Scan barcode
bethaniemae23's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
This wasn't a well-written book, but it was more of an account of their lives. It was difficult reading about how they can go around shooting “problem” lions and yet love Elsa so much.
But this book was written many years ago when we thought that shooting problem lions was the way to achieve things. They wouldn't have needed to raise three lion cubs if they hadn't shot the mother.
But I appreciate that they didn't just keep her in captivity for the rest of life
But this book was written many years ago when we thought that shooting problem lions was the way to achieve things. They wouldn't have needed to raise three lion cubs if they hadn't shot the mother.
But I appreciate that they didn't just keep her in captivity for the rest of life
samanthadogmum's review against another edition
4.0
This is great as it has the three books written about Elsa and her story together in one book. Although I already knew the story I felt myself getting really caught up in the highs and lows of the characters.
uditnair24's review against another edition
4.0
It's been on my list from a long time and I always looked forward to read this. Actually I have been listening to the story from a long time. Yet this story is worth reading. Good part about the book is that it can't be classified into any specific genre. I mean it has animal behaviour insights, friendship tale, man animal bond, philosophical inferences and everything else.
alexmonster's review against another edition
4.0
Really good. Easy. Touching. Educational. Love the photos. Enjoyable for any animal lover. Probably won't read it again though.
13iscute's review against another edition
3.0
2021 Back to the Classics Challenge #6 A classic by a new-to-you author
Pros: This was an animal story with a happy ending. Loved learning Elsa's story and surprised by how much she reminds me of Eve, including her tendency to sit on people. And be a giant pain in the rear-end. Lots of (black-and-white) pictures.
Cons: This is a memoir of an African colonist and it was a little jarring because 1960 seems so recent, but Kenya didn't become an independent colony until 1964. There is no self-awareness in this first person account. Also, the writing style felt a little bit stiff.
Spoiler
Pros: This was an animal story with a happy ending. Loved learning Elsa's story and surprised by how much she reminds me of Eve, including her tendency to sit on people. And be a giant pain in the rear-end. Lots of (black-and-white) pictures.
Cons: This is a memoir of an African colonist and it was a little jarring because 1960 seems so recent, but Kenya didn't become an independent colony until 1964. There is no self-awareness in this first person account. Also, the writing style felt a little bit stiff.
scarletohhara's review against another edition
5.0
What a brilliant story! At all points, I wanted to reach into the book and hug Elsa and wanted to be in the author’s place!
grahamlm86's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful story of a lioness, Elsa, and the friendship she maintained with her humans, Joy and George Adamson. I loved the landscape/location in East Africa and the devotion and love between Elsa and Joy and George. I enjoyed reading this, and look forward to watching the movie.
Elsa was "reared from earliest infancy to three years old and finally returned to a wild life." (9) Despite given the freedom to go into the wild, Elsa would still return to Joy and George's camp. It was amazing reading their closeness, their companionship, and Elsa's gentleness, even so that Elsa could lay next to Joy and George casually as if she was a house cat. With Elsa, we saw a "playful, devoted, kindly, and even vulnerable creature" (6-7), possibly different than how a lion or other wild animal is typically portrayed as wild, dangerous, and unpredictable. "They were able to retain not only her friendship but her affectionate devotion when, long after reaching maturity, she became a full-grown, free-roaming lioness, and when one cuff from her mighty paw could mean a broken neck." (12)
It was unfortunate to read that "The lives of both Adamsons ended violently. Joy was stabbed to death by a disgruntled former employee in 1980. George was killed in his North Kenya camp by Somali bandits in 1989. These were very sad endings for two people who had the sensitivity and compassion to share companionship, respect, love, and affection with the African lioness whome they immortalized in Born Free." (8)
Elsa was "reared from earliest infancy to three years old and finally returned to a wild life." (9) Despite given the freedom to go into the wild, Elsa would still return to Joy and George's camp. It was amazing reading their closeness, their companionship, and Elsa's gentleness, even so that Elsa could lay next to Joy and George casually as if she was a house cat. With Elsa, we saw a "playful, devoted, kindly, and even vulnerable creature" (6-7), possibly different than how a lion or other wild animal is typically portrayed as wild, dangerous, and unpredictable. "They were able to retain not only her friendship but her affectionate devotion when, long after reaching maturity, she became a full-grown, free-roaming lioness, and when one cuff from her mighty paw could mean a broken neck." (12)
It was unfortunate to read that "The lives of both Adamsons ended violently. Joy was stabbed to death by a disgruntled former employee in 1980. George was killed in his North Kenya camp by Somali bandits in 1989. These were very sad endings for two people who had the sensitivity and compassion to share companionship, respect, love, and affection with the African lioness whome they immortalized in Born Free." (8)
jewellspring's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. Didn't finish. Thought it would be our next read-aloud. Not inspiring.