The Elephant Keeper
298
Novel • Fiction
England • 18th century
2009
Adult
18+ years
The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson is a novel about a person's journey in 18th-century England as they form a bond with two elephants. The story explores themes of companionship, understanding, and the complexities of human-animal relationships while highlighting the challenges faced during this unique friendship.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
4,852 ratings
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The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson captivates readers with its rich narrative and emotional depth. The novel is praised for its evocative prose and compelling character development. Critics appreciate its exploration of human-animal bonds, though some note a slow pace in parts. Overall, it offers a poignant and reflective experience, resonating with many readers.
A reader who enjoys The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson likely appreciates historical fiction with rich storytelling, animal-human relationships, and introspective narratives. Similar readers may enjoy Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen for its vivid period setting and emotional depth.
4,852 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Elephant Keeper was shortlisted for the prestigious Costa Book Awards in 2009, which celebrate high-quality books across various genres in the UK and Ireland.
Nicholson's novel draws upon historical accounts of elephants in 18th-century Europe, blending factual history with a fictional narrative to create a unique backdrop.
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The vivid cover art of The Elephant Keeper features an 18th-century engraving by Italian artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, capturing the historical essence that the novel embodies.
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298
Novel • Fiction
England • 18th century
2009
Adult
18+ years
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