Inspired by the life of Denise Austin, this debut brings a fascinating piece of Belfast’s history to life. It’s the story of Violet, a young elephant and Hettie, a young zookeeper who came together and saved each other during the devastating bombings of Belfast in 1941. A story of courage, grief, loss, love and hope, Walsh weaves together a beguiling story that left me wanting more! Looking forward to what Walsh has up her sleeve next.

Last night I finished reading The Elephant of Belfast by @skirkwalsh and what a great story! Although this book is a historical fiction novel, it was based on true events. Hettie is excited to finally become the first full time zookeeper of the Bellevue Zoo. When she is charged with being the caretaker of Violet, the zoo's newest elephant, the two quickly form an inseperable bond. However, as the war gets closer and the German bombs start falling around Belfast, can the two unexpected friends save each other? If you love animals and love historical fiction then this book is absolutely perfect for you! I loved getting to know all the zoo animals and the bond that Violet and Hettie shared. Although heartbreaking in parts, this book is a remarkable tale of how the best of friends can sometimes be found in the most unlikely of places. The Elephant of Belfast comes out on April 6th. Thanks @netgalley and Counterpoint Press for the advance copy!

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy of Elephant of Belfast in exchange for an honest review.
When thinking about books written about WWII, one generally doesn’t think about Northern Ireland or Zoos. But here there is a tie in with historical fact. Belfast was indeed bombed as part of Great Britain, the IRA was aiding Germany, and the zoo of Belfast had exotic animals that were under duress. The more books about WWII that come out, the more we realize how many stories must be told.
I liked this story, but cannot say I loved it. The story started and ended very well, but I felt like the development of Liam and his relationship with Hettie was a little disjointed and awkward. Spoiler alert...oh hey, here you are rummaging through my house, and the town was just bombed and my mother is missing... what a turn on! Let’s have sex.
That whole scene took me chapters to recover from. I felt like the book could have afforded the reader another 50 pages to properly develop that relationship.
But I liked the tie in with the IRA and the book could have used a little more there as well. It’s a big part of the history of Northern Ireland, although the author did elaborate on the feelings between the Protestants and Catholics.
If you enjoyed this story, pick up Elephant in the Garden. Another well done book on the same topic but the city is Berlin.
Anyway, 3* rounded to 4 for the IRA tie in.

A story involving an unique relationship between an elephant and her caregiver in a zoo. This story takes place in Belfast during the 1940’s when the city was bombed by the Germans. The city was hit hard and many died or were forced to evacuate. The zoo although spared by the bombings was unlucky as the owners told employees some of the animals had to be sacrificed for the sake of the animals whose survival was better. The elephants had to be killed. The young girl who cared for one of the elephants managed to find shelter for one of the elephants. This is her story.

During WWII, Belfast was devastated by German bombers. This is the story of Hettie Quin who took her job as elephant handler so seriously that she took the pachyderm to her home in order to protect the animal. Based upon the real Denise Austin, the book details the woman’s attempts to save Violet, the elephant, from the bombings.

Hettie has recently lost her sister and her father had abandoned the family earlier, leaving her and her mother lonely and despondent. Hettie’s mother rarely gets out of bed and adds a further burden on Hettie. Getting the job as a zookeeper brings meaning to her life. But it’s the chance to take care of Violet that really gives her purpose. This is an Ireland that is beset by Protestant/Catholic antagonisms that create further unrest but Hettie just wants to keep Violet safe.

Though the facts of an elephant in the backyard of a Belfast home were known, the identity of the zookeeper was only recently discovered. Walsh has instilled a touching fictional scenario to the story of the real elephant keeper.

Animals have a healing power for people that is unmistakable. There is nothing like being greeted by a pet who has anxiously awaited your arrival. Based upon the true story of Denise Weston Austin nicknamed the "elephant angel", this work of historical fiction describes an unbreakable bond between a female zookeeper and a three year old orphaned elephant from Ceylon during the time of the Belfast Blitz by the Luftwaffe during WWII.

"Within the mere space of a year, the size of [Hettie Quin's] family had dwindled from four to two". Her father had abandoned the family. Anna, her older sister married a political activist. Anna died in childbirth. Hettie's mother refused to visit her granddaughter, three month old Maeve, who lived in a Catholic neighborhood with Liam, Maeve's father. Hettie tried to distance herself from her mother's suffocating sadness. "Things hadn't always been this way...Despite the rationing, Hettie's mother had put considerable effort into making delicious stews and soups. Rose used to be animated...now the house was largely silent...".

Hettie, twenty years old, had secured a job as part-time zookeeper at the Bellevue Zoo. A three year old orphaned elephant named Violet arrived at the Belfast dock. Hettie was dispatched with other zookeepers to receive her. While walking with Violet, Hettie heard some bystanders engage in political debate. "Was England's difficulty Ireland's opportunity...[to] get rid of the Brits and unite Ireland?" Some thought so. Approaching the zoo, Hettie was informed that Violet would live alone, up to one year, to adjust to her new life. "[Hettie's] fictional conversations with young men always went better when she mentioned her responsibilities for and care of her animal charges...she would become known as the zookeeper at Bellevue...".

"...[Hettie] knew that she was enchanted by Violet just as much as she was frightened of her". Yet, she asked the head zookeeper to make her a full-time zookeeper and take care of Violet. When Violet's current zookeeper enlisted, Hettie got her wish. Violet, familiar with the sound of Hettie's voice, started to expect her visits and treats. Hettie seemed to prefer animals to people. Animals were happy to see her, grateful to be fed and given attention.

Would the Luftwaffe bomb Belfast? "Hettie couldn't stop herself from imagining what an aerial invasion of her city might look like...deafening explosions, spontaneous fires...lost lives". Her uncommon devotion to her charge, and their growing dependence upon each other, helped them weather the actual Luftwaffe bombings and the Ministry of Public Security's orders that dangerous animals be killed because they might escape during air raids. She was bound and determined to keep Violet calm during the air raids and protected from the Constabulary.

"The Elephant of Belfast" by S. Kirk Walsh is a historical novel depicting a special bond between an orphaned elephant and her young zookeeper during a time of sectarian unrest coupled with the German Blitz in April 1941. By writing in beautifully descriptive prose, this reader was able to visualize the difficult, painstaking attempts to unload Violet from the steamer and the challenging walk to the Bellevue Zoo. Descriptions of the Blitz and its repercussions were heartbreaking. This debut novel is an incredible, inspirational story of the power of love and resilience at a time of grief and the destruction and havoc created by war. Highly recommended.

Thank you Counterpoint Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A novel inspired by actual events. The novel differs quite a bit from the story of "our elephant angel" posted on the Belfast Zoo website, see www.belfastzoo.co.uk or specifically www.belfastzoo.co.uk/about-us/zoo-history/elephant-angel.aspx
It both cases the elephant followed the only female zookeeper employed at the Belfast Zoo home in the evening. The elephant slept in the backyard during WWII bombings by the Nazis.

Over the years and with the current "work from home" lifestyle thanks to the covid virus, I've brought home my share of work ... but never an elephant!

The characters in the The Elephant of Belfast book were well developed. I really felt a deep connection with them that just grew as I read the book. I really fell in love with many/most of the characters. A really great book!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher (Counterpoint Press) and the author/S. Kirk Walsh for the opportunity to read the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 06 April 2021.

Filing on best of 2021 bookshelf.

Books about zoos in war torn areas are sort of a niche subject but I love to read them, so I was super excited to see this one on Netgalley!

The Elephant of Belfast succeeds where others, like The Zookeeper's Wife and Father of Lions, fail and that is in demonstrating the love between keeper and animal. It's apparent that Hettie needs Violet just as much as Violet needs Hettie. Her compassion and fear and desperation bleeds from the pages of this book weaving a realistic and heartbreaking perspective of the effects of war.

This one stands out too in that I have never encountered a book about the Germans attacking Ireland, I didn't even realize that they had done so!

I just couldn't get into this book too deeply. I wanted to love the characters and the animals, but there was so much bouncing from one scene to another that I couldn't make the connections I wanted to. I finally felt something when the constable showed up at the zoo (no spoilers), but that was about 70% through the book. I almost with the book was longer so there could be more detail in certain scenes.

I was lucky enough to win an electronic ARC of THE ELEPHANT OF BELFAST in a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity! Stay safe!

Oh, my heart! If you enjoy emotional historical fiction stories, this is the book for you! Full of interesting historical information tied together with the perfect fictional elements, I couldn't put this book down!

Thank you so very much to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“And I say, how lucky I was. I was only buried alive a few hours, you know.”
— Eithne O’Connor, Belfast Blitz survivor

I was so moved by THE ELEPHANT OF BELFAST! What a thrilling narrative and a totally different twist on WWII novels of late. Young zookeeper Hettie takes charge of Violet’s care when the elephant arrives from Ceylon to the Belfast docks. Each needs the other, with Hettie already suffering family loss and Violet needing comfort far from home. As the war nears, precautions are taken by the city, but none are enough when the Nazis blitz Belfast and its zoo on Easter Tuesday 1941.

Nearly 675 bombs were unleashed, killing 1,000 residents and leaving half the city homeless. Oh my heart! As bombs fell, Hettie ran to the zoo to check on Violet. What she heard was an unnerving din of terrified creatures:

“The calls of the animals soared into a vortex of cries and screams while the Germans continued to bomb Belfast. All of it was breaking upon Hettie—the horror, the sadness, the loss—at once.”

A tale both heartbreaking and inspiring, THE ELEPHANT OF BELFAST is based on the true story of the “Elephant Angel,” Belfast’s zookeeper Denise Austin, who hid Sheila the pachyderm at her home during the bombing raids. What courage, what friendship, and what a stellar read!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
#TheElephantofBelfast #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Counterpoint Press, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Catapult, Counterpoint Press, and Soft Skull Press for this advance copy. My unbiased review is freely given.

The Elephant of Belfast tells of a scary time for Belfast during WWII. A young elephant, Violet, takes center stage with her young handler, Hettie, which is inspired by a true story which makes this quite special. The story of Hattie’s devotion to Violet, and her persistence and empathy to care for her and keep her safe is amazing. It’s a moving story intertwining life, love and loss from a perspective not often considered in the ravages of WWII.

This book has an emotional pull presented with a sensitive and tender touch. Some parts are disturbing and dark, but there’s no denying it was a dark time in history. The story is perfectly tuned into the overwhelming feeling of the time, and will give the reader much to think about after finishing. A remarkable debut effort.

Taking place in Northern Ireland, during the WWII bombings, young female zookeeper, Hettie, cares for a new elephant at the zoo, Violet. Hettie throws all of her attention and focus into caring for Violet, to distract herself from the loss she has recently experienced in her own life. She rescues Violet from a horrible fate, and feels as though she had been saved as well.

I enjoyed this book very much, I felt that it was a pretty quick read and it held alot of historical information I found fascinating in bringing this story to life. The characters were interesting, although I wish some were in the story more, like Eliza.

Thank you Netgalley and Counterpoint Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book did not engage me – at all. The subject matter, from all angles, definitely appealed to me and I’ve been looking forward to reading it. I struggled through the first 20% before giving up.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I’m sorry to be the nay sayer here and I’m honestly sorry I didn’t enjoy it. I’ve been looking forward to it.

The Elephant of Belfast by S. Kirk Walsh is an excellent WWII historical fiction that has it all: HF, narrative inspired by true events, wonderfully drawn-out characters, action, suspense, romance, and amazing human/animal bonds that will bring tears to any eye. Such an amazing read.

This book takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland during WWII. The instability there was palpable despite the country’s attempts at trying to stay out of the crossfire. The external and internal conflicts taking over the region were well documented and weaved wonderfully within the book. It was fascinating to see how the country’s position and actions were during this war, as well as the overall citizens’ feelings on not only the war itself, but also their take on the Nazis and British forces as well. It really drew me in to see a different opinion on such matters.

The main character, Hettie Quin, is a wonderfully depicted young woman. As the first female zookeeper at Bellevue Zoo, she has responsibilities that are far beyond her young years. Despite the personal losses in regards to her family, she has such love, devotion, and care to give. The bond she forms with the young elephant, Violet, who becomes her charge at the zoo is stunning, instant, and immediately heartwarming. The selflessness that she exhibits in regards to Violet’s survival as well as other members of the zoo is so brave and fearless. The relationship that Violet and Hettie demonstrate will warm even the frostiest of hearts.

There were some difficult passages in regards to some of the difficult decisions and atrocities that occurred to the people of Belfast, the zoo, and the animals within were difficult and crushing to read. The heroes that emerged from within the rubble are inspirational.

I think the part I loved the most (other then the stunning bond between Hettie and Violet), is that the narrative is inspired by true events and people. This book has already encouraged me to find out even more about Denise Weston Austin. I love it when I enjoy a book but also find out that it is based on true people and events. That is what historical fiction should be.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Counterpoint Press for this stunning arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/6/21.

The Elephant of Belfast is a debut novel for S Kirk Walsh based on true events in Belfast during the Second World War.
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This story was touching to say the least. I found Hettie's love for animals truly moving, and her relationship with her elephant Violet is beautiful.
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I tend to really enjoy novels when I know they are based on true events. I'm not sure why, but as soon as I know there's some truth in there, I am so much more interested. The harsh realities of WWII and the IRA in Belfast were so tragic to read about. I feel like I've learned a lot.
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As much as I enjoy the story, there were some entire passages I had to skip over. I'm way too much of an animal lover to read anything sad about them, and some scenes were downright disturbing. I get why these scenes have to exist, but it was too much for me.

I enjoyed the book while feeling that the story of the elephant should have been written about more (or perhaps a different title?) Thank you for the chance to read it early.

I received an ARC of this novel through Net Galley. The opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel set during WWII in Belfast. The main character, Hettie, has experienced tremendous loss and chosen to throw herself into her work at the zoo, hoping to distract herself from her sister's death, her father's abandonment, and her mother's detachment.

When baby elephant Violet arrives, Hettie sees her opportunity to heal. As she and Violet form a bond, Hettie begins to heal. She finds friendship and love, right along with the pain that love can bring. Through it all, Violet is there, and the two thrive.

When the German blitz intensifies, the people of Belfast fear that the zoo animals will escape, leading to a scene so horrific that I was sobbing. But Hettie and Violet persevere.

Hettie's character is loosely based on Denise Austin, who saved a young elephant during the war by bringing it to her home each night before the bombing began.

In The Elephant of Belfast, S. Kirk Walsh has created a beautiful story of resilience and hope during a dark chapter of the past.

The Elephant of Belfast is a historical fiction novel, set in Northern Ireland and inspired by the life of Denise Austin. The book begins in October, 1940 where a young woman, Hettie, is working hard to be taken seriously as a full-time zookeeper at the Bellevue Zoo in Belfast, in a world where these positions were typically awarded to young men. She is tasked with caring for a young elephant, Violet, with whom she forms a special bond. Six months later, bombs fall on Belfast and the city is ravaged by war. Hattie fights to keep Violet safe while her own safety is threatened as her city is destroyed beyond recognition.

It was fascinating to read about life in Belfast during this period of time. We learn of political tensions with the IRA, as well as between Protestants and Catholics. Meanwhile, Hettie is trying to navigate her own world, as she has recently suffered the loss of her sister, and the absence of her father. There are several young men, whom she entertains romantic feelings for, and I found it difficult to predict which direction her affections were going to take her. I loved the vivid descriptions of the zoo and the animals. The lengths that Hettie and the zoo employees went to care for the animals during the bombings and the aftermath was heartbreaking.

This was a compelling story, and readers who love historical fiction will be drawn to this unique book about a courageous and resilient young woman and an Indian elephant.

Thank you to Netgalley and Counterpoint Press for an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.