An Elephant in my Kitchen: Book Review



Title: An Elephant in my Kitchen
Author: Francois Malby-Anthony
Genre: Memoir

Its amazing how humans imbibe some vital lessons about life from the animal kingdom. Francois-Malby-Anthony, the wife of late wildlife conservationist articulates such learnings in her memoir- 'An Elephant in my kitchen'. 

After Lawrence's unexpected death in 2012, Francois is left all alone to manage the wildlife conservatory of Thula Thula. This includes the herd of elephants with a troubled past that Lawrence had taken under his wing-an experience that he pens down in his memoir- The Elephant Whisperer.

Francois describes her journey as a daunting task-one that came with its set of challenges. This includes the horrors of poaching, the breached security system, almost falling into a trap of an illegal deal and the herd's new matriarch's dislike towards her. In her lucid style, she transcripts her extraordinary tales from the wild that changed her life. This involved rescuing baby elephants, rhinos that have been orphaned, helping a hippo overcome the fear of water, falling in love again, fighting poachers and building a new team again to save the animal orphanage. 

This poignant memoir showcases the myriad of emotions and behavioral patterns of animals. They have an uncanny ability to sense some things just like humans do. It will be surprising to note how much we have in common with our four legged counterparts in this aspect. Whether it's the trauma of losing their mothers/loved ones, trying to overcome their fears or learning to trust humans. Certain instances tug the heartstrings while others make the readers cringe in horror. Especially when the author describes the poaching incidents.This is also a book that teaches you to be resilient and brave adversities.  

Heartwarming and endearing, An Elephant in my Kitchen transports you to a different world. One that guarantees a good game drive into the African wilderness. It lingers enough in your mind to want to see an elephant, rhino or a hippo in your kitchen or backyard! 

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