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There are currently 21 member reviews
for Father of Lions
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Suzanne G. (Tucson, AZ)
Not a typical story—
This book has a story that is not only informative but interesting and has been well written. The research is evident. I had no problems understanding this is a true story. It confirmed the frightening times those who worked with the Father of Lions had while saving the zoo animals. The character listing was appreciated since the names were so unfamiliar. Learning about the region gave me a better knowledge of the citizens of the Middle East. I liked the book and found there was often humor. I think most anyone can enjoy it.
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Gloria F. (York, PA)
A great read for lovers of animals and current events
Thank you, Louise Callaghan, for preserving the story of Abu Laith in "Father of Lions: One Man's Remarkable Quest to Save the Mosul Zoo." It is wonderful to read how people who love animals can all come together to save them, especially during a conflict that puts their lives at risk. But this story is about more than animals. It's also about how the people who lived in Mosul endured the fighting and destruction of their city. It gives the reader a much-needed prospective on life in a war zone.
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Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Father of Lions
This was a very interesting book. As I started reading, I thought I would be reading a book devoted entirely to animals. Instead I was thrown into the horrors associated with the Iraqi war. I learned a lot about the history, traditions, and people of Iraq.
I enjoyed the book. I had trouble getting into it, and never really formed an attachment to the main characters, but it told a riveting story. The book's main focus was on saving the Mosul zoo and it's animals, and the telling of this event led to a moving and satisfying conclusion.
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Susanna K. (Willow Street, PA)
Historical
This title was captivating - a Zoo in Mosul being saved! Very catchy and inviting to a reader who loves zoos and wondered how it was saved in a place that was decidedly a war zone! The pages that followed were an immersion in the horrors of the Iraqi-Islamic State confrontation centered in this city. How the people tried to protect themselves from the rules Isis enforced was beyond comprehension. During all this chaos and fear, one man persevered trying to save his beloved animals. At times you will be cheering, at others holding your breath. All in all it is a good read!
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Valerie C. (Chico, CA)
Good, but the foreign names are hard to follow at first
I did not find this book terribly engaging. It is well written and researched.
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Paula B. (Albuquerque, NM)
Desperate Desire
This story of human resilience, in the face of religious fanaticism, shows that survival in the worst circumstances is possible, if neither predictable nor perfect. The author impresses the grinding reality of war upon the reader, with a few positive results,but there is no fairy tale ending. The futility of much that the characters work to achieve makes this a disheartening tale. Humanity is happiest and most confident when we believe we control at least part of our life. War proves to these characters that they have no control and that whatever success they achieve is merely the result of random events. A savior of sorts appears to help the father of lions, but he too is subject to the illogical, whimsy of petty officials and the military. Although the book may masquerade as a feel good book, it is not. It is an expose' of the helter skelter nature of life, exacerbated by war.
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Peggy K. (San Marcos, CA)
Desert zoo
Abu Laith had a dream. This poor mechanic wanted to create a zoo in Mosul right in the middle of a war. Nothing would stop him despite the cultural dislike of animals.
What slowly became a reality became a race to save these animals in the aftereffects of war. With the help of a sympathetic scientist he is able to succeed and this book is his story.
A well written, if a bit slow, tale. Readers 16 and up may enjoy this story. Book clubs may want to talk about home grown zoos.
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