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suebrownreads's review
4.0
I didn't think I would like this at first, so be sure to give it a chance for a few chapters. It quickly becomes fascinating as they get into the details about poachers and their ties to the community. Mark and Delia Owens were heroes in establishing a new way of life for the communities that were living off of poaching. The corruption all the way up the chain was devastating. Another example of the inhumanity of mankind. The complete lack of regard for anything other than man himself, which has led to the extinction of so many of Earth's creatures, not to mention climate change.
A good read, and a revelation of what was going on in Africa in the 80's and early 90's.
A good read, and a revelation of what was going on in Africa in the 80's and early 90's.
larry_yonce's review
3.0
An account of conservation efforts in Zambia during the late 1980's into the early 1990's. While the authors were certainly doing important and admirable work, this memoir is a bit of a slog to get through, because it just is not particularly well organized or written. The main topic is the crime of poaching in general, elephant poaching in particular. Corruption among game wardens, game scouts, government officials, etc. contributed greatly to the problem. The two authors alternate writing sections of the book, but, to me, they more or less have the same authorial voice throughout. Also, I'm sure Mark is a great pilot, but the frequent and long paragraphs devoted to his flying experiences with his plane, Zulu Sierra, became a bit tedious.
Liked the book overall.
Liked the book overall.
melsny90's review
4.0
This is also an excellent saga about Africa, however less animal-centric than Cry Of The Kalahari. Reading a whole book about elephant poaching could be hard to stomach at times, but reading about the progress Mark & Delia made while studying in Africa gives me much hope for the future.
notesonbookmarks's review
5.0
Gosh, this was fantastic. I kept forgetting it was real. And you can see the seeds of Delia's writing here. It's detailed and interesting and wonderful. And, yup, I cried.
books_plants_hikes's review against another edition
5.0
"At this moment, in August 1986, we pledge to each other: no matter what it takes, or how long, we will stay in North Luangwa until the elephants come to drink at the river in peace."
This book is amazingly co-authored by a strong and committed couple who live in the African wilderness and relentlessly fight for the elephants right to live peacefully in their home in the Zambian National Park that is North Luangwa. I have never had such a clear image of what the true, uncharted wilderness of Africa might really be like, this book paints a perfect and beautiful image of that, via first hand experiences.
You will continually gain respect for Delia, as you realize all the 21st century luxuries she goes without, never complaining. She is a strong, and truly wonderful woman!
Finally, this book demonstrates for me the desperate situation of the poaching which was taking place in Zambia, at the time I was born. I am a true and whole hearted elephant lover and supporter. Reading this book helped me to see the dedication that the Mark's gave to ensure the survival of these beautiful mammals.
This book is amazingly co-authored by a strong and committed couple who live in the African wilderness and relentlessly fight for the elephants right to live peacefully in their home in the Zambian National Park that is North Luangwa. I have never had such a clear image of what the true, uncharted wilderness of Africa might really be like, this book paints a perfect and beautiful image of that, via first hand experiences.
You will continually gain respect for Delia, as you realize all the 21st century luxuries she goes without, never complaining. She is a strong, and truly wonderful woman!
Finally, this book demonstrates for me the desperate situation of the poaching which was taking place in Zambia, at the time I was born. I am a true and whole hearted elephant lover and supporter. Reading this book helped me to see the dedication that the Mark's gave to ensure the survival of these beautiful mammals.
dylandoesread's review
5.0
This and "Cry of the Kalahari" are not dry, scientific books. I feared they were and didn't read them for almost a decade. But these co-authored books are the furthest things from biologists dating themselves. Well, the two people who wrote them are actually married. And so they actually kind of were dating. Except they didn't have to talk about being exclusive or going to prom or sneaking into their parents' basement to make out or try for second base or anything like that.
Anyway, "The Eye of the Elephant" is a fresh, high-energy adventure book. And they're real. (Are you listening, Mr. "Three Cups of Tea" guy?)
Mark and Delia, the authors/dating themselves team, mostly alternate chapters, which also keeps the adventure fresh. And their adventure is this: Poaching in Northern Luangwa National Park is rampant. The elephants are being machine gunned and chopped up daily—and everyone from the everyday villagers to the park's game scouts to the highest government officials in Zambia are in on it. Mark and Delia set up camps in the middle of nowhere and work with villagers and scouts--honest and dishonest ones--and even poachers to stop the killing and save the animals in the park.
Mark and Delia never stop fighting. Or getting shot at. Or recruiting. Or getting heart problems. And they are amazingly resolute and brave and crazy.
The first book, "Cry of the Kalahari," won award after award. This second book is even better.