If you are interested in conservation or animals, if you love Africa, or if you just enjoy a good love story, then read this book.

“Africa has never been more vividly described.  I read it
straight through and it nearly broke my heart.”
Joanne Lumley

I had already visited and fallen in love with her Nairobi Elephant Orphanage, and watched avidly the Elephant Diaries series on the BBC, so I knew a bit about her work before starting the book.  Now I know much more.

Her writing is quite captivating, from the story of her ancestors’ arrival in Kenya, through her teenage romance, to her enduring love and admiration for her husband David Sheldrick.  She describes his work in some detail, but it is always easy to read.  Her sometimes funny, sometimes sad, stories of the animals they encounter are brilliant.  The tales of political intrigue are educational and fascinating.  Daphne also includes photos of her family and animals throughout: I particularly love the ostriches who think they are rangers, lining up and standing to attention.

Her love of Kenya, David and the animals, especially the elephants, is evident throughout. Her knowledge of elephants is wide-reaching and I am grateful she has shared it with us in this book.

.An African Love Story / Daphne Sheldrick. -Penguin, 2013. -ISBN: 9780670919710

.