What is the author's tone in Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer?

The tone of the novel varies, but is mostly informal, allowing the reader to feel as if they are part of the story being related. Ralph Helfer appears very close to the characters he describes, and the reader is able to relate to this because of the tone used. A more formal tone would distance the reader from the tale, creating a psychological gap for the reader. There are times when the tone of the novel is very playful, specifically when Helfer relates the tales of Bram and Modoc's growing up together and the lighthearted, innocence of youth. There are also more serious uses of tone, such as the sinking of the ship carrying Bram and Modoc to the United States, the attack of guerrillas in the mountains and the maiming of Modoc.