A tough story written simply. Abu Laith (Iraqi for "Father of Lions") is an amazing conundrum of a character who through sheer will-power keeps alive animals in a private zoo in Mosul before, during and after the Isis invasion and occupation of the city. The look at life during the occupation is harrowing. And the rescue of the animals after the Iraqi army liberates the city is just as high-stress. The story highlights all the ills humans can visit upon one another through pride, greed, religious fanaticism, indifference, ad infinitum. At times I thought I was reading about the current political situation in the US. Thankfully, the story also spotlights the grace-filled aspects of human nature. ( )

This book is about the people who helped keep the animals of the Mosul Zoo alive during the city's occupation by ISIS and just after its liberation. I had thought the book would be more about the animals, but I was not at all disappointed that the focus was on the people. Sadly, I'd never really stopped to think about the hardships they endured during that period, so this book was eye opening for me. It really mattered to me what happened to them, so I was a little disappointed with the way Abu Laith and Hakam pretty much disappeared from the account once Dr. Amir entered the picture. Abu Laith still had some involvement in getting the animals to safety, so I would have liked to have seen some of those scenes through his eyes. Also, I would have liked to see a little more how Hakam was involved with the animal rescue. Also, I wish there had been a map and some photos, though I did read an ARC. Hopefully those features are available in the finished copy.

Overall this was definitely a worthwhile read, reminding us that, though difficulties bring out the worst in some, in others they bring out the best. Thank you BookishFirst for the ARC. ( )

I very much enjoyed this book, even though it wasn’t really a “couldn’t put it down” type of read. Abu Laith, The “Father of Lions,” is an animal lover who cares for the wildlife left behind at Mosul zoo after two and a half years of ISIS occupation. Based on true events, the book chronicles the passion and determination of a handful of individuals in their attempt to feed and provide for the zoo animals—and ultimately attempt a rescue.

Father of Lions doesn’t just focus on the hardships of the animals, but on the war torn and worn down people of the region. The author brings to light their histories, their struggles, their culture, their emotions and their survival. The book is very well written and engaging. Abu Laith is quite the character and his love for his lion Zombie is heartwarming. ( )

This book is much more than a book about a zookeeper and his animals. Callaghan writes of the occupation of Mosul by Daesh, the new laws invoked that make daily life very difficult for the citizens of Mosul, the threat of constant attacks, the fear of leaving their homes in order to escape the notice of the jihadis, Iraqi history and culture.

As the fighting between the government forces and militants intensifies in Mosul, the animals in the zoo are starving. The lives of the Mosul residents are turned upside down as they now live with the constant fear of coming to the attention of the jihadis. Women who had worn western-style clothing now are required to wear the suffocating garb demanded by ISIS. A strict curfew was invoked. Food becomes scarce and very expensive. People live under the threat of constant attacks.

The story centers on Abu Laith who was always a lover of animals. He risks his life to keep the animals alive while having to make difficult decisions in order to keep his family safe. He has a special attachment to the little lion Zombie. Callaghan introduces us to Dr. Amir who is an international rescue vet that becomes aware of the dire situation of the animals in Iraq,

Callaghan performed extensive research to bring us the true story of Abu Laith and his bravery in protecting the animals of Mosul. She details the atrocities and cruelness of a country at war. But she also reveals the compassion and humaneness that can still be found among the ruins. While many thought Abu Laith should just kill the animals for meat, he refused. He truly loved and respected the animals and fought for their lives.

It was a difficult read for me. I ached for the animals who were at the mercy of humans and were fortunate to have Abu Laith fight for them. I also ached for the humans whose lives would never be normal again, people at the mercy of power-hungry, crazy people who hid under the cover of religious fanatics. It was especially painful for me as I worked with the Iraqi military and felt the aftermath of the assassination of a couple of them. Men who only wanted peace and security for their children and grandchildren. ( )

By maidenapple

I received this book in a bookishfirst giveaway. I found this book completely fascinating! This story gave the reader so much insight into what ordinary families go through living in a city under Isis occupation. I love how the author brought the fears and worries of real people to life. The fear of a woman who discovers she is pregnant and is afraid to go to the hospital because of the occupying forces in her city. I also really admire the courage portrayed and the heartbreak of families being separated because they were afraid to keep their unmarried daughters with them in a city under occupation. There is also the story of the main characters love for animals and his determination to care for them and protect them. This was truly a beautiful story that needed to be told. ( )