The Secret of Elephants

Tailor’s thought-provoking, sophisticated debut is so engaging it is hard to believe writing wasn’t this UK pharmacist’s first career. Tailor’s young Indian protagonist, Nirmala, abandoned hope of attending college after her parents died, as their illnesses drained the family’s savings. Her cruel aunt arranged a marriage for her, and though Nirmala dearly loves their son Varun, she feels trapped in this loveless marriage to an emotionally abusive older man. Desperate for money for Varun’s expensive epilepsy medication, a despondent Nirmala is surprised by an overseas letter from someone claiming to be her cousin. After a phone conversation confirms his claims, Nirmala accepts his generous offer to fund airfare and medical treatment for Varun, and the two are soon en route to their newly discovered family in Zimbabwe. Listeners will ache for Nirmala as narrator Sharmila Devar imbues her, and all of Tailor’s wonderfully drawn characters, with genuine emotional depth. Devar’s nuanced performance smooths transitions from past to present while gradually building suspense toward a shocking climax.