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A review by vivian_munich
Born Free by Joy Adamson
4.0
I've always been in awe of lions - such magnificent and dignified creatures that represent to me the epitome of freedom. I heard the story of Elsa from an African wildlife podcast and came to know the Adamsons' conservation effort in Africa. This book documents their experience with the lioness Elsa and later her cubs. It reads like a diary and contains many fascinating details of their interactions with the lions. I can imagine it must have been groundbreaking at the time of publication (1960). It was very moving to see the deep bond Elsa and Joy/George have developed, and sad to see Elsa' premature death.
I do feel there might have been too much human intervention from the Adamsons' side, but it was equally understandable considering how much time and effort they had spent to help Elsa and her cubs - it would be hard to just turn away. And the best nature conservation practices certainly have evolved over time, what is considered inappropriate today might be acceptable back then. It is also a pity that both Adamsons suffered a violent death eventually in Africa where they spent decades of their lives. In each generation we need people like them, who love nature more than the artificial human world and are willing to devote their lives to this purpose.
I felt dismayed that we never found out what happened to the cubs in the end. Did they survive? Did they go on to have a happy life in Serengeti? I can only wish so, but we'll never know. Such is the beauty and cruelty of nature and freedom, that one must accept both or neither.
I do feel there might have been too much human intervention from the Adamsons' side, but it was equally understandable considering how much time and effort they had spent to help Elsa and her cubs - it would be hard to just turn away. And the best nature conservation practices certainly have evolved over time, what is considered inappropriate today might be acceptable back then. It is also a pity that both Adamsons suffered a violent death eventually in Africa where they spent decades of their lives. In each generation we need people like them, who love nature more than the artificial human world and are willing to devote their lives to this purpose.
I felt dismayed that we never found out what happened to the cubs in the end. Did they survive? Did they go on to have a happy life in Serengeti? I can only wish so, but we'll never know. Such is the beauty and cruelty of nature and freedom, that one must accept both or neither.