What do readers think of The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson? Write your own review.

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.

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! :)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.