![neil0407](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 12 12"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Lawrence Anthony is an extravagant writer who details his intriguing experiences in the African Wild on his game reserve Thula-Thula. “The Elephant Whisperer” by Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence is a nonfiction memoir allowing readers to see first-hand accounts of the action in Thula-Thula. In this novel Lawrence and his crew of rangers take in a large herd of rebellious elephants, saving them from their death and pain. Throughout this novel we see the bond between Lawrence and these elephants strengthen as they learn things from one another. In particular, the matriarch of the herd, Nana develops an individual bond with Lawrence. Many obstacles and troubles are encountered on Thula-Thula, such as poachers trying to kill indigenous species. Lawrence and the herd overcome these issues and warm up to each other creating an everlasting bond between man and animal. The most prominent theme represented by this novel is conservation and preservation of animals. Lawrence himself believes that all animals should be wild, free of capture and not forced to do tasks for humans. He uses a very moving quote that touches the heart and soul of readers, “To me, the best cage is an empty one” p (368). This truly shows how dedicated Lawrence is to nature and his feelings toward animals of all types. This novel was really ground-breaking in the sense that it tells such an interesting story while also providing information. Lawrence uses such a unique way of writing to incorporate these two aspects of writing together, while also providing intricate details in his work. Overall, this book is worthy of a 5 star rating, and is an absolutely amazing novel for people who love and embrace nature at its finest.
The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild
By Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence
When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of "rogue" wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand, his common sense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival: they would be killed if he wouldn't take them.
In order to save their lives, Anthony took them in. In the years that followed he became a part of their family. And as he battled to create a bond with the elephants, he came to realize that they had a great deal to teach him about life, loyalty, and freedom.
The Elephant Whisperer is a heartwarming, exciting, funny, and sometimes sad account of Anthony's experiences with these huge yet sympathetic creatures. Set against the background of life on an African game reserve, with unforgettable characters and exotic wildlife, it is a delightful book that will appeal to animal lovers and adventurous souls everywhere.