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A review by mackenzierm
The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg
4.5
4.5 stars.
THE RHINO KEEPER is based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled across Europe in the 18th century with an Indian rhinoceros, Clara. In 1740, Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer tours Europe, enthralling peasants and royalty with Clara, the Indian rhinoceros, hoping to change popular views that rhinos are man-eating beasts. In 2022, college student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a historical mystery while studying abroad in Holland. She finds some unusual historical documents featuring a rhinoceros in hidden desk drawers leading to further investigation as to what these documents may reveal.
THE RHINO KEEPER is a fantastic story told in dual timelines (1740s and 2022) with dual POVs (Douwemout and Andrea). It’s a truly clever story that mixes historical fiction with a present-day mystery. I loved learning about Clara and Douwemont’s travels in the 1740s – they share such a tender and beautiful bond. I admittedly don’t know much about rhinoceroses, so it was quite interesting to learn more about them through Clara. The present timeline narrated by Andrea is equally interesting as she discovers key artifacts that shed light on Douwemont and Clara’s travels, and helped clarify certain aspects. I do think that I preferred the past timeline though.
Forsberg’s writing style is beautiful, vivid, and compelling. I was fully immersed in each of the timelines with ease. The settings of each timeline are descriptive and detailed, making them easy to envision in my mind’s eye. Each of the main characters whom are key to the story are well-written, dynamic, and authentic.
The audiobook narration by Caroline Hewitt is well done, easily bringing the story to life. It was the first audiobook I’d heard her narrate but I would definitely pick up another audiobook in her voice. The author’s note at the end of the book makes it very clear that much of THE RHINO KEEPER is inspired by her own imagination given the lack of artifacts, knowledge, or records of Clara and Douwemont’s real travels.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, History Through Fiction, of this advanced listener copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
THE RHINO KEEPER is based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled across Europe in the 18th century with an Indian rhinoceros, Clara. In 1740, Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer tours Europe, enthralling peasants and royalty with Clara, the Indian rhinoceros, hoping to change popular views that rhinos are man-eating beasts. In 2022, college student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a historical mystery while studying abroad in Holland. She finds some unusual historical documents featuring a rhinoceros in hidden desk drawers leading to further investigation as to what these documents may reveal.
THE RHINO KEEPER is a fantastic story told in dual timelines (1740s and 2022) with dual POVs (Douwemout and Andrea). It’s a truly clever story that mixes historical fiction with a present-day mystery. I loved learning about Clara and Douwemont’s travels in the 1740s – they share such a tender and beautiful bond. I admittedly don’t know much about rhinoceroses, so it was quite interesting to learn more about them through Clara. The present timeline narrated by Andrea is equally interesting as she discovers key artifacts that shed light on Douwemont and Clara’s travels, and helped clarify certain aspects. I do think that I preferred the past timeline though.
Forsberg’s writing style is beautiful, vivid, and compelling. I was fully immersed in each of the timelines with ease. The settings of each timeline are descriptive and detailed, making them easy to envision in my mind’s eye. Each of the main characters whom are key to the story are well-written, dynamic, and authentic.
The audiobook narration by Caroline Hewitt is well done, easily bringing the story to life. It was the first audiobook I’d heard her narrate but I would definitely pick up another audiobook in her voice. The author’s note at the end of the book makes it very clear that much of THE RHINO KEEPER is inspired by her own imagination given the lack of artifacts, knowledge, or records of Clara and Douwemont’s real travels.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, History Through Fiction, of this advanced listener copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.