We’ve all seen the YouTube video, set to music, of Anthony Burke’s and John Rendall’s famous reunion with their African lion friend.  We’ve all shed tears, or at least a sniffle, at that improbable reunion.  The one thing we might not all know is the whole story.

The two Australians happened upon the young lion cub at Harrods in London, immediately bought him, and then proceeded to raise the cub in their London flat.  This book tells the beautiful story of how the three came together and how they changed each other’s lives.

The iconic footage from the 1970s depicts the wonderful moment when, after leaving Christian in Africa for a year to integrate with the other lions, they are reunited.  Christian does remember the two men who raised him.  If you haven’t seen this footage, go watch it right now.  And then you’ll want to read this wonderful novel too!  A Lion Called Christian is a must-read for any animal lover.