The Elephant Keepers' Children

Description

What would you do if your parents were con artists? A delightful picaresque novel from the author of Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow. Peter and Tilte are trying to track down two notorious criminals- their parents. They are the pastor and the organist, respectively, of the only church on the tiny island of Fin . Known for fabricating cheap miracles to strengthen their congregation's faith, they have been in trouble before. But this time their children suspect they are up to mischief on a far greater scale. When Peter and Tilte learn that scientific and religious leaders from around the world are assembling in Copenhagen for a conference, they know their parents are up to something. Peter and Tilte's quest to find them exposes conspiracies, terrorist plots, an angry bishop, a deranged headmaster, two love-struck police officers, a deluded aristocrat and much more along the way.

Born in 1957, Peter H eg published his first novel in 1988, having followed various callings - dancer, actor, fencer, sailor, mountaineer - before turning seriously to writing. His novels Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow and The Quiet Girl were published to great international acclaim.

Hugely enjoyable...both moving and oddly profound -- Harry Ritchie * Daily Mail * Peter Hoeg displays a glorious facility for the absurd as well as the picaresque, and the hilarity of Peter Fino's narrative makes this a delightful novel -- Sarah Moss * Guardian * A playful exercise in whimsy * Independent on Sunday * Warm and funny * Daily Telegraph * This is a strange, beguiling novel, which combines madcap adventure with reflections on trust, affection and individual spiritual life * Express *