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cbs5678's review
4.0
This story depicts the dangers of life under ISIS for both humans and animals. Engaging and heartbreaking at times.
pleasereadittome's review against another edition
3.0
One of the most important aspects of “Father of Lions” occurs in the postscript, when Louise Callaghan mentions that the animals of the Mosul Zoo were removed from Iraq, but many of their human saviors were not.
I wish this statement would’ve been included in the introduction of the book, because it adds a layer of gravitas to a story that sometimes felt too lighthearted.
While a fascinating microhistory of humans and animals surviving through the ISIS occupation of Mosul through much of the mid-2010s, Callaghan never quite found the right balance between history, politics and humanity.
Anyone going into this story expecting it to be centered exclusively on the animals of the Mosul Zoo will be disappointed. The animals, truly, are secondary until the last 25 percent of the story.
As an animal lover, the sections that featured Zombie, a lion cub, Lulu, a bear, and the assorted other animals of the Mosul Zoo were the most interesting to read. The difficulties FOUR PAWS International had in rescuing them further emphasizes the continued instability and corruption of the region.
Callaghan switches POV among a half dozen people almost every chapter, and this contributed to some confusion. The connections between the people are not clear nor how their story will lead us to the animal rescue.
While I appreciated learning about recent life in Iraq, a human history versus animal history is not the book I expected to read.
I wish this statement would’ve been included in the introduction of the book, because it adds a layer of gravitas to a story that sometimes felt too lighthearted.
While a fascinating microhistory of humans and animals surviving through the ISIS occupation of Mosul through much of the mid-2010s, Callaghan never quite found the right balance between history, politics and humanity.
Anyone going into this story expecting it to be centered exclusively on the animals of the Mosul Zoo will be disappointed. The animals, truly, are secondary until the last 25 percent of the story.
As an animal lover, the sections that featured Zombie, a lion cub, Lulu, a bear, and the assorted other animals of the Mosul Zoo were the most interesting to read. The difficulties FOUR PAWS International had in rescuing them further emphasizes the continued instability and corruption of the region.
Callaghan switches POV among a half dozen people almost every chapter, and this contributed to some confusion. The connections between the people are not clear nor how their story will lead us to the animal rescue.
While I appreciated learning about recent life in Iraq, a human history versus animal history is not the book I expected to read.
skylacine's review
4.0
Very well-written but also super depressing.
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/09/book-review-father-of-lions-by-louise.html
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/09/book-review-father-of-lions-by-louise.html
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Misogyny, and War
Minor: Cannibalism
hinkleb2's review
5.0
Such an easy 5 stars for me! Nonfiction isn’t usually my favorite but I’m starting veterinary school next year and love animals so I thought I’d give this a go. This story covers SO much more than animals.
This true story begins in early 2010s before ISIS took power, during their reign in Mosul, and when they are losing their power in Mosul to the Iraqi government. Most of the book discusses this from multiple perspectives. I was almost in tears reading about what these people went through and how their freedoms and sense of safety were taken away.
A lot of the book deals with ISIS and also how Abu Laith is trying to provide for the animals at the zoo during this time. You don’t really see the “rescue mission” taking place until the last 100 pages or so.
I love how I was able to learn so much about how ISIS took power and what it was like for the Moslawis to suffer under their rule. I feel for them all so much and despite the war and suffering going around them, the adults and children sacrificed what they had in order to provide for the animals and stay positive.
I highly recommend this book! If you’re wanting to get more into nonfiction this was a great one because it reads like a fictional story. I loved all the characters so much and hope they’re all doing well today. I wish I could see Zombie and Lula now and I hope they’re living their best lives
This true story begins in early 2010s before ISIS took power, during their reign in Mosul, and when they are losing their power in Mosul to the Iraqi government. Most of the book discusses this from multiple perspectives. I was almost in tears reading about what these people went through and how their freedoms and sense of safety were taken away.
A lot of the book deals with ISIS and also how Abu Laith is trying to provide for the animals at the zoo during this time. You don’t really see the “rescue mission” taking place until the last 100 pages or so.
I love how I was able to learn so much about how ISIS took power and what it was like for the Moslawis to suffer under their rule. I feel for them all so much and despite the war and suffering going around them, the adults and children sacrificed what they had in order to provide for the animals and stay positive.
I highly recommend this book! If you’re wanting to get more into nonfiction this was a great one because it reads like a fictional story. I loved all the characters so much and hope they’re all doing well today. I wish I could see Zombie and Lula now and I hope they’re living their best lives
alysamorley's review
4.0
I'm not surprised that I liked this, as someone who loves animals. Nonfiction stories about animals are undoubtedly my favorite way to work in more nonfiction, and this one has a nice balance of narrative to break up the series stuff and add depth and complexity to the characters and story.
This story just has a lot of heart. I love animals, wildlife, nature, and basically anything of that sort, so it was really appealing to me to read about other people who loved animals, advocated for them, and wanted to help them. It was a little hard to read at times because the animals and people in the book were, at times, severely mistreated and traumatized, but it was realistic without glamorizing violence and other aspects of war. Along those lines, I appreciate this book for giving me a peek into a different culture and a different perspective on a dark time in world history.
This story just has a lot of heart. I love animals, wildlife, nature, and basically anything of that sort, so it was really appealing to me to read about other people who loved animals, advocated for them, and wanted to help them. It was a little hard to read at times because the animals and people in the book were, at times, severely mistreated and traumatized, but it was realistic without glamorizing violence and other aspects of war. Along those lines, I appreciate this book for giving me a peek into a different culture and a different perspective on a dark time in world history.
barkingaboutbooks's review
5.0
I finished this book a week or so ago as part of non-fiction November. And just wow.
xxjenadanxx's review
3.0
When Isis militants drive off the Iraqi military and take over Mosul life changes in an instant. No longer are the zoo animals the only ones living in cages. Soon women are forced to cover themselves from head to toe and a beard trim can cost a man his life. Amidst the chaos is Abu Laith, self appointed zookeeper and lover of animals, who is determined to see his both his human and fur family through the war, no matter the cost.
nattyc96's review
4.0
Thanks to BookishFirst and Tor/Forge Books for the ARC!
"Father of Lions" follows all the people surrounding the Mosul Zoo. After the city is torn apart by war, an evacuation plan is created to get a lion and a bear out of the city and to safety.
This book was intense. That's probably the best word for it. We are almost immediately plopped into a war zone. For us, this is a book, but for these people and animals this is their real life. War is rough on humans, but for animals it can be something completely different. Humans can understand their surroundings, animals cannot.
I think the biggest thing that stood out about this book is as much as you want it to be about people, it really isn't. The people are important, but they're all rotating around the focus: the animals. Books on war often focus on the details and facts, but this book focuses on heart and emotion.
This book was good, but not my favorite. I think there were a few moments where there were too many details or when I forgot the animals were the main focus. Overall, this was a unique perspective and I enjoyed seeing this viewpoint.
"Father of Lions" follows all the people surrounding the Mosul Zoo. After the city is torn apart by war, an evacuation plan is created to get a lion and a bear out of the city and to safety.
This book was intense. That's probably the best word for it. We are almost immediately plopped into a war zone. For us, this is a book, but for these people and animals this is their real life. War is rough on humans, but for animals it can be something completely different. Humans can understand their surroundings, animals cannot.
I think the biggest thing that stood out about this book is as much as you want it to be about people, it really isn't. The people are important, but they're all rotating around the focus: the animals. Books on war often focus on the details and facts, but this book focuses on heart and emotion.
This book was good, but not my favorite. I think there were a few moments where there were too many details or when I forgot the animals were the main focus. Overall, this was a unique perspective and I enjoyed seeing this viewpoint.
cassie5489's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I think this is a must read. While the story focuses around the main character's love of animals, it really provides realistic detail of what it has been like for the people in war torn Mosul. I don't think there are many books that capture these realities of recent history so that in itself is a reason to read. So much heart goes into this book. I felt so many emotions throughout and I think this is a book that will stay with me. I am even considering looking into volunteering with the Four Paws organization in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: War
books_tea_healthy_me's review
4.0
Father of Lions is non-fiction that reads like fiction. The story is so amazing, it is hard to believe that it actually happened!
Even though this is a story about taking care of animals during wartime, it is the human element that I found striking. Abu Laith is a self-taught, self-appointed part-time zookeeper and lover of animals. He and his family are forced to live under ISIS in Mosul. Abu Laith must take care of his family and find a way to care for the animals he loves as well. Just juggling a large family during wartime would have been enough to break many men. There are times when his family doesn't make it easy but somehow he makes it through and keeps the zoo going. It is the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things that keeps you turning the pages.
Thank you to BookishFirst for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Even though this is a story about taking care of animals during wartime, it is the human element that I found striking. Abu Laith is a self-taught, self-appointed part-time zookeeper and lover of animals. He and his family are forced to live under ISIS in Mosul. Abu Laith must take care of his family and find a way to care for the animals he loves as well. Just juggling a large family during wartime would have been enough to break many men. There are times when his family doesn't make it easy but somehow he makes it through and keeps the zoo going. It is the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things that keeps you turning the pages.
Thank you to BookishFirst for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.