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A review by gymbeannz
Born Free by Joy Adamson
4.0
Can I call this a leobiography? I think it is technically an autobiography, however it doesn't feel right to say so, since we learn very little about Joy and her husband.
In some ways, Joy's writing is refreshing, as it's almost completely about Elsa and her cubs. Never once does Joy complain about her living conditions or dwell on her disappointments; even after.
Although in saying that, Born Free is a much more human story than I was expecting. Bar the fact that Elsa had some very human, relatable characteristics, her relationship with Joy was almost too familiar for comfort.
I'm thinking specifically at a time in the story when
I learnt a lot about lions, and the African wilderness in general. And I loved it.
I get so caught up in myself and the world around me, that I forget about the world that isn't outside my doorstep. And I don't just mean my surroundings and country, but the entire Western culture too. For example, it was so insanely refreshing to hear biological words in their natural non-sexualised context. When words like 'siring' and 'love making' stopped making me giggle after a while, I pondered whether I spend too much time consuming immature internet content. It got so far as to be initially aghast that the word 'bitch' was used, only to remember it had another non-derogatory definition.
In some ways, Joy's writing is refreshing, as it's almost completely about Elsa and her cubs. Never once does Joy complain about her living conditions or dwell on her disappointments; even after
Spoiler
Elsa's deathAlthough in saying that, Born Free is a much more human story than I was expecting. Bar the fact that Elsa had some very human, relatable characteristics, her relationship with Joy was almost too familiar for comfort.
I'm thinking specifically at a time in the story when
Spoiler
Elsa starts to look for a mate and when she's in early parenthood. Although Joy is very matter-of-fact about it all, reading her go through Elsa's priority change when it came to courtship and mothering was heartbreaking. It's like having to share your best friend with someone new and becoming second fiddle to everything, even though Joy is completely aware that it's good for Elsa to seek this independence. It's that selflessness that I admired. Although I know it's easier to do with an animal than a real human friend, letting go is a difficult thing to do.I learnt a lot about lions, and the African wilderness in general. And I loved it.
I get so caught up in myself and the world around me, that I forget about the world that isn't outside my doorstep. And I don't just mean my surroundings and country, but the entire Western culture too. For example, it was so insanely refreshing to hear biological words in their natural non-sexualised context. When words like 'siring' and 'love making' stopped making me giggle after a while, I pondered whether I spend too much time consuming immature internet content. It got so far as to be initially aghast that the word 'bitch' was used, only to remember it had another non-derogatory definition.