The Rumbling Island: True stories from the forests of India- Zai Whitaker

 

“The Rumbling Island- True stories from the forests of India” Edited by Zai Whitaker is a book that encompasses a collection of writings on Indian natural history.  For anyone who is a wild life enthusiast and a naturalist this book should be a gold mine for adventure and enlightenment. If you love adventure, you will love this book. For others like me, this book is like a travel to a world unknown. A book that not only adults will enjoy but children and young adults will treasure.

Each of the chapters have been authored by separate writers based upon their real- life experience or encounters. The chapters are from different time zones and decades and that’s what makes it interesting. Some of the chapters have already been published in renowned magazines.

To start with, the introduction chapter gives a detailed account of how the editor, Zai Whitaker, got into the project and the process that was followed to first make a collection of all the available stories and writings on the Indian natural history and wild life. In this introductory chapters, emphasis has also been laid on the concepts of total protection of natural life and sustainable development.

Coming to the selected writings that take the form of various chapters in this book, all the stories and writings offers something unique to the reader. Some offer glimpses to the unheard off adventures and others offer come thrilling rides around the natural environment and wild life. There are chapters that almost take you back to motion picture movies but the only difference being that these are real experiences that enlighten the reader to the next level.

 The chapter titled, “Tiger Cave” where the writer narrates his experience of observing a family of tigers in a cave from close range without the tigers being aware of his presence is an absolute thrill ride. Absorbing the entire surrounding through the written words makes one actually experience the thrill in an almost virtual reality experience.

 “Agasthyamalai’s sacred Slope” is another chapter where the writer narrates his experience of visiting the scared “Agasthyamalai” at 1866 meters, highest point in the southernmost tip of India. Readers who love travel and adventures and mountain trips will love this chapter.

 “Zoo Girl” is one more chapter where in the writer narrates her story of how she ends up bringing up a family of tiger cubs.  This is beautifully written, and in this chapter, what comes out is the understanding of the science behind the behavior of the species and the animals. The reader will enjoy the explanation of science behind certain aspects of a tiger and it shall surely be a great knowledge addition to one.

There’s one chapter titled, “On the Trail of the Giant crocs” written by Rom Whitaker where in the writer narrates his experiences as he ventures on a journey to find giant crocodiles. In this chapter, one shall come across a varied species of crocodiles, like -Saltwater Crocodile, Nile Crocodile, American Crocodile, Orinoco Crocodile, False Gharial and Gharial.

“Bob Hoots” by Shanthi Chando is an absolute fun ride narrating the adventurous story of spotted owlets. A wonderfully happening actual life story that will surely bring a smile on the face of the reader. This story again brings forward the understanding of science of behavior of the species. Children will surely enjoy this story if someone reads it to them.

Don’t miss the chapter – Meroe- The Rumbling Island written by Manish Chandi. It will take you to an actual place that still exists in the current world far away from the maddening and chaotic world.

The book is a quick read of 105 pages. If one sits through, they can finish the book at one go of some two to three hours. However, to enjoy the chapters one by one, it would be recommended that read one chapter at a time, and then absorb it contents, think over the story and enjoy the thrill ride one story a day. This shall ensure that the book is enjoyed over a period some days or weeks perhaps.