A wonderful but often heartbreaking story

When I started this book I thought it was weird, violent and confusing and came close to stopping many times. I continued only because of the wonderful reviews it had received. I’m so glad that I did. I loved the main character, Isha, and her determination to help a tiger cub. Her character was so well developed within the story that I felt as if I knew her and her strong convictions. The supporting cast of characters were equally developed and I came to have compassion for all of them. I will admit that within the novel there were many violent acts towards animals. So, if you’re an animal lover as myself these will disturb you greatly. An added bonus for me was learning about the culture of India and the struggles within the country…modernization, tribal groups, and the loss of animal habitation. I’d also like to commend the reader! strongly suggest you listen to this book.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent Novel

I started reading profusely when I was in 11th grade. I am now 73 years old. During that time I have read thousands of novels. I am trying to think of novels that I have enjoyed more than this one. It is difficult – perhaps: All Quiet on the Western Front, Of Mice and Men, East Of Eden, Fahrenheit 451, The Time Machine and maybe a few others. But that's about it. In other words, this is one of the finest and best written novels that I have ever read. I will be stunned if it doesn't win a Pulitzer Prize for literature. People talk about stories that they can't put down. They have no idea what a "can't put down" story is until they start reading this story. I read this book because I had also read Paul's first book "Mother of God" (which Is also outstanding). Because I have spent much time in the Amazon Jungle of Peru working with the people in the remote jungle villages, I immediately made a connection in this, the first Paul Rosalie book. I applaud Mr. Rosalie as THE OUTSTANDING CONSERVATIONIST in the world. Michael McMorrow – North Clarendon, Vermont, USA

2 people found this helpful

Much more than I expected

I was looking for a book on the Indian jungle and Bengal tigers. From the descriptive teaser, I expected an eco-preachy story along the lines of humans being the source of all evil. Since this was a free book for me, I gave it a try not holding out much hope that it would be a captivating read. I'm happy to say I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, the story was set against the backdrop of the diminishing Indian jungle and the impact that is having on the wildlife, but I felt it was not oversensationalized for effect.
The story of the young girl and the tiger was an odyssey full of adventure with interesting characters, intriguing settings, and tragedy. At times, I felt the story did meander a bit but the vivid language kept it interesting. The author wrote descriptively in a way that made me feel as if I was there with the characters.
The narrator did a wonderful job portraying the story's characters with variation in tone and cadence.
Perhaps the most moving part of the entire book was the author's epilogue at the end where he explains how the story came to be.

Everyone should read this book.

I Have no words for how important and incredible I found this book. I am endlessly grateful to the author for giving a voice to the jungle and the creatures that call it home. I can only wish the masses had even an ounce of the courage of the characters to pick up this book and really hear the message. This book is full of ups and downs and I am so glad I was able to find the resilience to read past the first few chapters. I am a more courageous conservatory than I was when I first started this epic novel.

Mind opening! Love it and Mother Of God

I love Paul’s work! Thank you for a good read. Hope to meet him in person someday!

nothing but tortured sadness

I couldn't stomach the violence and brutal story telling. There were no silver linings and no joy to balance out the heartbreak and bleak reality. Torture to listen to.

Thrilling and moving adventure

Paul is an excellent writer and Deepti did an amazing job narrating - complete with many voices that bring the characters to life. We could all use a piece of wild to be awakened within us and this book stimulates the primal nature loving side in humanity. There are conflicts and challenges to those who value the lives of animals and people who choose to live closer to the Earth. This book highlights the desire to feel not just attached to the natural world but the deep need to be a part of it. Best wishes to Paul on his continued work supporting wildlife and connecting people with wild places, you can feel his passion in the pages of this novel, 5 stars!

Powerful read.

This book made me laugh and more often, cry. The author did a great job painting a vivid and sometimes disturbing picture of the reality happening in India. A must read for animal lovers.

This book is a must read!

This book pulled my heartstrings tight and drew tears down my cheeks as I journeyed with Aisha through the Indian jungle. I felt her love for the Tiger, the jungle surrounding me as I questioned my own strength and connection to nature up against her own. A rekindling of respect for our gods of the forest, and the love we deeply feel for the Mother Earth and her many beautiful creatures. Deepening my understanding for our loss of wild habitats and our duty to protect them, this books evokes the spirit of the wild into the heart and gives the soul a yearning for adventure. The separateness that humans claim from nature is a falsehood and we all are rooted together as one. Take a journey through the emotion of elephant herds and the struggle of the tribes to remain at one with nature. As a girl, a small girl and her fellow devotees guide a tiger back into the wild, you see a natural world crippled and a government corrupt.