Elephant Song by Wilbur Smith
The Blurb:
'The poachers that come across this side are organised and better armed than we are. They shoot to kill - men as well as elephants and rhino. We have been forced to do the same. If we run into a band of poachers, we shoot first.' Who sings for the lost country? Dr Daniel Armstrong, ecologist and documentary maker, has dedicated his life to protecting Africa's animals and rainforests. But when a gang of poachers murders his childhood friend, Chief Warden of the National Park, and steals the government-protected ivory stores, Daniel's quest of passion becomes one of revenge. As he calls on his expert knowledge and insider connections to investigate who ordered the savage killing, he will discover much worse than simple murder. There is a greed and corruption devastating the country, a greed which views every person and animal as something to make the rich even richer. Can Daniel save the place he loves from such a powerful, destructive hand? An action-packed adventure of the destruction brought about by greed, from global bestseller Wilbur Smith
About Wilbur Smith
Wilbur Smith was born in Central Africa in 1933. He became a full-time writer in 1964 after the successful publication of When the Lion Feeds, and has since written over thirty novels, all meticulously researched on his numerous expeditions worldwide. His books are now translated into twenty-six languages. For all the latest information on Wilbur visit facebook.com/WilburSmith
My Review
The Elephant Song has been a re-read for me, after reading it many years ago when I read everything Wilbur Smith. I believe that second time around, I enjoyed it all the more, due to my growing interest in everything African, and consequently the many facets of this story that has been very meaningful for me. Dr. Daniel Armstrong, a natural history documentary maker, is out to avenge the slaughter of his best friend and his friend's family, Johnny Nzou the warden of Chiwewe National Park in Zimbabwe, by poachers who had come across the Zambesi river from Zambia to steal ivory. The good Dr. Armstrong, reverts back to his military background and becomes the all-action hero, set on destroying all of those responsible, including a Taiwanese ambassador, that is seemingly hard to reach. Mr. Smith's description of the bush within the game reserves to the impenetrable forest sacred to the charismatic Bambuti tribe, really gives the reader a sense of place, due to his detailed knowledge of contrasting environments to be found on within the African continent. The book says much about the politics of African countries, and tribalism, and it's links with the Far East. Powerful action from start to finish, I highly recommend this book for anybody who has not enjoyed a Wilbur Smith novel.
