Description

Father of Lions

In Father of Lions, Louise Callaghan, an acclaimed and award-winning journalist, takes us on a powerful journey through the evacuation of the Mosul Zoo. The story revolves around Abu Laith, the dedicated zookeeper, and the incredible bond he forms with the animals, including Simba the lion cub, and Lula the bear.

Callaghan’s vivid and true-to-life narrative captures the resilience and humanity that emerges in the aftermath of war. What sets Father of Lions apart is its ability to tug at the heartstrings of readers. Callaghan skillfully weaves together the stories of the rescued animals, creating a deeply emotional and captivating account.

This book will undoubtedly resonate with fans of bestsellers like The Zookeeper’s Wife and The Bookseller of Kabul, who appreciate narratives that explore the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of adversity. Moreover, Father of Lions appeals to those who are drawn to true animal stories. Callaghan’s storytelling prowess shines as she brings to life the experiences of these remarkable creatures. Readers who have been moved by heartwarming tales such as A Streetcat Named Bob, Marley and Me, and Finding Atticus will find themselves engrossed in the pages of this book.

Through the lens of Abu Laith’s love for both lions and life, Callaghan reveals the profound connection between humor, defiance, and the pursuit of freedom for both humans and animals. In summary, Father of Lions is a remarkable debut by Louise Callaghan that combines a gripping narrative of humanity in the aftermath of war with a heartwarming account of rescued animals. This book will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.

Furthermore, it will captivate those who are drawn to true animal stories, as Callaghan’s vivid storytelling brings the experiences of these remarkable creatures to life. Through the lens of Abu Laith’s unwavering love for both lions and life, Callaghan reminds us of the power of humor, defiance, and the universal desire for freedom.

Never before revealed, the in-depth true story behind the amazing rescue was seen in The New York Times, People, The New Yorker, Time, PBS, and more.

Louise Callaghan

Is the Middle East correspondent for the Sunday Times (U.K), one of the youngest ever hired by the paper. She has had long-form pieces published in The Sunday Times Magazine, Vogue, and The Times Literary Supplement. She won New Journalist of the Year at the 2016 British Press Awards and Young Journalist of the Year at the 2017 British Journalism Awards, the Marie Colvin Award for British Journalism, and was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in European media in 2018. Father of Lions is her first book.

Author’s Note

This book is a true story. The events that take place in it were described to me by the people who lived through them, although certain names and details have been changed. I cross-referenced their accounts and checked facts as closely as I could in what had recently been an active war zone. I spent hundreds of hours interviewing the main characters, in Mosul and elsewhere, trying to get as many details as I could to bring this story to life.

Character List

Abu Laith- would-be zookeeper and Father of Lions

Lumia – Abu Laith’s wife

Marwan – Abu Laith’s spy inside the zoo

Abu Laith and Lumia’s children and stepchildren

Dalal- Lives in Baghdad, works in Military Intelligence

Lubna, Oula, and Mohammed – were sent to Baghdad with Dalal

Luay- Geography student

Abdulrahman- would -be zookeeper’s apprentice

Nour, Ashraf (Geggo), Mo’men, Shuja

Hakam- chemist and guitar player

Hasna- Hakam’s sister, a student of English Literature

Arwa- Hakam’s Mother

Said- Hakam’s father

Abu Hareth- Isis member who despises Abu Laith

Ahmed- manager of the park where the zoo is located

Ibrahim- Former owner of the animals

Muna- Abu Laith’s first wife

Sara- Abu Laith’s long-lost flame