The Rhino Keeper
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Average rating4
15
Ratings1
Average rating4
Based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th century Europe, THE RHINO KEEPER evokes both the thrill of discovery in the archives and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhinoceros. 2022 - College student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a historical mystery while studying abroad in Holland. From hidden desk drawers come unusual historical documents featuring a rhinoceros. On a lichen-covered eighteenth-century grave, the same animal is carved. When an expanding river forces exhumation, what she finds buried there is life-changing. Andrea faces her nightmares to retrieve what a grave robber steals: valuable proof of a long-forgotten history. 1740 - Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer has something not seen in two hundred years: the only rhino in Europe, called Clara. Douwemout and Clara tour Europe, enthralling peasants and queens, hoping to change popular views that rhinos are man-eating beasts. Absolute wonder follows, but when a priest sees idol worship and becomes hell-bent on destroying her, Clara, Douwe, and the lives of her bonded caretakers are at risk. As Douwe becomes protectively dedicated to adventuring with Clara, unexpected love finds him, and his heart starts to tear. Will he choose a life with a traveling wonder-beast forever, or can love exist in many forms for the rhino keeper?
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An historical novel about an 18th century sea captain who comes into possession of an infant Indian rhinoceros, Clara, and tours with the now beloved animal throughout Europe. This is a dual narrative, paired with a story about a contemporary historical researcher unveiling the mysteries of Clara's story from the 1700's while discovering the focus of her own life (think, oh say, the movie Titantic). It works. This is based upon actual history of which we know very little. The narrative picks up steam as it goes, including a little mystery, of course. But for me, the best parts were, first, the dip into the lives of the 1700's, the dangers of ocean travel, the risks of sickness, the lavishness of royalty, but secondly, and most of all, the depiction of the bonds that are possible between humans and animals. A delight for animal- and history-lovers (or both).
