A Training School for Elephants

Set against the backdrop of colonial-era Africa, the narrative follows the ambitious 1879 expedition commissioned by King Leopold II to exploit the continent's resources through the training of elephants. The journey is led by Irish adventurer Frederick Carter, who transports Asian elephants to the Congo. As the author retraces this forgotten path, she unveils a tapestry of historic figures and modern perspectives, exploring themes of colonial greed and the complex relationship between humans and animals, all enriched by vivid descriptions of diverse landscapes.