En we noemden hem Christian

by Anthony Bourke

First published 2009

Christian arrives as a small lion cub in the heart of London, where two young men take on the extraordinary task of raising him. As Christian grows larger and stronger in their urban flat, the men face an inevitable reality: their beloved companion belongs in the wild. They make the difficult decision to transport Christian to Kenya, where he can learn to survive as nature intended. The lion adapts to his new environment and eventually disappears into the wilderness. A full year passes before the men return to Africa, uncertain whether Christian will remember them or if he has become completely wild. Their reunion tests the bonds formed during those early months in London and reveals whether love can transcend the call of instinct.

Genres: family, animals, adventure, contemporary, 21st-century, africa

Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking

Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family

Setting: Kenya, London

Period: 21st-century

191 pages · Paperback · De Boekerij

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