This adaptation of Christopher Nicholson's vivid and captivating novel was broadcast in 5 parts and is currently available on the BBC iPlayer.
A novel of great intelligence, poignancy and originality, about the extraordinary relationship between a female elephant and her keeper, a young stable boy. Set in late 18th century England, it follows them from the Bristol docks to a landed estate in the countryside, and finally, to London. The novel raises questions about sexuality and violence, freedom and captivity, and about the nature of story-telling, but most of all it is the story of an unlikely but wonderful love between a man and an animal - a love which has its costs as well as its rewards.
The radio dramatisation is written by Elizabeth Burke and produced by Kate McAll, with a cast including Stuart McLoughlin, Sarah Ovens and Bertie Carvel. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b011p5hn/Womans_Hour_Drama_The_Elephant_Keeper_Episode_1/