Beautifully Written Story with a Different Perspective

I loved reading this story with a new perspective on Iraqi wartime. Who ever thinks about preservation of the animals when your very life is threatened daily? Abu Laith does. His love for animals, especially the lion cub, is amazing given the war torn and dangerous environment he and his family live in and try to survive. I gained new perspective in what it is like to live with the threat of Isis. This story had humor as well as heartbreak, tension and moments of kindness and caring. You will fall for Abu because of his heart for animals but feel frustration with him also - why bring more children into such a bleak world, how can you become so complacent in the midst of a bullet ridden day. All in all - a great and engaging story!