A Lion Called Christian

by John Rendall and Anthony Bourke

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - "A stirring tale of a rare bond formed between humans and an animal."--Time

Two men. One baby lion. What could go wrong?

A Lion Called Christian tells the remarkable story of how Anthony "Ace" Bourke and John Rendall, visitors to London from Australia in 1969, bought a boisterous lion cub in the pet department of Harrods. For several months, the three of them...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767932374
• ISBN13: 9780767932370
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

How Doesn't Love a Lion?

Like most people, Christian was unknown to me before YouTube. But once I saw the reunion between Christian and John & Ace, it was all over. I really couldn't wait to read the story of this incredible friendship, and was not dissapointed in John and Ace's book. It was funny, warm, touching and most of all...proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that love really does know no boundaries. If you want to feel good, read this book. What a nice change from the usual murder mysteries, political junky books, etc. You won't be sorry if you buy this book.

If you liked "Born Free," you'll love this book too!

Same gut-rentching LOVE as in Born Free. Awesome story, awsome Cat, awesome young guys. The Love that the three of them shared is only a dream for those of us who love animals. Excellent!

This Is A "True Love Story!"

I 1st saw this most touching video on UTube.com! I cried my eyes out!! I had to know how this most unusual love story came about!! I found this book extremely touching....how all living things on this planet have a connection!! John & Ace are true heroes!! Great & Most Touching Read!! Great Pics Too!!

Awww.....

I'll write this from a slightly different perspective. Everyone who has seen and enjoyed the video (but didn't cry or weep or have some other strange reaction) is probably wondering: ok, but is the book any good? The answer is yes. It is well organized, fun, interesting and wonderfully written. Rendall and Rourke are also surprisingly self-aware. They admit numerous times that owning a lion was a dangerous, one-in-a-lifetime decision that they were lucky to escape positively. Their story is one that is so strangely fascinating that it's shocking to think it happened as recently as the 1970s. They were selling lions in department stores back then? It feels like a different world. This is probably why the book is so fun to read - it is a rare mix of exotic animals, nostalgia, British and Hollywood glamour and a love story. Again, for the skeptical or the curious, this book is worth reading and will be enjoyed. Just keep the anticipation to the minimum as A Lion Called Christian is a short read that you'll burn through quickly.It's better if you can appreciate that moment than be disappointed by its brevity.

Moving and Inspiring Read!!

I was introduced to this story when I saw the Youtube video of the reunion between Christian and his original caretakers and was moved to tears- amazing moment! I did not even know a book had already been released shortly after the reunion with Christian in 1971. So when this rerelease was brought to my attention, I scooped it up on day 1. I read it in one sitting and was so deeply moved by this story. I cried, I laughed and most of all, I walked away with such a deep admiration for conservation workers who rehabilitate animals to their natural habitats. The love the 2 caretakers felt for Christian and his mutual affection is very touching!! If we could all show the same love and admiration for all animals, we could make enormous progress in ensuring their health, safety and well-being. Everyone should sit down and read this incredible story and hopefully walk away as inspired as I was :-)