African Love Story, An
Sheldrick, DaphneBorn and bred in Kenya, Daphne Sheldrick is an inspiring ambassador for the wildlife and endangered animals of the continent she calls home. Entwined with her personal story is that of the important and ground breaking conservation and wildlife protection work carried out by Daphne and her wildlife warden husbands.
This warm and captivating memoir reels in the reader with its fascinating information about animals large and small, but in particular, Daphne's unique contribution to wildlife preservation: the hand rearing of orphaned elephants and black rhinos. [Small font]
Comments from Groups
This book produced a mixed reaction. Some people loved it, especially those people who had been to Kenya. Some people found it very repetitive. We all agreed that the author was a remarkable woman. Dunedin 007 We would recommend this book to anyone interested in the wildlife of Kenya and the people who gave their love and energy to conservation. Hamilton 024 Wonderful! We all loved it and it led to good discussions on how to get the message across to those who still want ivory and rhino horn. Auckland 009 All members enjoyed the book finding it both interesting and informative. The discussion was wide ranging and stimulating. We would thoroughly recommend it to other groups. Paraparaumu 001 A truly great story. It is always fascinating to read of somebody's passion, in this instance the rehabilitation of the elephant and rhino. A truly remarkable achievement. Hamilton 047
Pages
334
334
Year
2012
2012
Reviews
08-02-2024
Interesting perspectives on land rights, colonist justifications, why it's okay to kill tens of thousands of elephants and other animals. Some people loved the book, others wanted to but found it too sad to read, others didn't want to go to Africa at all.
11-01-2024
An incredible story of a wonderful adventurous life. This was easy to read and wonderful story that the whole group enjoyed.
17-03-2021
Wow ! What an interesting evening we had discussing this months book. It was enjoyed by the majority of the group. As we are a rural group many individuals had fascinating animal stories to tell..
11-03-2020
Mixed thoughts. Most of us loved the animal stories and the insight into a different time and place. However one member was born and brought up in Kenya and felt it was a very British centered view of Kenya with almost no understanding of the Africans who were displaced by colonization. The Mau mau especially was only focused on the whites who were killed and not the thousands of Africans killed by the local white militia. It was repetitive and needed editing and would have been more interesting if the communication with elephants had been explored in more detail. Not great literature.
18-10-2019
An easy to read memoir giving insight to the wild life in Kenya and historical background - input from 2 members born in South Africa an added bonus.
07-05-2019
Greatly enjoyed by all readers.
07-05-2019
We all felt very moved by this book. Horrified and delighted by turns, and on a real see-saw as nothing remained secure and stable for long. Yet there was the underlying passion and determination to right the wrongs and a reference for all living things. Some of us had never heard of the Reserves mentioned, and the hugeness of the task never seemed to make the families lose heart...Joanna Lumley's recommendation said it for us. A wonderful and promising heritage that is possible in spite of its enemies.
06-05-2019
Densely packed with wonderful descriptive prose written from the heart. Full of interesting information, great observation and understanding of the animals. We all loved it and would recommend the book.
06-05-2019
We all enjoyed the book. It was well-written and conveyed an in depth account of Kenya and its modern history. The author's deep love of her country, family and the animals was very evident and moving. Highly recommended.
06-05-2019
Everyone enjoyed learning about elephants and Africa - a very enjoyable and interesting book.
06-05-2019
All except one member of the group enjoyed this book. Daphne's descriptions of the many orphan animals were delightful.
06-05-2019
For those that read it, it was a fascinating insight into a completely different world and life. It was hard to imagine (in this overprotected world) simply heading off across Africa, sleeping in tents with lions licking the canvas.