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frankierogers's review
4.0
Every page of this book had me questioning how it could be real, it feels like a fantasy: that Joy and George Adamson not only adopted a young lion cub but were able to live alongside her in the wild. The main thing I took away from this is the fact that you can't help but fall in love with Elsa and the other lions throughout. Reading this book some 67 years after the events took place, it's hard not to focus on the wrongs that Joy and George did during their time in Africa, but that is through a privileged lens of the 21st century where the continent is nowhere near as rich with wildlife as it was when the book was written and we are much more aware of our impact on the natural world.
Ultimately I loved this book and connected with every individual in some way. The only reason it's not getting five stars is simply because I like a more descriptive writing style.
I would recommend this to anyone. It's a real life nature fairytale.
Ultimately I loved this book and connected with every individual in some way. The only reason it's not getting five stars is simply because I like a more descriptive writing style.
I would recommend this to anyone. It's a real life nature fairytale.
emorg10's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
pagesofglory22's review
4.0
Living in South Africa, I have always been awed by the nature of wild animals. Although I am not the biggest fan of non-fiction, books about animals always fascinate me.
I had read about Joy and George in previous books I had read - A Lion Called Christian and Born Wild, so I felt it necessary to read about Joy's own experiences.
The first part of the book deals with Elsa the lioness. Her mother was killed and her sisters sent to a zoo a bit later on. She was raised by Joy Adamson and eventually the decision was made to rehabilitate Elsa into the wild.
Later on, Elsa has three cubs. They are not nearly as tame or accepting towards humans as their mother, and they constantly struggle between imitating her actions and following their instincts.
The final part of the book follows Joy, George and the cubs as they move the cubs and try to get them to live independently.
The bond between Elsa and Joy is amazing. I loved how clearly the lions' personalities were shown throughout the book. Their antics thoroughly amused me, and their harships made me sad.
The writing was a bit stilted at times, and generally it was a bit hard to read. Not that I had any expectations of it being an easy read. The book was highly informative.
All in all, I loved reading about Joy's experiences, and seeing the lions grow up through her eyes. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in wild animals and their behaviour.
I had read about Joy and George in previous books I had read - A Lion Called Christian and Born Wild, so I felt it necessary to read about Joy's own experiences.
The first part of the book deals with Elsa the lioness. Her mother was killed and her sisters sent to a zoo a bit later on. She was raised by Joy Adamson and eventually the decision was made to rehabilitate Elsa into the wild.
Later on, Elsa has three cubs. They are not nearly as tame or accepting towards humans as their mother, and they constantly struggle between imitating her actions and following their instincts.
The final part of the book follows Joy, George and the cubs as they move the cubs and try to get them to live independently.
The bond between Elsa and Joy is amazing. I loved how clearly the lions' personalities were shown throughout the book. Their antics thoroughly amused me, and their harships made me sad.
The writing was a bit stilted at times, and generally it was a bit hard to read. Not that I had any expectations of it being an easy read. The book was highly informative.
All in all, I loved reading about Joy's experiences, and seeing the lions grow up through her eyes. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in wild animals and their behaviour.
h2o5o5's review
4.0
The well-known story of raising a lion cub - and successfully releasing her into the wild, the first time that this had been attempted. The challenges, both natural and bureaucratic, were enormous and are well-documented. The books (three "parts" in this particular volume) were written based on Joy's notes and George's journals. This is the weakest point, as certain sections, probably those written more from the sources than directly from memory, are a bit dry. Nonetheless a wonderful story - both about Elsa and the cubs and also about Joy and George, who dedicated their lives to the protection of East African wildlife.
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