascinating. It’s really a love story – a tale about a young boy and Jenny, the elephant, growing into adulthood together. Thanks to Nicholson, I’ll never think about elephants in the same way again! Who says dog is man’s best friend? In this story it’s an elephant! When I finished the last page, I thought with a sigh -- what a great read! It's a "keeper" -- I can't wait to share it with my friends!
Rated of 5
by Karen J. (Bremerton, WA) Disappointed
I am truly puzzled. I had really looked forward to this book having read two others of similar bent and thoroughly enjoyed them. However, this story never engaged me emotionally and that is what I was looking for. I don't know why, it just didn't. I'll be interested to see if other reviewers' had similar reactions or if it's just me.
Rated of 5
by Laura K. (Middletown, NJ) Good Coming-of-Age Story The Elephant Keeper is a coming-of-age story about two elephants in England and their young keeper. The author does a wonderful job of personifying the elephants, I really cared about what would happen to them! A well written, compelling story...it will change how you feel about zoos and their inhabitants!
Rated of 5
by Sharon V. (Chicago, IL) The Elephant Keeper
This is really a story in a story. Tom, the boy, has been asked to write about the elephants he keeps, Jenny and Timothy. He struggles at first because he doesn’t know many facts about Indian elephants. The story he eventually writes, “The History of the Elephant” focuses on his relationship with the elephants - a timeless love story of truth and beauty and sadness.
Many of the characters are not portrayed in a flattering light and this is shown in the manner in which they treat Jenny. The main theme is the lack of understanding of the elephants by humans. The exception to this is Tom, whose understanding of Jenny is so innate that he almost seems to be part elephant.
Although the plot lagged, the prose was lovely and the author’s message was clear.
Rated of 5
by Patricia S. (New Canaan, CT) A man and his elephant
Although the book started off slowly for me, I was quickly drawn to the sensitive portrayal of Tom Page and the elephant he cared for, lived with, and talked to as one might talk to a close friend. Jenny provided a full life for Tom in 18th Century England as he taught her many "tricks" that brought enjoyment to all who knew her. As the book went on, Tom's love for Jenny brought me to a greater understanding of pachyderms. You can't help but feel empathy for this twosome.
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of 5
by Susan B. (Rutledge, MO) 
of 5
by Kathryn K. (Oceanside, CA) 
of 5
by Karen J. (Bremerton, WA) 
