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The Elephant Keeper's Daughter
From the bestselling author of The Lioness of Morocco comes the beguiling novel of a young woman trapped between the expectations of her family and the desire to live free.
Ceylon, 1803. In the royal city of Kandy, a daughter is born to the king’s elephant keeper—an esteemed position in the court reserved only for males. To ensure the line of succession, Phera’s parents raise her as a boy.
As she bonds with her elephant companion, Siddhi, Phera grows into a confident, fiercely independent woman torn between the expectations of her family and her desire to live life on her own terms. Only when British colonists invade is she allowed to live her true identity, but when the conquerors commit unspeakable violence against her people, Phera must add survival to the list of freedoms for which she’s willing to fight.
Possessed by thoughts of revenge yet drawn into an unexpected romance with a kindly British physician, the elephant keeper’s daughter faces a choice: Love or hatred? Forgiveness or retribution?
Ceylon, 1803. In the royal city of Kandy, a daughter is born to the king’s elephant keeper—an esteemed position in the court reserved only for males. To ensure the line of succession, Phera’s parents raise her as a boy.
As she bonds with her elephant companion, Siddhi, Phera grows into a confident, fiercely independent woman torn between the expectations of her family and her desire to live life on her own terms. Only when British colonists invade is she allowed to live her true identity, but when the conquerors commit unspeakable violence against her people, Phera must add survival to the list of freedoms for which she’s willing to fight.
Possessed by thoughts of revenge yet drawn into an unexpected romance with a kindly British physician, the elephant keeper’s daughter faces a choice: Love or hatred? Forgiveness or retribution?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2016
2326 people are currently reading
3181 people want to read
About the author
Julia Drosten
25 books157 followersHorst and Julia Drosten write together using the pseudonym
Julia Drosten. They live in the picturesque Münsterland region, Germany.
of Germany and have always wanted to write books. They find
the research to be almost as much fun. For Das Revuemädchen
they have flown in a historic biplane and for Die Seidenrose they
have been pampered by an aesthetician. Before writing Die
Honigprinzessin, they became beekeepers; for The Girl with the
Golden Scissors, they traced the streets of 19th century Vienna,
and for The Elephant Keeper’s Daughter, they visited Sri Lanka to
spend time with wild elephants.
Many books were bestsellers on Amazon.
House of the Stolen Children won the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award 2021 in Germany.
Books authored by Julia Drosten:
The Lioness of Morocco
The Girl with the Golden Scissors
The Elephant Keeper’s Daughter
Land Beyond the Horizon
House of the Stolen Children
Denn die Hoffnung endet nie
Meine Seele schreit so laut
Der Duft von Zimtblüten
Das Mädchen mit der goldenen Schere
Die Elefantenhüterin
Die schwarze Taube von Siwa
Die Honigprinzessin
Die Löwin von Mogador
Die Seidenrose
Das Revuemädchen
Julia Drosten. They live in the picturesque Münsterland region, Germany.
of Germany and have always wanted to write books. They find
the research to be almost as much fun. For Das Revuemädchen
they have flown in a historic biplane and for Die Seidenrose they
have been pampered by an aesthetician. Before writing Die
Honigprinzessin, they became beekeepers; for The Girl with the
Golden Scissors, they traced the streets of 19th century Vienna,
and for The Elephant Keeper’s Daughter, they visited Sri Lanka to
spend time with wild elephants.
Many books were bestsellers on Amazon.
House of the Stolen Children won the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award 2021 in Germany.
Books authored by Julia Drosten:
The Lioness of Morocco
The Girl with the Golden Scissors
The Elephant Keeper’s Daughter
Land Beyond the Horizon
House of the Stolen Children
Denn die Hoffnung endet nie
Meine Seele schreit so laut
Der Duft von Zimtblüten
Das Mädchen mit der goldenen Schere
Die Elefantenhüterin
Die schwarze Taube von Siwa
Die Honigprinzessin
Die Löwin von Mogador
Die Seidenrose
Das Revuemädchen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
May 4, 2018
Earlier this year, I came across a historical fiction set in the time of Colonial India and it was lavish with historical detail of the time period of the story and before. This book gave me a thirst for more Indian historicals. Naturally, I pounced when I spied The Elephant Keeper's Daughter on an audio list.
This book is translated into English and has a German husband and wife author team.
The narrator is new to me, but I thought she was a brilliant match considering she might be from or have ties to that part of the world. Naturally, her accents were good and she caught the nuances that I recognized from watching foreign films and engaging with some Indian Americans who are acquaintances. She did such a good job with all the technical aspects. I teared up, got angry, smiled and felt my heart warm at all the right spots.
The historical setting is Ceylon at the outset of the British gaining control and ousting the last kingdom there in the early 1800s. The story follows one family- the royal elephant keeper and his family- as they do what they have to do under the smashing and grabbing boot of the British might. This book was brutally honest much of the time about what this transition was like for the locals and the British on the scene. It was tragic and yet the heart of the people shone through.
There is a unique twist to the story of the heroine, Phera. Phera was born a girl, but there was a deception that took place at the time of her birth that made it so that her gender had to be kept hidden at all costs. For twelve years, she was reared as a boy so she could learn to take care of the elephants including her own elephant gifted her by the king. She is slated to follow in her father's footsteps as his son. But then the British invade and take over. She no longer has to perpetrate the deception and has a decision on her hands. At the same time, things get brutal and her family suffers tragedy. Trigger warning for strong violence and rape. Her focus turns to hate and revenge and then gets complicated by a love for someone who is from the enemy race.
There were so many elements addressed in this one and yes, it did bog it down a little, but when the pace would start to sag, the action would pick up again. I was enchanted by the lavish and colorful descriptions that allowed me to get a good look at Ceylon of the time- social, religious, family, traditions and more were drawn in well. Phera and those around her were engaging characters.
Okay, not the villain. I found that he was so starkly evil toward the Indians and it threw me off because his brother is the opposite and they were close. I might have got it if there was an explanation of someone from the race doing him a terrible wrong, but there was really nothing other than unreasonable hatred that went well beyond prejudice into the personal.
In summary, my reason for picking this book up was satisfied. I enjoyed my journey into Ceylon's history, but I also enjoyed getting Phera's story and getting to know this remarkable young woman who had to come into her own under terrible circumstances.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is translated into English and has a German husband and wife author team.
The narrator is new to me, but I thought she was a brilliant match considering she might be from or have ties to that part of the world. Naturally, her accents were good and she caught the nuances that I recognized from watching foreign films and engaging with some Indian Americans who are acquaintances. She did such a good job with all the technical aspects. I teared up, got angry, smiled and felt my heart warm at all the right spots.
The historical setting is Ceylon at the outset of the British gaining control and ousting the last kingdom there in the early 1800s. The story follows one family- the royal elephant keeper and his family- as they do what they have to do under the smashing and grabbing boot of the British might. This book was brutally honest much of the time about what this transition was like for the locals and the British on the scene. It was tragic and yet the heart of the people shone through.
There is a unique twist to the story of the heroine, Phera. Phera was born a girl, but there was a deception that took place at the time of her birth that made it so that her gender had to be kept hidden at all costs. For twelve years, she was reared as a boy so she could learn to take care of the elephants including her own elephant gifted her by the king. She is slated to follow in her father's footsteps as his son. But then the British invade and take over. She no longer has to perpetrate the deception and has a decision on her hands. At the same time, things get brutal and her family suffers tragedy. Trigger warning for strong violence and rape. Her focus turns to hate and revenge and then gets complicated by a love for someone who is from the enemy race.
There were so many elements addressed in this one and yes, it did bog it down a little, but when the pace would start to sag, the action would pick up again. I was enchanted by the lavish and colorful descriptions that allowed me to get a good look at Ceylon of the time- social, religious, family, traditions and more were drawn in well. Phera and those around her were engaging characters.
Okay, not the villain. I found that he was so starkly evil toward the Indians and it threw me off because his brother is the opposite and they were close. I might have got it if there was an explanation of someone from the race doing him a terrible wrong, but there was really nothing other than unreasonable hatred that went well beyond prejudice into the personal.
In summary, my reason for picking this book up was satisfied. I enjoyed my journey into Ceylon's history, but I also enjoyed getting Phera's story and getting to know this remarkable young woman who had to come into her own under terrible circumstances.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2019
Three stars for the writing, which felt at young teen-YA level a lot of the time and for a while there I really felt as though I'd accidentally picked up a YA book. But then came some graphically described events which made it clear that it was not YA at all. At this point I decided that the writing style was possibly due to having been translated.
Rounded up to three and a half stars because I enjoyed the story, but it was a bit predictable and lacked depth.
Rounded up to three and a half stars because I enjoyed the story, but it was a bit predictable and lacked depth.
August 13, 2018
The subject of this book had so much potential, but the authors (Julia Drosten is a pen name for two people) missed the opportunity. It was hampered by one-dimensional characters; a trite love story; and a predictable plot. In particular, the villain was a caricature of Evil (note capital E). The elephants in the title played only a minor role, and again, were one-dimensional "noble beasts." I wonder if reading this in the original language would have been any better.
May 9, 2019
This is not my usual genre, but I was fascinated by the concept and anyway, it is good to stretch yourself literary sometimes.
The start of the book made me doubt my decision to read it, no easing in, no build up of scene, straight into it.
After this start, we follow Phera and her family through the start of the British occupation in Sri Lanka. Brutal times by the sounds of it, and indeed there are some graphic scenes.
After a while it drew me in though, the setting, the historical part, the characters. Written by a couple, it sometimes shows in the writing there’s more than one author.
Credit must be given to the translator as well.
All in all an enjoyable read.
The start of the book made me doubt my decision to read it, no easing in, no build up of scene, straight into it.
After this start, we follow Phera and her family through the start of the British occupation in Sri Lanka. Brutal times by the sounds of it, and indeed there are some graphic scenes.
After a while it drew me in though, the setting, the historical part, the characters. Written by a couple, it sometimes shows in the writing there’s more than one author.
Credit must be given to the translator as well.
All in all an enjoyable read.
March 26, 2018
Finished reading: March 26th 2018
"Sometimes it's very hard not to follow the path of revenge."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and AmazonCrossing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
January 17, 2023
I read this novel for a book club, and I found it to be very frustrating. The only complex character is a British doctor. None of the Sinhalese characters have any real depth; they are used as objects of desire, representations of the “Nobel Native” stereotype, and a means to demonstrate the violence of the villain. The two main “love interests” have no true emotional connection. They are merely attracted to each other physically and the audience is meant to read that as love. One could also say that Phera falls in love with Henry because he saved her life, which brings up another issue I had with this novel. There is a very clear White Savior theme. All the atrocities the British committed in Sri Lanka are represented by a single man, Charles, who does eventually die. A character describes Charles as “the devil incarnate” and that’s all there really is to him. It is easy to hate him because the way he delights in the rape and torture of others is described in (unnecessary) detail, but we never discover the reason for his cruelty. He is just evil and he appears to be an exemption to the rest of the British in the novel, who are more “reasonable” (even though they conquered an entire country). The impact of the horrible things Charles does seem to be considerably lessened after his brother gives a village literal jewels. There is very little acknowledgment of the lasting trauma apart from characters being afraid whenever Charles shows up.
If you are expecting a queer story, you will be disappointed. At no point does Phera actually question her gender identity. Her parents raise her as a boy until she notices her biological differences early in the novel. She then accepts herself as a girl who wants to do socially male things (like work with elephants). In addition, when Henry begins to lust after Phera, he is afraid and disgusted with himself because he thinks she is a man. He is so intensely relieved when he discovers that he is not “perverted” but rather feeling attraction for a woman that he stares at her while she bathes (unbeknownst to her) and has to fight to stop himself from raping her in that moment.
The last thing that troubled me was the way the moon character was used. He is mainly a spiritual guide for Henry. His purpose appears to be to ensure that the white man stops taking opium so that he can be happy. He spouts off Buddhist phrases as if he were a cartoon character.
The one thing I did appreciate about this book is that there were no gratuitous descriptions of violence against animals. Elephants are made to work hard, but the humans continuously care for them and respect them. The authors clearly were concerned about demonstrating the value of elephants, but I wished they had given that same consideration to the Sinhalese people.
If you are expecting a queer story, you will be disappointed. At no point does Phera actually question her gender identity. Her parents raise her as a boy until she notices her biological differences early in the novel. She then accepts herself as a girl who wants to do socially male things (like work with elephants). In addition, when Henry begins to lust after Phera, he is afraid and disgusted with himself because he thinks she is a man. He is so intensely relieved when he discovers that he is not “perverted” but rather feeling attraction for a woman that he stares at her while she bathes (unbeknownst to her) and has to fight to stop himself from raping her in that moment.
The last thing that troubled me was the way the moon character was used. He is mainly a spiritual guide for Henry. His purpose appears to be to ensure that the white man stops taking opium so that he can be happy. He spouts off Buddhist phrases as if he were a cartoon character.
The one thing I did appreciate about this book is that there were no gratuitous descriptions of violence against animals. Elephants are made to work hard, but the humans continuously care for them and respect them. The authors clearly were concerned about demonstrating the value of elephants, but I wished they had given that same consideration to the Sinhalese people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2018
If this is how my year's going to be in terms of books that make me come undone, then, by all means, bring it on.
This book unravels a disruption that Phera's family never imagined would come upon them with the British invasion. Their heritage, their homes, their faith, dignity and life all become undone on one night when one of their own betrays their King and has him exiled to create room for the British.
In all this, Phera stood out as the youngest child to be born to the Elephant Keeper of the Palace. She's born female but has to live the first twelve years of her life as male because of a lie her family told the King. She cannot declare the truth too because according to their custom only males would be Elephant Keepers and she loves Siddhi-her elephant cow, too much to jeopardize that.
The authors invite you into Sri Lanka, into Phera's world and you see it through her eyes, feel it through her heart beat and her anguish becomes your own and her people's death and brutal treatment at the hands of the British makes you wonder just how much a person could take.
It is a tale that reminds me of an African proverb, Until the story of the hunt is told by the lion, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.
I am glad to have gotten the chance to read this book courtesy of NetGalley. My views on it are on the tale and for such a long time colonization has often bragged about introduction of civilization into colonies but with this tale, and as with many more, I beg to differ.
If you are into historical fiction, then I'd recommend you read this book. It'll break your heart, challenge your beliefs, but it's a well told story that's bound to make you want to walk through that jungle with Phera and her elephant cow.
This book unravels a disruption that Phera's family never imagined would come upon them with the British invasion. Their heritage, their homes, their faith, dignity and life all become undone on one night when one of their own betrays their King and has him exiled to create room for the British.
In all this, Phera stood out as the youngest child to be born to the Elephant Keeper of the Palace. She's born female but has to live the first twelve years of her life as male because of a lie her family told the King. She cannot declare the truth too because according to their custom only males would be Elephant Keepers and she loves Siddhi-her elephant cow, too much to jeopardize that.
The authors invite you into Sri Lanka, into Phera's world and you see it through her eyes, feel it through her heart beat and her anguish becomes your own and her people's death and brutal treatment at the hands of the British makes you wonder just how much a person could take.
It is a tale that reminds me of an African proverb, Until the story of the hunt is told by the lion, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.
I am glad to have gotten the chance to read this book courtesy of NetGalley. My views on it are on the tale and for such a long time colonization has often bragged about introduction of civilization into colonies but with this tale, and as with many more, I beg to differ.
If you are into historical fiction, then I'd recommend you read this book. It'll break your heart, challenge your beliefs, but it's a well told story that's bound to make you want to walk through that jungle with Phera and her elephant cow.
October 9, 2018
If you have any issues with rape or ancestral trauma, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.
This book is a raw depiction of what it was like when colonialism collided with Sri Lanka and how one small princely kingdom fought back against the British while a young woman discovered herself. Everything from loyalty to one's country, skin, caste, gender, and life standards is examined and pushed within this book.
This book is a raw depiction of what it was like when colonialism collided with Sri Lanka and how one small princely kingdom fought back against the British while a young woman discovered herself. Everything from loyalty to one's country, skin, caste, gender, and life standards is examined and pushed within this book.
September 25, 2020
A Perfect Dive-In for Historical Fiction Lovers
Being the first book I've read for my own pleasure in many months, this was a perfect book to dive into, being a historical fiction fan. Set in the early 19th century, the story not only focuses on the young title character, Phera Maha Nuvara, but also on two British brothers that both play significant roles in her family's life.
The thing I enjoy with story is its realism and its demonstration of how Postcolonialism affected invaded countries. It is not saturated with current thoughts and modern political views. Though a few liberties are taken and names of places, events, and people are changed - hence it being fiction - I feel this book presents a historical point of view that is believable. And though the end is another cliché seen before, it is one that is expectant and possible. The story honestly had me wishing for more after it was finished.
I certainly plan to recommend this book to friends, family, and colleagues.
Being the first book I've read for my own pleasure in many months, this was a perfect book to dive into, being a historical fiction fan. Set in the early 19th century, the story not only focuses on the young title character, Phera Maha Nuvara, but also on two British brothers that both play significant roles in her family's life.
The thing I enjoy with story is its realism and its demonstration of how Postcolonialism affected invaded countries. It is not saturated with current thoughts and modern political views. Though a few liberties are taken and names of places, events, and people are changed - hence it being fiction - I feel this book presents a historical point of view that is believable. And though the end is another cliché seen before, it is one that is expectant and possible. The story honestly had me wishing for more after it was finished.
I certainly plan to recommend this book to friends, family, and colleagues.
October 4, 2022
I was thrilled to find a historical fiction book set in Sri Lanka! There are so few of those...
The events circle the fall of the Kandyan kingdom in the early 19th Century. The descriptions rang true most of the time and it felt great to read about our own history (albeit fictionalised of course).
The story was rather predictable but I enjoyed it. There were some moments of suspense that made it a page turner.
Overall a good read.
The events circle the fall of the Kandyan kingdom in the early 19th Century. The descriptions rang true most of the time and it felt great to read about our own history (albeit fictionalised of course).
The story was rather predictable but I enjoyed it. There were some moments of suspense that made it a page turner.
Overall a good read.
August 20, 2018
The Elephant Keeper's Daughter has something of the Victorian melodrama about it. There's an evil baddie, a kind doctor, a battle between evil oppressors and gentle country folk, a love story across class and religion, and plenty of opportunity for violence, drug abuse, rape, pillage and murder. What fun!
Phera is the third daughter of the king of Kandy's chief elephant keeper but as a result of some confusion on the day of her birth - which just happens to coincide with the birth of her favourite elephant - Phera is brought up as a boy with the intention that she take over her father's role. The evil 'British' turn up and depose the king and start bossing all his people around, quashing a rebellion by the natives with extreme violence.
Charles and Henry are brothers - one evil, one good - a nod towards the old story of Cain and Abel complete with a rather cheesy 'Am I my brother's keeper?' line snuck in for good measure.
It's quite fast moving, the plot is very black and white and at times a great big chunk of explanation sneaks in as a single paragraph that appears unexpectedly to explain why demon Charles has such a hold over doctor Henry (see my highlights for the paragraph). I don't know if we need to blame the translator or the author but some of the prose is simplistic in the extreme.
There are no great surprises, most of the twists are predictable and surely love and good will triumph over evil and the whole cast will take a bow at the end to tumultuous applause.
I'm off to Sri Lanka later this year and visiting Kandy. This book won't really add anything to that visit but it was a pleasant enough quick read.
Phera is the third daughter of the king of Kandy's chief elephant keeper but as a result of some confusion on the day of her birth - which just happens to coincide with the birth of her favourite elephant - Phera is brought up as a boy with the intention that she take over her father's role. The evil 'British' turn up and depose the king and start bossing all his people around, quashing a rebellion by the natives with extreme violence.
Charles and Henry are brothers - one evil, one good - a nod towards the old story of Cain and Abel complete with a rather cheesy 'Am I my brother's keeper?' line snuck in for good measure.
It's quite fast moving, the plot is very black and white and at times a great big chunk of explanation sneaks in as a single paragraph that appears unexpectedly to explain why demon Charles has such a hold over doctor Henry (see my highlights for the paragraph). I don't know if we need to blame the translator or the author but some of the prose is simplistic in the extreme.
There are no great surprises, most of the twists are predictable and surely love and good will triumph over evil and the whole cast will take a bow at the end to tumultuous applause.
I'm off to Sri Lanka later this year and visiting Kandy. This book won't really add anything to that visit but it was a pleasant enough quick read.
March 5, 2018
I was very intrigued by the cover and synopsis of this book. This story takes place in India during the British Invasion. Phera is born the third daughter to the royal elephant keeper. As girls cannot carry the title, she is passed off as a boy at birth. Once the British invade, Phera's family is torn apart as they seek to survive. and Phera no longer needs to pretend to be a boy. During a encounter with the a British commander Phera witnesses unspeakable cruelty to her family. This part of the book was quite disturbing as graphic rape and be-headings are described in detail. I understand that these events very likely took place during war-times which in itself is even more disturbing but I wouldn't buy a book that has these types of detailed events. There was also a graphic sex scene in a brothel that I felt was unnecessary, detracting from the plot. Following these events, Phera falls for the brother of the commander that destroyed her family. It's a sweet romance that leads to healing and rebuilding. Other than the two scenes I described above, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it for anyone that loves history and a little bit of culture.
June 10, 2018
Predictable and weak. Overwrought with too convenient, just in the nick of time resolutions. A daughter is raised as a son, but just in the nick of time, before he must learn he's a girl and before she develops into a woman, their King and culture are overthrown by the British and she can abandon her masquerade. Though not a happy solution, a solution nonetheless. The people move and find happiness, then son turned daughter blossoms, old friend is drawn to her, even though he does not know she's a girl. They are just about to discover love, but again suffer at the hands of the British. Blah blah blah, new love interest about to die, but she rides in on her elephant to save the day. Mean brother about to kill villager, but elephant swoops in just at the last second. Really trite and simple.
June 26, 2018
Starts good
Interesting history a some gender bending hooked me but it soon turned into romance with a big dose of rape and torture. Finished, but reluctantly. You've been warned.
Interesting history a some gender bending hooked me but it soon turned into romance with a big dose of rape and torture. Finished, but reluctantly. You've been warned.
March 21, 2018
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Ceylon, 1803. In the royal city of Kandy, a daughter is born to the king’s elephant keeper—an esteemed position in the court reserved only for males. To ensure the line of succession, Phera’s parents raise her as a boy.
As she bonds with her elephant companion, Siddhi, Phera grows into a confident, fiercely independent woman torn between the expectations of her family and her desire to live life on her own terms. Only when British colonists invade is she allowed to live her true identity, but when the conquerors commit unspeakable violence against her people, Phera must add survival to the list of freedoms for which she’s willing to fight.
Possessed by thoughts of revenge yet drawn into an unexpected romance with a kindly British physician, the elephant keeper’s daughter faces a choice: Love or hatred, forgiveness or retribution?
Story: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Review:
The story is well told and gives you an idea what live would have been like for local population in Sri Lanka during colonial times. The story is full of intrigue and it tells of the story of a young girl who is forced to grow up as a boy because of her parent’s deception to the king. It’s hard to live with the consequences her parent’s deceit but it also means having tremendous freedoms she wouldn’t have had as a girl one of which is being able to care for her loyal elephant Siddhi. When the British invade and the king is overthrown she can finally be herself. The cruel events that happen during colonial rule forge Phera and she turns into a tremendously independent strong woman. Who despite everything is still able to love.
The characters are realistic; you feel their love, pain, torment, and anguish. It felt like I was there in the jungle with Phera and her elephant. The writing was so vivid you smell the flowers, the pungent aroma of food being cooked, the moist odours of the jungle after the rains. You hear the chirping of the birds and the sounds of animals moving through the undergrowth.
Overall this is a great story set in an interesting location and time. , I would recommend it for fans of historical fiction and woman’s fiction fans of Renita D’Silva will like it.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
Ceylon, 1803. In the royal city of Kandy, a daughter is born to the king’s elephant keeper—an esteemed position in the court reserved only for males. To ensure the line of succession, Phera’s parents raise her as a boy.
As she bonds with her elephant companion, Siddhi, Phera grows into a confident, fiercely independent woman torn between the expectations of her family and her desire to live life on her own terms. Only when British colonists invade is she allowed to live her true identity, but when the conquerors commit unspeakable violence against her people, Phera must add survival to the list of freedoms for which she’s willing to fight.
Possessed by thoughts of revenge yet drawn into an unexpected romance with a kindly British physician, the elephant keeper’s daughter faces a choice: Love or hatred, forgiveness or retribution?
Story: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Review:
The story is well told and gives you an idea what live would have been like for local population in Sri Lanka during colonial times. The story is full of intrigue and it tells of the story of a young girl who is forced to grow up as a boy because of her parent’s deception to the king. It’s hard to live with the consequences her parent’s deceit but it also means having tremendous freedoms she wouldn’t have had as a girl one of which is being able to care for her loyal elephant Siddhi. When the British invade and the king is overthrown she can finally be herself. The cruel events that happen during colonial rule forge Phera and she turns into a tremendously independent strong woman. Who despite everything is still able to love.
The characters are realistic; you feel their love, pain, torment, and anguish. It felt like I was there in the jungle with Phera and her elephant. The writing was so vivid you smell the flowers, the pungent aroma of food being cooked, the moist odours of the jungle after the rains. You hear the chirping of the birds and the sounds of animals moving through the undergrowth.
Overall this is a great story set in an interesting location and time. , I would recommend it for fans of historical fiction and woman’s fiction fans of Renita D’Silva will like it.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
August 12, 2021
This book was a joy to read. I have actually been to Kandy and inside the Temple of the Tooth which made the descriptions of these places very real. Parts of the book seemed aimed at a YA audience and then other parts were definitely not as they quite graphically described the atrocities of war. Sometimes it felt like the book just skimmed over details and the narrative could have been more developed in places. The story is quite predictable and the characters were fairly two-dimensional but the story still managed to wrap itself around me. I keep downgrading this to a 3-star review then changing my mind back to a 4-star one, lol.
July 29, 2024
I love historical fiction, though in this time period thinks could be brutal for the natives. The story was amazing with a strong heroine, some trigger warnings could be added in the beginning, would recommend if you want an empowering story!
October 25, 2020
History...cultural issues...race...love...war...kept me glued to the book!
April 10, 2024
A sorrowful yet hopeful story of culture, and the loss of it due to colonization
November 29, 2022
Could not put this book down, reading day and night. Although very brutal and horrific, it also portrayed the love of and devotion to one’s family and culture, with an overwhelming feeling that whatever happens to you, it’s possible to overcome adversity and move on.
April 2, 2024
I really enjoy reading historical fiction, but Sri Lanka during the 19th century is something that I knew nothing about. I was shocked by the brutality that the Sinhalese people were subjected to at the whim of British forces.
The story begins with the family of the man in charge of the royal elephants. In the same night his daughter and a baby elephant are born and they grow up to have an incredible bond. When the British arrive, their peaceful world is shattered forever.
Some trigger warnings include rape, physical violence and drug use.
The story begins with the family of the man in charge of the royal elephants. In the same night his daughter and a baby elephant are born and they grow up to have an incredible bond. When the British arrive, their peaceful world is shattered forever.
Some trigger warnings include rape, physical violence and drug use.
February 9, 2021
I so thoroughly enjoyed Julia Drosten's other work, but the long, graphic scenes of sexual assault made me sick to my stomach.
I get that this is the reality of colonialism. But this was so sudden and so graphic. As a survivor, I'm appalled, absolutely horrified, and so beyond triggered.
Did not finish.
I get that this is the reality of colonialism. But this was so sudden and so graphic. As a survivor, I'm appalled, absolutely horrified, and so beyond triggered.
Did not finish.
November 4, 2020
Excellent read
I totally enjoyed this book. The background information of the occupation of Ceylon by the British during the colonial times and the cruelty shown to the native people by the British was told so well. The characters were all well developed. The bravery and strength of the people and their courage made this a very good book. I am so glad I was able to read this beautiful book.
I totally enjoyed this book. The background information of the occupation of Ceylon by the British during the colonial times and the cruelty shown to the native people by the British was told so well. The characters were all well developed. The bravery and strength of the people and their courage made this a very good book. I am so glad I was able to read this beautiful book.
March 18, 2020
2.5. This book ended well but the first half was incredibly slow. Some excessively violent rape scenes which didn’t enhance the plot line, was unnecessary and just seemed exploitative. It connected towards the end but rested heavily on more predictable narratives, rather than the more nuanced ideas that the premise for the book made possible.
August 25, 2020
Couldn’t finish this book. I really enjoyed Julia Drosten’s earlier novel (The Lioness of Morocco), but this one lost my interest at the graphic gang rape scene. The writing and story seemed pretty juvenile with one-dimensional characters.
September 28, 2020
Becomes violant and filthy
June 16, 2019
What first drew me to this book was the cover, It is such a beautiful image that I could not help but pick a copy up and flip it over to see what it was about. This is where thing got Interesting for me, A lot of my home countries history is skipped over when we are taught in school. The biggest part if this is our colonel past. I am aware that at one point England ruled over a great deal of the world. I also know from little bits that I have dug into that what we did was to put in mildly barbaric. But within that pages of this book, I came face to face with just how bad it was. It is a hard thing to swallow that your countries past is not all sunshine and roses. But I feel most ardently that it is something we must confront. There is a reason that nearly every countries independence day is from England.
When first turning the pages of this book I had to look up where Ceylon was, It was only after a quick google search that I discovered it is now modern day Sri Lanka. An island of the coast of India. And it is through this author's beautiful description of a place so far away from my home that I got to discover a land that England tried so hard to crush. But I feel like I'm getting ahead of my self here. when first we come to the place we are introduced to Phera and her family. They hold a very high place in the caste system of Kandy. But she is also pushed into a situation that is difficult for her to come to terms with. Could you pretend to be a boy just so your family could keep on to the position it has held for so long? What the author gives us is look in the life of a girl who must become something more than she ever thought she could be. battling both her preordained position in life and that of an invading force trying to tear the only life she has to know apart. She is a wonderfully crafted character that I could not help but want to follow along with her life. She becomes the catalyst and driving force in her search for a place that not only she can call her own but also feel safe.
The is the author has given me not only the most beautiful story I have read in a good long while but also an insight in a part of my countries history that many would like to remain buried in the past. This is a story that covers so many genres that it becomes hard to pin down. But for me, this can only be a good thing. It is one girl's epic life that also encapsulates the story of two countries and the battles that were fought so long ago but still stain the very soil of one's land to this day. It allowed me to learn a great deal even within the grounds of a fictional tale. There where times when reading this that I felt such deep shame for the actions being portrayed, and how could I not for many where based on actual events. Even if you are not English the horrors that took place I feel will affect you on a very deep level. It is a fundamental thing that we feel hurt for those that are oppressed. Surely everyone has the right to fund mental freedoms. But it is through the tale of Phera that we get to witness that there is hope to be found and that sometimes with help from others you can change the course of a country forever.
As you can tell this is a book I have truly fallen in love with. The author's style is one that would almost seem magical if not for the real world that floods in to take us on both part historical fiction and a part history lesson. She captivates us with the tale of a girls life where even the seemingly insurmountable can be beaten if you can summon a deep inner strength and fight with everything you have. Phera is one of those people who I have spoken of before. She is one of the burning bright beacons of hope in the world.
When first turning the pages of this book I had to look up where Ceylon was, It was only after a quick google search that I discovered it is now modern day Sri Lanka. An island of the coast of India. And it is through this author's beautiful description of a place so far away from my home that I got to discover a land that England tried so hard to crush. But I feel like I'm getting ahead of my self here. when first we come to the place we are introduced to Phera and her family. They hold a very high place in the caste system of Kandy. But she is also pushed into a situation that is difficult for her to come to terms with. Could you pretend to be a boy just so your family could keep on to the position it has held for so long? What the author gives us is look in the life of a girl who must become something more than she ever thought she could be. battling both her preordained position in life and that of an invading force trying to tear the only life she has to know apart. She is a wonderfully crafted character that I could not help but want to follow along with her life. She becomes the catalyst and driving force in her search for a place that not only she can call her own but also feel safe.
The is the author has given me not only the most beautiful story I have read in a good long while but also an insight in a part of my countries history that many would like to remain buried in the past. This is a story that covers so many genres that it becomes hard to pin down. But for me, this can only be a good thing. It is one girl's epic life that also encapsulates the story of two countries and the battles that were fought so long ago but still stain the very soil of one's land to this day. It allowed me to learn a great deal even within the grounds of a fictional tale. There where times when reading this that I felt such deep shame for the actions being portrayed, and how could I not for many where based on actual events. Even if you are not English the horrors that took place I feel will affect you on a very deep level. It is a fundamental thing that we feel hurt for those that are oppressed. Surely everyone has the right to fund mental freedoms. But it is through the tale of Phera that we get to witness that there is hope to be found and that sometimes with help from others you can change the course of a country forever.
As you can tell this is a book I have truly fallen in love with. The author's style is one that would almost seem magical if not for the real world that floods in to take us on both part historical fiction and a part history lesson. She captivates us with the tale of a girls life where even the seemingly insurmountable can be beaten if you can summon a deep inner strength and fight with everything you have. Phera is one of those people who I have spoken of before. She is one of the burning bright beacons of hope in the world.
July 13, 2017
Wieder einmal hat mich das Autorenpaar in eine hinter uns liegende Zeit entführen können. Diesmal spielt die Geschichte vor dem historischen Hintergrund Ceylons, dem heutigen Sri Lanka, einem Inselstaat im Indischen Ozean. Mit Julia Drosten begeben wir uns in das einstige Königreich Kandy, das sich bis 1815 noch erfolgreich gegen seine Eroberung und Kolonialisierung behaupten konnte. Doch alles begann in 1803, als eine kleine Truppenabteilung des britischen Heeres die Hauptstadt Kandy einnahm. Hier beginnt auch der vorliegende Roman.
Die Brüder Charles und Henry Odell gehören zu so einer kleinen Truppe, die von der britischen Krone nach Kandy geschickt wird. Zwei Brüder, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein könnten: Der eine selbstverliebt, brutal und ehrgeizig der andere ein Mensch mit Herz und Verstand. Einer möchte das Land erobern, der andere das Herz einer Frau.
Als Leser verfolgt man interessiert und gespannt dies geschichtliche Entwicklung Ceylons und ist ob der gewalttätigen Behandlung der einheimischen Bevölkerung von den Briten sehr betrübt und berührt. Mit viel Gewalt und Desinteresse für Bräuche und Lebenswandel der Menschen wird die Kolonialisierung durchgeführt.
Dies ist der Rahmen, in dem wir auch Phera und ihre geliebte Elefantenkuh Siddhi begleiten. Ich fühlte mich wundervoll in die faszinierende und exotische Welt und das Leben in Ceylon eingeführt. Gespannt verfolgte ich Pheras Geburt und die Hintergründe, warum sie dem einstigen König als Junge vorgestellt wurde. Pheras Schicksal und das des Königreiches Kandy gingen mir sehr ans Herz. Phera entwickelt sich zu einer starken Frau, die dennoch weiblich bleibt und nicht kitschig verklärt wird.
Vor jedem Kapitel gibt das Autorenpaar sehr interessante Informationen an den Leser weiter, die zur Recherche und nach mehr Wissen wollen verführen und anleiten. Das ist ein Erkennungszeichen von Julia Drosten. In jedem Buch des Autorenpaars kann man diese Informationen finden. Das schätze ich sehr und macht das Lesen zu einem ausergewöhnlichen Erlebnis. Hier, in "Die Elefantenhüterin", sind es geschichtliche Hintergründe zu Ceylon / Sri Lanka, zu Elefanten, zum Buddhismus unvm., das den Horizont des Lesers erweitert.
Fazit:
Ich habe dieses Buch sehr gerne gelesen, da es mich durch die bildhafte und flüssige Sprache der Autoren sehr gut unterhalten hat. Mit großem Interesse verfolgte ich die Entwicklung des Landes sowie die Liebe von Phera und Henry. Ich habe viel dazugelernt und sehe auch Elefanten wieder mit etwas anderen Augen als vorher. Insgesamt ein tolles Buch, das zwar an einigen Stellen vorhersehbar ist, was aber dem Lesegenuß keinen Abbruch tut, da die Geschichte insgesamt eine ganz runde Sache ist.
Bisher hat mich noch kein einziges Buch von Julia Drosten enttäuscht und ich warte schon sehr gespannt auf das neue aus der Feder von Julia und Horst Drosten!
Die Brüder Charles und Henry Odell gehören zu so einer kleinen Truppe, die von der britischen Krone nach Kandy geschickt wird. Zwei Brüder, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein könnten: Der eine selbstverliebt, brutal und ehrgeizig der andere ein Mensch mit Herz und Verstand. Einer möchte das Land erobern, der andere das Herz einer Frau.
Als Leser verfolgt man interessiert und gespannt dies geschichtliche Entwicklung Ceylons und ist ob der gewalttätigen Behandlung der einheimischen Bevölkerung von den Briten sehr betrübt und berührt. Mit viel Gewalt und Desinteresse für Bräuche und Lebenswandel der Menschen wird die Kolonialisierung durchgeführt.
Dies ist der Rahmen, in dem wir auch Phera und ihre geliebte Elefantenkuh Siddhi begleiten. Ich fühlte mich wundervoll in die faszinierende und exotische Welt und das Leben in Ceylon eingeführt. Gespannt verfolgte ich Pheras Geburt und die Hintergründe, warum sie dem einstigen König als Junge vorgestellt wurde. Pheras Schicksal und das des Königreiches Kandy gingen mir sehr ans Herz. Phera entwickelt sich zu einer starken Frau, die dennoch weiblich bleibt und nicht kitschig verklärt wird.
Vor jedem Kapitel gibt das Autorenpaar sehr interessante Informationen an den Leser weiter, die zur Recherche und nach mehr Wissen wollen verführen und anleiten. Das ist ein Erkennungszeichen von Julia Drosten. In jedem Buch des Autorenpaars kann man diese Informationen finden. Das schätze ich sehr und macht das Lesen zu einem ausergewöhnlichen Erlebnis. Hier, in "Die Elefantenhüterin", sind es geschichtliche Hintergründe zu Ceylon / Sri Lanka, zu Elefanten, zum Buddhismus unvm., das den Horizont des Lesers erweitert.
Fazit:
Ich habe dieses Buch sehr gerne gelesen, da es mich durch die bildhafte und flüssige Sprache der Autoren sehr gut unterhalten hat. Mit großem Interesse verfolgte ich die Entwicklung des Landes sowie die Liebe von Phera und Henry. Ich habe viel dazugelernt und sehe auch Elefanten wieder mit etwas anderen Augen als vorher. Insgesamt ein tolles Buch, das zwar an einigen Stellen vorhersehbar ist, was aber dem Lesegenuß keinen Abbruch tut, da die Geschichte insgesamt eine ganz runde Sache ist.
Bisher hat mich noch kein einziges Buch von Julia Drosten enttäuscht und ich warte schon sehr gespannt auf das neue aus der Feder von Julia und Horst Drosten!
November 19, 2024
The courage of Phera is admirable throughout and it was engaging to see how she navigated her freedom and destiny. The descriptions of her bond with Siddhi was beautiful and it made me appreciate how intelligent elephants really are. Having said that, I didn't feel a big connection with her and she wasn't developed as well as I would have liked.
I had a problem with the Odell brothers who completely contrast each other for dramatic purposes. They are truly polar opposites, with Henry being the modern thinking one and Charles the vile and racist colonialist. I think the author just takes Charles' villainy and Henry's goodness to unbelievable extremes. Henry is the achronistic character who probably didn't exist quite like this during this period of history and his brother is a caricature, cut and paste baddy. The other British characters seem reasonable,which is equally odd given that they colonialised the island by force. Essentially, Charles is a one dimensional character who I don't doubt would have existed in some form in a past time, but it is difficult to fully believe his dialogue with other characters and his actions all the time. The same when Phera throws water over Henry to wake him up. Given this period of time when the natives knew their place (whether they liked it or not), Henry's acceptance of her actions just felt out of place.
I have the same sentiment as other reviewers for the graphic depictions of violence. I have read similar books with lengthy descriptions of violence but even for me, it was too much at times. Fewer words would still show the gravity of the inhumanity of the British. The in depth descriptions of sexual violence will be triggering to people who have experienced it and I wouldn't recommend this book to them. It also does nothing to drive the narrative forward and was therefore unnecessary.
The native characters are portrayed as helpless with Henry being their white saviour. They are pretty one dimensional. Even the wise and brave characters such as Phera and Mahinda are there purely to help Henry develop and change. The love story between Henry and Phera feels based more off of a physical attraction than any other shared connection or interest. The ending was too cookie cutter neat and Siddhi's destruction of the bad character seemed a little absurd.
However, I enjoyed reading about Sri Lanka's battle against British invasion and I haven't read anything like this before, so I learned a lot about the caste system of the natives and their spiritual beliefs. But if scenes of sexual violence will be difficult for you or you want a historical fiction story about natives who take full control of their destiny, this isn't the book for you
I had a problem with the Odell brothers who completely contrast each other for dramatic purposes. They are truly polar opposites, with Henry being the modern thinking one and Charles the vile and racist colonialist. I think the author just takes Charles' villainy and Henry's goodness to unbelievable extremes. Henry is the achronistic character who probably didn't exist quite like this during this period of history and his brother is a caricature, cut and paste baddy. The other British characters seem reasonable,which is equally odd given that they colonialised the island by force. Essentially, Charles is a one dimensional character who I don't doubt would have existed in some form in a past time, but it is difficult to fully believe his dialogue with other characters and his actions all the time. The same when Phera throws water over Henry to wake him up. Given this period of time when the natives knew their place (whether they liked it or not), Henry's acceptance of her actions just felt out of place.
I have the same sentiment as other reviewers for the graphic depictions of violence. I have read similar books with lengthy descriptions of violence but even for me, it was too much at times. Fewer words would still show the gravity of the inhumanity of the British. The in depth descriptions of sexual violence will be triggering to people who have experienced it and I wouldn't recommend this book to them. It also does nothing to drive the narrative forward and was therefore unnecessary.
The native characters are portrayed as helpless with Henry being their white saviour. They are pretty one dimensional. Even the wise and brave characters such as Phera and Mahinda are there purely to help Henry develop and change. The love story between Henry and Phera feels based more off of a physical attraction than any other shared connection or interest. The ending was too cookie cutter neat and Siddhi's destruction of the bad character seemed a little absurd.
However, I enjoyed reading about Sri Lanka's battle against British invasion and I haven't read anything like this before, so I learned a lot about the caste system of the natives and their spiritual beliefs. But if scenes of sexual violence will be difficult for you or you want a historical fiction story about natives who take full control of their destiny, this isn't the book for you
May 31, 2019
I have recently inherited my husband's Kindle, and decided to explore the books available on the unlimited subscription (as we have Prime). That's how I stumbled across this one, and I have to admit, the blurb had me hooked immediately. The idea of a child being raised in the opposite gender really fascinated me. What would the differences be between her and her sisters? Would she be able to do everything a traditional boy could do? Did gender make a difference? How would her life pan out when the inevitable biological differences become too impossible to conceal?
As a writer, I had so many questions, and was already buzzing with the directions I would take the story. That was before I'd even begun!
Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure this lived up to the potential.
Firstly, the writing. In parts it was really very amateurish. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it felt like it had been written by a young adult, for a YA audience. It was too clunky, far too obvious, and really lacked any sense of depth. That said, there were parts that were so deeply disturbing, there is no way this could be intended for a YA audience! The graphic scenes depicting life under British rule were as barbaric as intended.
It's hard to say whether that's a Drosten trait, or if in fact some part of her writing was literally lost in translation. I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt, and no doubt form a more coherent opinion once I've read her other work.
The story itself, as I said, had huge potential; however, I think Drosten stuck a little too much to the easy path. It was obvious what was going to happen, and when. In the end, everything was tied up a little too neatly, and a little too quickly. I understand it had to be, to a certain extent though, given how gritty parts of the book were, it really veered off in to light-relief reading towards the end.
For me, I would have preferred more to have been made of the gender swap - the emotional impact this would have on all concerned, the longer reaching implications, more discussion about the social situation that caused the deceit to be necessary. Instead it was almost skirted over in favour of alternative storylines.
On balance, I'd have to give it a three out of five. It was good, I'm glad I read it, but it ultimately left me feeling a little disappointed.
As a writer, I had so many questions, and was already buzzing with the directions I would take the story. That was before I'd even begun!
Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure this lived up to the potential.
Firstly, the writing. In parts it was really very amateurish. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it felt like it had been written by a young adult, for a YA audience. It was too clunky, far too obvious, and really lacked any sense of depth. That said, there were parts that were so deeply disturbing, there is no way this could be intended for a YA audience! The graphic scenes depicting life under British rule were as barbaric as intended.
It's hard to say whether that's a Drosten trait, or if in fact some part of her writing was literally lost in translation. I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt, and no doubt form a more coherent opinion once I've read her other work.
The story itself, as I said, had huge potential; however, I think Drosten stuck a little too much to the easy path. It was obvious what was going to happen, and when. In the end, everything was tied up a little too neatly, and a little too quickly. I understand it had to be, to a certain extent though, given how gritty parts of the book were, it really veered off in to light-relief reading towards the end.
For me, I would have preferred more to have been made of the gender swap - the emotional impact this would have on all concerned, the longer reaching implications, more discussion about the social situation that caused the deceit to be necessary. Instead it was almost skirted over in favour of alternative storylines.
On balance, I'd have to give it a three out of five. It was good, I'm glad I read it, but it ultimately left me feeling a little disappointed.
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