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There are currently 19 member reviews
for The Elephant Keeper
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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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Laura H. (Los Angeles, CA)
The Elephant Keeper
A fun, enjoyable light summer read - it's one of those books you could read in an afternoon. The main character and his animal companions are engaging and likable but many of the characters they interact with aren't fully fleshed out and come across as stereotypes. The writing is sometimes awkward as the author tries to get across the formality of 19th century speech and expressions.
What will keep you turning the pages is the well-structured plot and the fascinating elephant Jenny. If you love stories about the special connection between animals and the humans that really care about them, this is your book.
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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.
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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.
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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.
