The Rhino Keeper
2022, Leiden, the Netherlands. Disillusioned with romance, American history student Andrea Clarkson travels to Leiden to participate in the University’s semester-abroad program. When she finds an old parchment hidden in her antique dorm room desk, little does she know what mysterious and surprising developments this discovery will set into motion. As Andrea and her colleagues uncover intriguing artifacts about an unusual 18th-century event involving an Indian rhinoceros and a Dutch sea captain, they face unexpected, life-threatening professional and personal circumstances.
1740, Calcutta, India. When sea captain Douwe van der Meer is offered the chance to purchase Clara, a baby Indian rhinoceros, and rescue her from certain death due to the value of her horn, little does he realize how life-changing his decision will be. He and Zubin, a native boy and Clara’s caretaker, embark on a European tour to cover the expense of maintaining their precious pet. Royals and peasants alike fall in love with the never-before-seen exotic rhino, who grows to weigh 5,000 pounds while in transit. Yet danger lurks when a priest declares Clara’s popularity a form of idol worship and sets out to destroy Clara and ruin Douwe van der Meer’s reputation.
Forsberg’s thoroughly researched dual-timeline novel is enchanting, and Clara is the story’s superstar. The author’s masterful craftsmanship and endearing characters emotionally connect readers to the story. Tender, intimate scenes and whimsical, humorous exchanges among Douwe, Zubin, and Clara as they travel the European continent further enrich the reading experience. In a story that’s original, poignant, and engaging, Forsberg presents a unique perspective on the bond between man and animal and the power of friendship and love. By exploring this bond through the lens of historical fiction, this book offers readers a fresh, intriguing take on familiar themes. A wonderful read!
