Characters
This 14-year-old protagonist moves from London to Burma at the start of the novel.
Who is Nick Freestone?
The name of the Freestone family’s plantation.
What is Hawk’s Nest?
This is the term for a person who works with, rides, and tends to an elephant.
What is a Mahout?
Nick is sent to live in Burma because this city is being bombed during the Blitz.
What is London?
Nick must disguise himself as one of these to escape the plantation unnoticed.
What is a Novice Monk?
Nick’s father and the owner of Hawk’s Nest, who is taken as a prisoner of war.
Who is Jackson Freestone?
The historical event that serves as the backdrop for the novel, beginning in 1941.
What is World War II?
This elephant, known for his size and power, was once a great "Koongyi" but is now feared by all villagers.
Who is Hannibal?
This character is revealed to be a traitor working with the Japanese, much to Nick's surprise.
Who is Bukong or Magwe?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!!!
The reason the monk and his novices must move through the jungle at night.
What is Hannibal sleeps during the day and to avoid Japanese patrols?
This elder monk and former mahout provides spiritual guidance and a safe haven for the characters.
Who is Hilltop?
The country where the story takes place.
What is Burma?
The name of the elephant brought back to the planation at the same time Nick was picked up from the airport.
Who is Miss Pretty?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!!!!
Nick and Mya hide in this secret location within Hawk's Nest to avoid capture.
What are the secret passages (or the library's hidden room)?
What his hiding in the trap door.
This beautiful girl is Indaw’s sister and becomes a close ally to Nick.
Who is Mya?
The specific type of valuable wood harvested on the plantation using elephants.
What is Teak?
Hannibal was injured by one of these, which is why he has a deep-seated hatred for most humans.
What is a Tiger?
The Japanese force the prisoners of war to build this.
What is the Railway?
The elusive person who seems to roam the jungle and appears out of nowhere at just the right time.
Who is Kya Lei?
The terrifying Japanese Colonel who takes over Hawk’s Nest and serves as the primary antagonist.
Who is Colonel Nagayoshi?
The type of poetry that Sergeant Sonji teaches Nick.
What is Haiku?
The tool used by a mahout to guide an elephant, consisting of a metal hook and a wooden handle.
What is a Choon?
The reason why Nick, his father, and the other characters survived their confrontation in the jungle with Captain Moto and Bukong.
Who is Hannibal?
The way that Nick and Mya keep updated on the war and events in Hawk's Nest while they are in hiding.
What is listening tubes and peep holes?