Thoughts 
The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson, William Morrow An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 2009, 298 pages
WHY I read this: Selected for April’s Book Club Choice. WHERE did I get it? Library; in hardback.
FIRST SENTENCE: It was six days ago that Lord Bidborough, accompanied by another gentleman, came to the Elephant House and, after making the usual inquiries about my charge, who was, at that moment, quietly eating hay, asked whether it was true that, as he had heard, I was able to read.
WHAT’s it ABOUT: This is a story set in mid-1700s England of how a caretaker for an elephant took care of his elephant.
WHAT I LIKED: I enjoyed learning about the elephant Jenny. She was cool. It was a fast read.
WHAT I didn’t: I felt the story lacked depth.
I was a bit confused at the epilogue where the author discusses looking at elephant bones from the 1700s that are maintained in some archive in London and his wondering how Jenny may have died. Was this a fictionalized story extrapolated from found facts somewhere? I missed something.
RATING: Two slices of pie. (goodreads.com TWO STARS = “It was OK.”)
OTHER REVIEWS: Check Fyrefly’s Book Blog Search for a few. Or goodreads.com by clicking on the book cover up at the top of this post.
For Vasilly, MORE tulips! 
THIdeinWhitetoSkipLine
Oh, too bad it didn’t have more depth.
I can’t say I didn’t enjoy reading it, actually. And I can’t call it a light read, really.
This is me stopping by to say I’ve been a bad blogging buddy. Your card absolutely made my day on what was a totally bad week! If you could email me your address I’ll send you a card back and respond to all of your great questions! Hope you are having a great week!
Hope you’re having a better week. I sent you an email.
That’s too bad you didn’t like this more…
I bought pretty cards and I am determined that I am going to actually write you a letter back… I’m terrible at this! Maybe if I get in the swing of things…
Wow – you avoid letter-writing like I avoid cleaning the kitchen floor. JUST DO IT!
That’s too bad this one didn’t really work for you because I love the elephant aspect! Makes me think of Rosie from Water for Elephants!
I think that is why the story appealed to me initially.
I think I would like reading about the care of elephants also. I don’t need depth; sometimes I just need lighter stuff anyway! Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
That’s the problem – it’s not really ‘light’ – it has a fair share of violence and sadness. But it’s the characters that lacked the depth.
Your “what’s it about” line just gave me a chuckle!
Oh good! We must have the same sensibilities…
I loved reading about the elephants. I was very happy with the story, but I must agree that the characters lacked depth. I did enjoy the book, but also was confused with the ending. Then, it is clearly stated that it is a work of fiction! ??? crazy ending! Disappointed with this ending, but a nice read. I’m not sorry I read it! ^_^
HEY! SAVE IT FOR THE MEETING! ;P
Oh, I’m not sorry I read it, either. It just lacked… something.
Tiddlypom (’cause I like elephants but I’m not sure I’d read about them).
Very well then.
We did have an elephant who painted, at our zoo. That was many moons ago. Psst. Parcel coming.
It sounds like a cute story but I need depth. Tulips?! They’re growing so fast. I’m still waiting for my snail flower to sprout.
No, wouldn’t call it ‘cute’; it was actually sad and depressing.
LOve the tulips! Bummer about the book!
I love tulips. And we are finally getting rain! I’m sure some of my flowers are getting beat up – it’s blowing and gusting and nasty out right now.