Rated of 5
by Margaret H. (Springfield, VA) The Elephant Keeper
Tom is introduced to two Asian elephants in the 1750's. Hired as a keeper for the elephants he soon is caught up in their lives, watching them so closely that he is soon able to communicate with them and almost speak to them. We follow Tom and his elephants, Timothy and Jenny on their travels in England and as a result learn about life in England in the 18th century, especially the differences between the gentry and the poor.
The author has attempted to write in the style of the 19th century novel but characters and events are not always clear. Some characters are stereotypes as Mr. Singleton, the son of the manor and his desire for the servant girls. There is a great deal of fascinating information about elephants found in the book but reader one must suspend belief to thoroughly enjoy the novel.
Rated of 5
by Nancy E. (Whitehouse Station, NJ) A Novel About Elephants
This novel is set in the second half of the 18th century and is about a young teenager becoming the caretaker of two elephants in England and follows his life with the elephants as the only person who had the skills to take care of these beautiful but strange animals which most people had never heard of much less seen at that time.
The first half to three quarters of the book is very interesting and detailed and rings true to what life would have been like during the time period. The last part of the book skims over the greater part of the caretaker's life and the story became much less interesting to me. I have been interested in elephants for a long time and have read extensively about their social structure. The author captures the behavior of the elephants very well and also what it was like for a young man to grow up interacting with them.
This book is a coming of age story at least at the beginning and should appeal to teenagers and adults who are interested in animals and animal behavior and how they interact with humans. The story is lovely in many ways and is well researched historically. I would recommend the book but with some reservations.
Rated of 5
by Patty S. (Baltimore, MD) Of Elephants and People
Elephants are such wonderful creatures. I applaud Nicholson for his understanding of their intelligence and grace. His writing style didn't always hold my attention, though, and some of the dialogue distracted me from the story; it felt misplaced. Tom's conversations with Jenny will seem familiar to anyone who feels a close connection to animals. Some scenes will be hard for animal lovers to stomach.
Rated of 5
by Amellia H. (Omaha, Nebraska) Wow!
Let's see, I would have to say this is reminiscent of "Water for Elephants." Not completely because of the "elephant" theme, but rather a book in which you learn so much! I loved the characters ... all of them, from the Timothy to Lord Bidborough, good or bad, happy or sad. I even loved the obsessive nature of one of the characters, it makes that character all too real! I think many readers will immediately fall in love with learning the lives of elephants. I know I did, and I also learned what amazing memories elephants have. You can't help but look at the elephants at the zoo in a new way. Give this a try, I don't see how you could be disappointed! :)
Rated of 5
by Debi B. (Charleston, SC) The Elephant Keeper
I liked reading this book....a story within a story. Even though Tom (the protagonist) thought writing The History of The Elephant would be "a dull affair", it was anything but dull.
This is a captivating story of a boy and two elephants he takes care of and raises. At times it made me smile and other times, brought tears to my eyes. I will always think of Tom and Jenny disappearing in the fog.
Anyone who has an appreciation and fascination for elephants or animals, will like this book.
Rated of 5
by Melissa W. (Savage, MN) A Touching Story
Although I was drawn into the story at the beginning, near the middle it started to slow down for me. The relationship between Tom and Jenny showed how intense Tom's affection toward Jenny and his love of elephants had become. I was not surprised by the cruelty towards elephants during that time period, especially after having read Sara Gruen's "Water for Elephants," but I was surprised at how little I knew about elephants and their habits. Mr. Nicholson really did his homework for this book, and I was impressed.
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Its board approved the...
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of 5
by Margaret H. (Springfield, VA) 
of 5
by Nancy E. (Whitehouse Station, NJ) 
of 5
by Amellia H. (Omaha, Nebraska) 
