Meditating with Rhinos

by Helena Kriel

Helena Kriel finds herself in deep personal crisis, where she's forced to ask Where do I belong? After the writers' strike in LA renders her useless and her marriage falls apart, she travels back in Johannesburg. Little does she know that she'll find clarity in the African bush as she volunteers to work with baby rhinos, orphaned by poaching. Using the ancient technique of meditation, Helena finds she can access these broken beings, to connect through nature and find new homes. 

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Abbie Skotnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving testimony to these magnificent and resilient creatures. Written with such sensitivity and intimacy - a definite must read!

[Suzanne Jefferies · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were many things I loved about this book: Helena’s raw descriptions about the dissolution of a marriage that promised so much more, the heartfelt horror of the orphaned baby rhinos (I sobbed) and the finding of her way in the mud and guts of surrogate motherhood, and the call to reclaim our own wildness before it’s too late. Helena’s writing is gorgeous, evocative, and an immersion into the landscapes of LA and SA.

But, there were some parts that felt as if they hadn’t been edited properly. As if this work had a rush deadline...

I very much look forward to her next work.

[Louw Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, although sometimes a bit preachy. Nevertheless, I know a lot more about rhinos now. I take my hat off to the people of Babyrhinorescue. Great work and we appreciate you.

[Vinícius Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A life-changing book. A necessary read for the present time.

[Lorinda Papazoglou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!! These beautiful words! This story proves to us that anyone can make a difference. From a rock bottom, emotionally drained, empty space back to finding her true self again, this is much more than a memoir. It’s a handbook to living life differently, to the plight of vulnerable and exploited animals and doing something to change things. You meet incredible people along the way - least if which is Helena Kriel’s remarkable family whom I feel I know, having read her wonderful previous book; The Year of Facing Fire. I want to pack up and go into the wild and sit with Rhinos. I want to meet the remarkable people who are at the coal face. This book is pure magic, well researched, beautifully written and very highly recommended.

[Glenda Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read! It tackles so many issues that we face with relationships. The sensitive issue of Rhino poaching and the various ways people who care are handling it. It also addresses the affect rhinos have on climate change with the passion of activists like Greta Thunberg. Thank you for making me see things differently.

[Olwyn Garratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book as I had recently completed the Lawrence Anthony books on rhino and elephant conservation. I am also currently enjoying memoirs rather more than novels because I anticipate that the voice of the author is more authentic. I did not, however, complete this book, because I found the presence of the author overwhelmed the story that she was writing.

[Thato Mphela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational and enlightening

[Raylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful sentimental book,Well written.