In the book "Kick Back" by Val McDermid, a character experiences difficulty in recalling a memory, depicted through a humorous metaphor. The comparison of his struggle to an elephant attempting to crochet highlights both the complexity and the clumsiness of the situation. It illustrates how challenging it can be to retrieve thoughts that seem just out of reach.

This vivid imagery not only emphasizes the character's frustration but also adds a lighthearted tone to the narrative. It suggests that sometimes our minds can be as unwieldy as an elephant handling delicate tasks, reminding readers that memory can be an unpredictable and chaotic process.