Friday, October 16, 2009


#51 The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson. With a setting of England in 1766, Tom, the main character, witnesses the arrival of two elephants at the Bristol ship docks. The elephants are in bad condition and are purchased by a wealthy sugar merchant who puts Tom in charge of caring for them. Tom's whole life revolves around the two elephants. Tom is persuaded to write a history of the elephant which he does through his own experiences. The story moves from lush countryside to London, where the elephant and Tom are part of a Menagerie with less than perfect conditions for any animal including humans. This is the story of love an loyalty between Tom and the elephants. Somehow it reminded me of Black Beauty. It was great to read something different.

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