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

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.

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.

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.