Elephant on Main Street

by B.A. Kilpatrick

This is this story of Eamon, a little boy growing up in Northern Ireland in the sixties, before he succumbed to Leukaemia, a few months short of his seventh birthday. The book describes specific aspects of his short but remarkable life, all written from his perspective. Each chapter has a footnote which charts the history of the conquest of childhood leukaemia which commenced during his lifetime. The book is based around actual events and things which Eamon said and did which have been passed down. Eamon has the benefit of perspective, so he can describe events that have yet to happen which have a bearing on the life of his family.

148 pages, Hardcover

Published February 28, 2019

Reviews

[Nick Butcher]

An original concept in literature is a rare thing so BA Kilpatrick’s memoir narrated from the perspective of a long passed victim of childhood leukaemia catches the attention before a page has been turned. But this debut novel is more than an idiosyncratic idea; Kilpatrick reveals himself to be an accomplished storyteller with a knack for weaving a tale and a clear love of the rhythm and pace of language.

I was quickly subsumed in deeply engaging slice of 1960s rural Ulster based on the times of an extraordinary little boy. The trap of falling into whimsy or sentimentality is consistently avoided as we become entwined in the parallel view of little Eamon and a subtle, more mature, authorial voice that Kilpatrick allows in from time to time to add the perspective of experience.

Despite the subject matter there is nothing mawkish here - this is a raucous and joyous celebration of a too-short life. Even so, I dare you to read the final pages with a dry eye.

[Karen Booth]

I read this book in one sitting from start to finish. Its a beautifully written, thoughtfully crafted book about a bright, lovable young child who loves life and lives it to the full. You will find it impossible not to fall in love with Eamon Kilpatrick. It is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting and unforgettable story!
Beautifully told.