Book review: The Elephant Keepers' Children, By Peter Høeg

Friday 23 August 2013 13:20 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Danish writer's previous novel, The Quiet Girl, was a metaphysical thriller about a clown with a keen sense of hearing. By contrast The Elephant Keepers' Children is a comic road trip.

The 14-year-old Peter and his sister are trying to track down two notorious criminals: their parents. The pastor and organist of the only church on the tiny island of Fino have been accused of fabricating cheap miracles.

Translator Martin Aitken colludes with the author's surreal jokes, though readers with a low tolerance of whimsy might still find Høeg's imaginings impenetrable.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Book review: The Elephant Keepers' Children, By Peter Høeg

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering