The Rhino Keeper
A novel by Jillian Forsberg
Based on the true story of the first animal celebrity.
A Dutch sea captain traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th century Europe. This is their story.
THE RHINO KEEPER evokes both the thrill of discovery in the archives and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhinoceros.
As Douwe becomes protectively dedicated to adventuring with Clara, unexpected love finds him, and his heart starts to tear. Will he choose a life with a traveling wonder-beast forever, or can love exist in many forms for the rhino keeper?
2022 - College student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a centuries-old mystery in Holland: strange documents, a carved rhinoceros on an ancient grave, and a secret buried deep beneath the earth. What she finds will challenge her understanding of history-and of herself.
1740 - Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer possesses what no European has seen in generations: a living rhinoceros. Together, he and Clara travel across Europe, thrilling peasants and queens alike. But when devotion turns to obsession, and admiration to fear, Douwe must face the limits of his own wonder.
Among those enchanted by Clara is a young artist named Johann Joachim Kändler, whose porcelain creations capture the creature's grace-and whose ambition will one day take center stage in Forsberg's companion novel, The Porcelain Menagerie.
Narrated by Caroline Hewitt, The Rhino Keeper evokes the marvel of discovery and the danger of desire. Continue the journey with The Porcelain Menagerie, also from History Through Fiction-where the artist who sculpted Clara's likeness becomes the master of a court built on fragile beauty.
Praise for The Rhino Keeper
"This particular historical fiction release had strong 'you're going to read it in book club' vibes."
Paste Magazine's The Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books of Fall 2024
"A captivating debut you'll never forget."
- Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Witch of Tin
Mountain
"A charming page turner perfect for animal and history lovers alike."
- Diana Giovinazzo, author of Antoinette's Sister
"Readers of Forsberg's accomplished debut will find their hearts expanded with each page they turn."
- Molly Greeley, author of MARVELOUS
"An absorbing delight from start to finish."
- Glynis Ridley, author of Clara's Grand Tour. Travels with a Rhinoceros in Eighteenth-Century Europe
"An unusual delight that will enrapture fans of historical fiction."
- Olivia Hawker, bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow
"How can anyone resist a tale about a rhinoceros named Clara and the salty seaman who loves her?"
- Elizabeth R. Andersen, author of The Alewives
"The Rhino Keeper is both a historical mystery and a tale of old-world adventure, reminding us that even the wishes we take to our grave may someday come true after all."
- Sarah Penner, NYT Bestselling Author of The Lost Apothecary and The Amalfi Curse