When conservationist Lawrence Anthony opened a game reserve called Thula Thula it was devoid of elephants—nobody had even seen one within living memory.  But out of the blue he received a phone call asking if he would be willing to give a home to a small herd of "rogue" elephants.   If he didn’t they would be killed, as they were considered dangerous and capricious, rather too keen on breaking out of any reserve they were put into.  Anthony agreed to take the herd, and this was the start of an extraordinary relationship between man and nature.

This is a magical tale, filled with remarkable insights into elephant behaviour and life on a modern game reserve.  The elephants take center stage, and as the author got to know them, he discovered how much about elephants he was learning.  Anthony also has his hands full with staff problems, poachers, land issues and red tape, all of which make for illuminating and entertaining reading.  This is the sort of life-affirming book that shows conservation in action, and how even one person can make a difference to the environment, bringing back life to an initially rather empty place.  It is certainly a book with its share of good humor but there is tragedy and drama in here as well, running the gamut of emotions like any other relationship and making for fulfilling reading.  If you like animals, exotic places and green issues you will love this.