Critical Praise

"An extended meditation on human needs and how our choices shape a better or lesser existance. [A] poignant, heartfelt novel."

—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"While deftly portraying 18th century village and estate life as well as the dark, fog-bound streets of London, The Elephant Keeper examines themes such as human choice, fate and the cruel British class system."

—Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Nicholson’s light touch and sly humor ensures that the animal-human dialogue is entirely natural and intensely moving. (An) exceptional novel."

—Boston Globe

"A sensitive boy suddenly becomes groom to Timothy and Jenny, the first pair of young elephants brought into England in the 1700s. This informative, engaging and moving book has clear insight into the impact of poverty, alienation and isolation that is as relevant today as it was then."

—San Francisco Chronicle Book Review