The Elephant Tree by Melanie Dore Review

Reviewed by Catherine Joyce

The book is about a family who move into an old house in London. The previous owner was an old lady who had never married, or had children, and once she died the house was sold. Jessica, who is 12, soon discovers boxes of old diaries in a cupboard and then her adventure begins.

When she reads the diaries we are transported back to the 1930’s when Peggy Forrester, the previous owner, was also 12. The diaries tell us about Peggy moving into the house and the discovery of a special beech tree in the garden. The trunk is shaped like an elephant’s foot and so the children name it the Elephant Tree. Peggy’s Dad builds the children a tree house and it becomes a special place for Peggy and her friends. The tree house is still in the garden and Jessica and her sister soon discover it when they explore.

The story is well written and transfers smoothly between the past and the present. As a reader you can really experience what life was like for Peggy in London during the war. As we get further into the diaries we also learn about the tragedy that befalls the family.

I did find that the book was quite sad in parts and once I had started it I couldn’t put it down. I especially liked how the author had thought out the ending, which wasn’t quite what I expected, but was very well written.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £10.99

Available to buy from Amazon here.