The Elephant Keeper

The Elephant Keeper is a novel by Christopher Nicholson set in eighteenth century England, about a young boy who grows up to become the caretaker of an Elephant named Jenny.

It is still hard to believe how many people don't find animals intelligent, or worthy of care and respect; this was particularly true at the time in which this novel is set.

We follow young Tom Page as his life becomes inextricably linked to the Elephant in his care. He develops a relationship with Jenny that transcends their difference in species, and they find a way to communicate with each other.

I could not always relate to the character of Tom, especially in the second half of the novel. However, I found The Elephant Keeper to be a captivating book, at times sad, and at times beautiful.