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Story of Elsa #3
Forever Free: Elsa's Pride
The moving and dramatic climax to the story of Elsa and her cubs.
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
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551 people want to read
About the author
Joy Adamson
46 books87 followersJoy Adamson (born Friederike Victoria Gessner) was a naturalist, artist, and author best known for her book, Born Free, which describes her experiences raising a lion cub named Elsa. Born Free was printed in several languages, and made into an Academy Award-winning movie of the same name. In 1977, she was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art.
Born to Victor and Traute Gessner in Troppau, Silesia, Austria-Hungary (now Opava, Czech Republic) and was the 2nd of 3 girls. Her father was a wealthy architect. After the divorce of her parents, Joy went to live with her grandmother. In her autobiography The Searching Spirit, Adamson wrote about her grandmother, saying, "It is to her I owe anything that may be good in me."
Adamson considered careers as a concert pianist, and in medicine, but did not take her finals in medicine, instead chosing to get married. She married 3 times in the span of ten years. Her husbands were Viktor von Klarwill (Ziebel) 1902-1985, (Jewish Austrian), the botanist Peter Bally (divorced in 1942), who gave her the nickname "Joy", and lastly game warden George Adamson. Viktor sent her to Africa, Bally influenced her painting and drawing of the people and the plant life of Africa. 600 of her paintings now belong to the National Museum of Kenya. The Colonial Government of Kenya commissioned her to paint portraits of members of 22 tribes whose culture was vanishing.
It was during her marriage to George Adamson that she lived in tent camps in Kenya and first met Elsa, the topic of her famous book Born Free. Adamson is best known for her conservation efforts associated with Elsa the Lioness. They decided to set her free rather than send her to a zoo, and spent many months training her to hunt and survive on her own. They were successful in the end, and Elsa became the first lioness successfully released back into the wild, the first to have contact after release, and the first known to have cubs. The Adamsons kept their distance from the cubs, getting close enough only to photograph them. After the book was written and published in 1960, it became a bestseller, spending 13 weeks at the top of The New York Times Best Seller list and nearly a year on the chart overall.
After Elsa died, George and Joy Adamson separated and were not together after 1971. On 3 January 1980, in Shaba National Reserve in Kenya, Joy Adamson's body was discovered by her assistant, Peter Morson (sometimes reported as Pieter Mawson). He mistakenly assumed she had been killed by a lion, and this was what was initially reported by the media. Police investigation found Adamson's wounds were too sharp and bloodless to have been caused by an animal, and concluded she had been murdered. Paul Nakware Ekai, a discharged laborer formerly employed by Adamson, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to imprisonment at President Daniel arap Moi's pleasure. Joy's widower, George Adamson, was murdered 9 years later, in 1989, near his camp in Kora National by poachers.
Born to Victor and Traute Gessner in Troppau, Silesia, Austria-Hungary (now Opava, Czech Republic) and was the 2nd of 3 girls. Her father was a wealthy architect. After the divorce of her parents, Joy went to live with her grandmother. In her autobiography The Searching Spirit, Adamson wrote about her grandmother, saying, "It is to her I owe anything that may be good in me."
Adamson considered careers as a concert pianist, and in medicine, but did not take her finals in medicine, instead chosing to get married. She married 3 times in the span of ten years. Her husbands were Viktor von Klarwill (Ziebel) 1902-1985, (Jewish Austrian), the botanist Peter Bally (divorced in 1942), who gave her the nickname "Joy", and lastly game warden George Adamson. Viktor sent her to Africa, Bally influenced her painting and drawing of the people and the plant life of Africa. 600 of her paintings now belong to the National Museum of Kenya. The Colonial Government of Kenya commissioned her to paint portraits of members of 22 tribes whose culture was vanishing.
It was during her marriage to George Adamson that she lived in tent camps in Kenya and first met Elsa, the topic of her famous book Born Free. Adamson is best known for her conservation efforts associated with Elsa the Lioness. They decided to set her free rather than send her to a zoo, and spent many months training her to hunt and survive on her own. They were successful in the end, and Elsa became the first lioness successfully released back into the wild, the first to have contact after release, and the first known to have cubs. The Adamsons kept their distance from the cubs, getting close enough only to photograph them. After the book was written and published in 1960, it became a bestseller, spending 13 weeks at the top of The New York Times Best Seller list and nearly a year on the chart overall.
After Elsa died, George and Joy Adamson separated and were not together after 1971. On 3 January 1980, in Shaba National Reserve in Kenya, Joy Adamson's body was discovered by her assistant, Peter Morson (sometimes reported as Pieter Mawson). He mistakenly assumed she had been killed by a lion, and this was what was initially reported by the media. Police investigation found Adamson's wounds were too sharp and bloodless to have been caused by an animal, and concluded she had been murdered. Paul Nakware Ekai, a discharged laborer formerly employed by Adamson, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to imprisonment at President Daniel arap Moi's pleasure. Joy's widower, George Adamson, was murdered 9 years later, in 1989, near his camp in Kora National by poachers.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 17, 2022
This is the original first edition of Forever Free: Elsa's Pride from 1962. Most people now know the story of a female lion cub, who was raised in captivity, and then returned to the wild, to successfully go on to have her own cubs. This is the third part of the trilogy, written by Joy Adamson, wife of the Senior Game Warden of Kenya. Together, they made this remarkable story happen.
Forever Free: Elsa's Pride contains many monochrome photographs, on glossy paper in groups throughout the text, plus 2 or 3 coloured photographs and another as the frontispiece.
All the photographs are full page, or half page; a generous size as this book is larger than an average hardback. The print is "Collins Clear-Type", which is as it says a good clear text size for those who read normal print, and the paper is extremely good, of a heavy, dense quality, which has not even yellowed over the intervening 70 years. The book contains an Introduction by W.A.R. Collins, the publisher, who had met the couple. In stressing how loved Elsa had been around the world, he included a copy of a letter received by the then Prime Minister, the Honourable Harold MacMillan. It is from fans in Arkansas, Tennessee, U.S.A., asking for the whereabouts of "Elsa's mistress" as they said they would dearly love to have "glossy photographs of Elsa", to remember her by.
This is the second copy of Forever Free which I bought, as it was a vast improvement on the paperback. I also had a complete audio edition, and a composite, unillustrated Large Print volume, including the first two books "Born Free" and "Living Free".
Forever Free: Elsa's Pride contains many monochrome photographs, on glossy paper in groups throughout the text, plus 2 or 3 coloured photographs and another as the frontispiece.
All the photographs are full page, or half page; a generous size as this book is larger than an average hardback. The print is "Collins Clear-Type", which is as it says a good clear text size for those who read normal print, and the paper is extremely good, of a heavy, dense quality, which has not even yellowed over the intervening 70 years. The book contains an Introduction by W.A.R. Collins, the publisher, who had met the couple. In stressing how loved Elsa had been around the world, he included a copy of a letter received by the then Prime Minister, the Honourable Harold MacMillan. It is from fans in Arkansas, Tennessee, U.S.A., asking for the whereabouts of "Elsa's mistress" as they said they would dearly love to have "glossy photographs of Elsa", to remember her by.
This is the second copy of Forever Free which I bought, as it was a vast improvement on the paperback. I also had a complete audio edition, and a composite, unillustrated Large Print volume, including the first two books "Born Free" and "Living Free".
January 1, 2021
Forever Free is the third and last book of the Story of Elsa trilogy. The cubs are relocated to the Serengeti in Kenya, where they are supposed to blend in with the local wildlife. But Adamson continues to hover around them and behave like helicopter parents until the local authorities literally have to throw them out. Despite the author repeatedly insisting that she and her husband wanted the cubs to go wild, they did everything to keep them dependent and domesticated.
I enjoyed the descriptions of life in the Serengeti, and indeed, this is one place I really wish to visit sometime. But the couple’s heavy-handed behaviour and insistence on being given special treatment began to grate on me. It was quite obvious that Elsa’s cubs had nicely adapted and integrated but these two people randomly showing up and shooting meat for the cubs and giving them cod-liver oil kept hindering their progress. It’s like releasing your pet dog into a national park. They either adapt and survive or they don’t. You don’t get to join them and keep them as pets inside the park!
I think this was the best of all the three books as Adamson finally deigns to talk about the local wildlife and the interactions between different species and between animals and humans. The book also has some poignancy as Elsa finally dies of an infection and the couple takes it upon themselves to ensure the survival of the cubs. Despite the author’s bad behaviour, I quite enjoyed some parts of the book.
I enjoyed the descriptions of life in the Serengeti, and indeed, this is one place I really wish to visit sometime. But the couple’s heavy-handed behaviour and insistence on being given special treatment began to grate on me. It was quite obvious that Elsa’s cubs had nicely adapted and integrated but these two people randomly showing up and shooting meat for the cubs and giving them cod-liver oil kept hindering their progress. It’s like releasing your pet dog into a national park. They either adapt and survive or they don’t. You don’t get to join them and keep them as pets inside the park!
I think this was the best of all the three books as Adamson finally deigns to talk about the local wildlife and the interactions between different species and between animals and humans. The book also has some poignancy as Elsa finally dies of an infection and the couple takes it upon themselves to ensure the survival of the cubs. Despite the author’s bad behaviour, I quite enjoyed some parts of the book.
September 17, 2022
This is the first edition I owned of the remarkable story Forever Free. Like most of the population of Great Britain, I had been overwhelmed when I first saw the 1966 film "Born Free", and along with almost everyone else, rushed to buy the book it was based on and its sequels, (as soon as I had some birthday money). "Born Free" told the story of a female lion cub, Elsa, who , was raised in captivity, and then returned to the wild. "Living Free" described the fully-grown Elsa, and her cubs as they matured. This books completes the story of Elsa's life. The books were written by Joy Adamson, the wife of the Senior Game Warden of Kenya. Together, they had made this remarkable story happen in real life.
This edition dates from 1966, and is the third part of what had become a trilogy. I loved this book but as with all small paperbacks, the photographs contained seem a bit too small. Some are in monochrome, with only a few in colour, as the first edition of the book dates from 1962, and this was normal practice for the time. Eventually I was to buy a copy of the first edition, with larger photographs, (although that is now about to go to the charity shop).
Eventually in 1972, a film came out of this story, Forever Free, although confusingly, it was titled "Living Free". The film starred Susan Hampshire as Joy Adamson, with Nigel Davenport as her husband, George Adamson.
The three books, "Born Free", "Living Free" and Forever Free all had an significant impact on wildlife conservation and attitudes to the environment. I have read the books and watched the films many times over the years, and owned various edition including a composite, unillustrated Large Print volume, containing all three parts.
This edition dates from 1966, and is the third part of what had become a trilogy. I loved this book but as with all small paperbacks, the photographs contained seem a bit too small. Some are in monochrome, with only a few in colour, as the first edition of the book dates from 1962, and this was normal practice for the time. Eventually I was to buy a copy of the first edition, with larger photographs, (although that is now about to go to the charity shop).
Eventually in 1972, a film came out of this story, Forever Free, although confusingly, it was titled "Living Free". The film starred Susan Hampshire as Joy Adamson, with Nigel Davenport as her husband, George Adamson.
The three books, "Born Free", "Living Free" and Forever Free all had an significant impact on wildlife conservation and attitudes to the environment. I have read the books and watched the films many times over the years, and owned various edition including a composite, unillustrated Large Print volume, containing all three parts.
September 4, 2007
I first read this book when I was in high school in the 1970's and fell in love with both the books (sequals are Living Free and Forever Free) and the movie. It is a touching story where sometimes humans have to interfere with nature and the consequences that it may bring.
September 29, 2015
I've given this book 3/5 as I did with its prequels. Devastated by Elsa death and gutted by ending as it just kind of hit a wall and never got to find out what happened with cubs but I suppose that can't be helped. slightly easier to read than the previous two books but still annoyed by some of the unnecessary animal killings. To be completely honest it was nice to read Elsas story but on the other hand I was glad when I finished and could get on with another book that hopefully grabs my attention more. x
April 21, 2009
As a kid I loved wild animals and frequently watched Mutual Of Omahas Wild Kingdom (life before cable TV or 24/7 TV). It goes without saying that I was very moved by the recent release youtube.com had on Christian the Lion.
September 17, 2023
Elsa's cubs are just about a year old when Elsa becomes ill and dies. At the same time, the Adamson's receive an order to deport from the area they'd been living in. A search ensues and the cubs are relocated to the Serengheti National Park. This recounts that period of time.
On one hand, I'm sorry that there are only 3 books in this series. All 3 books were quick reads because I wanted so to know more about this lion family. It has been enjoyable to follow their lives.
On one hand, I'm sorry that there are only 3 books in this series. All 3 books were quick reads because I wanted so to know more about this lion family. It has been enjoyable to follow their lives.
December 9, 2023
It's been quite a while since I last read about Joy Adamson and her friendship with Elsa the lioness but this 3rd book in the trilogy instantly took me back to Africa to spend time again with them and the cubs. The ending felt a bit abrupt but, given the circumstances, I can't see what else could have been done.
July 29, 2023
Kesystä leijonasta Elsasta ja tämän pennuista kertova viimeinen osa.
Kertomus alkaa Elsan kuolemasta ja siitä, miten tämän pentujen kohtaloa aletaan pohtia. Tässä on paljon samoja ongelmia kuin aiemmassakin osassa eli luonnosta vieraantuminen ja paikallisiin väheksyvä suhtautuminen. Vaikka kumpikaan näistä ei ole suoraa, näkyy se kuitenkin selvästi, kun leijoniin ja ihmisiin suhtautumista vertaa.
Pidin kirjasta astetta enemmän kuin toisesta, koska kun aiempi kirja tuntui paljon tunteiden ohjaamalta, tässä oli mukana selkeää logiikkaa. Tarinankerronnallisesta suunnasta katsoen olisin toivonut tarinalle jotain selkeää ratkaisua: jos ei muuta, niin erilaisten vaihtoehtojen pohdintaa.
Nyt mukana oli vahvemmin myös pariskunnan tekemä pääasiallinen työ eli luonnonsuojelu, joka teki tarinasta heti mielenkiintoisemman.
Kertomus alkaa Elsan kuolemasta ja siitä, miten tämän pentujen kohtaloa aletaan pohtia. Tässä on paljon samoja ongelmia kuin aiemmassakin osassa eli luonnosta vieraantuminen ja paikallisiin väheksyvä suhtautuminen. Vaikka kumpikaan näistä ei ole suoraa, näkyy se kuitenkin selvästi, kun leijoniin ja ihmisiin suhtautumista vertaa.
Pidin kirjasta astetta enemmän kuin toisesta, koska kun aiempi kirja tuntui paljon tunteiden ohjaamalta, tässä oli mukana selkeää logiikkaa. Tarinankerronnallisesta suunnasta katsoen olisin toivonut tarinalle jotain selkeää ratkaisua: jos ei muuta, niin erilaisten vaihtoehtojen pohdintaa.
Nyt mukana oli vahvemmin myös pariskunnan tekemä pääasiallinen työ eli luonnonsuojelu, joka teki tarinasta heti mielenkiintoisemman.
May 10, 2024
I've read Born Free and Living Free but never knew there was another book till recently. I was very interested to know what the continuation to the story was so I got this used and I really enjoyed it. Though towards the end I did get a bit bored and found myself skimming through it to get to the ending.
June 19, 2021
Read this book whilst travelling through Tanzania.
Enjoyed it, but it was a little sad with some of the events that transpired.
Enjoyed it, but it was a little sad with some of the events that transpired.
July 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this book.
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June 19, 2024They say you did some great things. Yet every time you come to my sky, I find no difference between your voice from that of the housemaids; you know like when they beat the human kids so they can be dogs and cats instead. You pick your topics like they do; your tone is like their tone—maids’ tone. Even the way you choose to fight is like the obsidian snakes who think they are training us! I never replied to your stuff because I never really replied to house-maids’ stuff with enough interest and importance. Yes, I talk to them all the time, but that’s to grow my content, to keep my brain sharp with the focus on fight rather than what they say.
But with you, um, well, they say it’s a carousel fight, but I still do not know whether you are actually choosing those words with your own hands or are those by someone else.
I wonder what goes to your sky on behalf of me. I’d be concerned if the contents that go to people’s skies on behalf of me aren’t upto my personality, character, and standard. I definitely do not want to sound like house maids who talk about people’s face and looks. I mean, maids do that; that’s understandable. They are maids after all. They gotta turn humans into pets. But you? You are an author. And folks call you queen. Why not act like one? Next time, give me something that makes me want to begin a conversation. Because then, I’ll be able to ask you what I always wanted to ask: Have Elsa always been the master pleaser who expects to have the kingdom passed down to them?
But with you, um, well, they say it’s a carousel fight, but I still do not know whether you are actually choosing those words with your own hands or are those by someone else.
I wonder what goes to your sky on behalf of me. I’d be concerned if the contents that go to people’s skies on behalf of me aren’t upto my personality, character, and standard. I definitely do not want to sound like house maids who talk about people’s face and looks. I mean, maids do that; that’s understandable. They are maids after all. They gotta turn humans into pets. But you? You are an author. And folks call you queen. Why not act like one? Next time, give me something that makes me want to begin a conversation. Because then, I’ll be able to ask you what I always wanted to ask: Have Elsa always been the master pleaser who expects to have the kingdom passed down to them?
March 31, 2010
The last book in this series gets one less star than the rest because I absolutely hated the ending, which in turn made me dislike most of the second half of the book. I will not ruin it for anyone who plans to read it, but I must voice how angry I am. Otherwise, I loved the series. They are exactly my kind of books.
March 19, 2012
The true story of Elsa and the adamsom family, heart warming, part 3 now about the cubs and how there hunting skills are and if they can survive the wild.
April 16, 2013
Final chapter of Elsa, Great read.
August 1, 2014
I kinda lost it when Elsa died. So sad :( and I love how Joy and her husband took it upon themselves to ensure that the cubs would survive in honour of her memory, despite the great toll it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews