Alex Lasker

I listened to an audio version of The Memory of an Elephant by Alex Lasker and I was totally absorbed by this novel which is told by an aging elephant as he nears his end days and goes on an incredible journey to find and say goodbye to the humans who rescued him fifty years ago. His life spans the 1960s up to 2015 and as well as learning about his life, we are also drawn into the lives of the Hathaways, the family that rescued him, Russell, a big game hunter, his wife, Jean who ran an animal orphanage, their two natural children and a young native boy, Kamau. The story unfolds against the backdrop of an Africa that is undergoing great changes as it emerges from colonial rule to independence. It also shines a strong light on the cruelty of the poaching and ivory trade that has had such a strong impact on these animals.

The elephant, Ishi spent some time at the animal orphanage, was returned to the wild, transported to an English zoo, eventually brought back to Africa where he seeks to return to the place of his birth. Accompanied by a film crew, Ishi captures the hearts and minds of many. I found this to be a stunning and emotional read and I suspect this book could well be among my favorites of the year. It’s been awhile since a book has brought me to tears but this one had me crying both for grief and joy.

Stories about animals are often both heart warming and heart breaking, and this one is no exception. But if you are interested in the plight of these magnificent creatures as they struggle to remain free and wild in today’s Africa, then I highly recommend The Memory of an Elephant.… (more)