What do you think?
Rate this book
Reflections of Eden: My Years with the Orangutans of Borneo
From the first, it was an adventure. In 1971, at age twenty-five, Galdikas left the placid world of American academia for the remote jungles of Indonesian Borneo. Living with her husband in a primitive camp, she became surrogate mother to a "family" of ex-captive orangutans - and gradually adjusted to the blood-sucking leeches, swarms of carnivorous insects, and constant humidity that rotted her belongings in the first year. Her first son spent the early years of his life at Camp Leakey with adopted orangutans as his only playmates. The wild orangutans Galdikas studied and the ex-captives she rehabilitated became an extended family of characters no less vivid than her human companions. Throatpouch, a huge and irritable grouch, fought off rivals for the right to claim adolescent Priscilla as his mate. Handsome Cara at first tried to rid the forest of its human intruder by hurling dead branches at Galdikas from the canopy above. Little Sugito, rescued from a cramped cage and returned to the jungle claimed Galdikas as his mother and clung to her fiercely, night and day, for months. A groundbreaking chronicler of the orangutans' life cycle, Galdikas also describes the threats that increasingly menace the battles with poachers and loggers, the illicit trade in infant orangutans, the frustrations of official bureaucracy. Her story is a rare combination of personal epiphany, crucial scientific discovery, and international impact - a life of human and environmental challenge. Reflections of Eden is the third act of a drama that has captivated the the story of a pioneering primatologist, a world leader in conservation, and a remarkable woman.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
48 people are currently reading
2207 people want to read
About the author
Biruté M.F. Galdikas
5 books36 followersBirutė Marija Filomena Galdikas, OC (born 10 May 1946), is a primatologist, conservationist, ethologist, and author of several books relating to the endangered orangutan, particularly the Bornean orangutan. Well known in the field of modern primatology, Galdikas is recognized as a leading authority on orangutans. Prior to her field study of orangutans, scientists knew little about the species.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 21, 2012
Just basically want to be her.
October 25, 2013
One of the giants of primate research and of conservation, Birute Galdikas here describes her life's work with the Orangutans of Borneo. It's an amazing story, mixing her field observations with her biography, which is fascinating and includes her interactions with other giants of the field, Fossey, Goodall, and Leakey. If we had more people like Galdikas, the world would be a better place.
November 13, 2022
Birutė rašo, kad žvelgdami orangutanui į akis, mes matome jose savo sielų atspindį, atspindį Rojaus, kuris kadaise buvo mūsų.
Lietuvių kilmės tyrinėtoja, paskyrė savo gyvenimą žmogbeždžionėms Borneo džiunglėse. Knyga, kuri ir autobiografija, ir pilna nuotykių. Labai informatyvi, įdomiai skaitoma. Lengvai plaukiau tekstu, nors ne viskas buvo maloniai skaitoma. Labai gaila, kad žmogaus ranka visur pasiekia. Ji ne tik glosto, bet ir skriaudžia.
Birutė įdėjo daug pastangų, kad ši rūšis neišnyktų, apsaugotų kertamus miškus, kurie taip reikalingi išgyventi orangutanams. Ji atvirai rašo apie sėkmes ir sunkumus, laukusius jos.
Žaviuosi jos stiprybe ir atsidavimu. Puiki knyga. Įdomi bus ne tik gamtos mylėtojams. Juo labiau, kad joje ne vien apie orangutanus, bet ir apie šalį, jos papročius, augimą.
Lietuvių kilmės tyrinėtoja, paskyrė savo gyvenimą žmogbeždžionėms Borneo džiunglėse. Knyga, kuri ir autobiografija, ir pilna nuotykių. Labai informatyvi, įdomiai skaitoma. Lengvai plaukiau tekstu, nors ne viskas buvo maloniai skaitoma. Labai gaila, kad žmogaus ranka visur pasiekia. Ji ne tik glosto, bet ir skriaudžia.
Birutė įdėjo daug pastangų, kad ši rūšis neišnyktų, apsaugotų kertamus miškus, kurie taip reikalingi išgyventi orangutanams. Ji atvirai rašo apie sėkmes ir sunkumus, laukusius jos.
Žaviuosi jos stiprybe ir atsidavimu. Puiki knyga. Įdomi bus ne tik gamtos mylėtojams. Juo labiau, kad joje ne vien apie orangutanus, bet ir apie šalį, jos papročius, augimą.
August 7, 2022
Birute Galdikas is the Jane Goodall of orangutans. Like with Jane (but 10 or 11 years later), Birute was recruited by Louis Leakey to do field work. So in 1971, Birute and her husband Rod headed to Borneo to study orangutans. Once they arrived, they found that – although illegal – people also kept orangutans as pets. Birute decided immediately that she wanted to also start a sort of nursery/sanctuary/rehab where these once-captive orangutans (mostly infants) could come, then head back to the wild when they were ready. And as with all great apes, the habitat is disappearing around them, making it very difficult for them to survive, so Birute and Rod also tried to get help creating and enforcing the boundaries of the reserve that held many of the orangutans.
The book was published in 1995 and at that time, Birute was still in Borneo doing her orangutan studies. The book also goes into detail about Birute’s personal life – her marriage(s) and children. I’ve read lots about Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, but except for one graphic novel that included all three, this is the first I’ve read about Birute. Her book alternates chapters between some of the orangutans and the other topics in the book (though, of course, they all overlap). Very good book, but know that there is a lot more to this one than “just” the animals.
The book was published in 1995 and at that time, Birute was still in Borneo doing her orangutan studies. The book also goes into detail about Birute’s personal life – her marriage(s) and children. I’ve read lots about Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, but except for one graphic novel that included all three, this is the first I’ve read about Birute. Her book alternates chapters between some of the orangutans and the other topics in the book (though, of course, they all overlap). Very good book, but know that there is a lot more to this one than “just” the animals.
January 18, 2008
Birute Galdikas has devoted her life to studying and protecting the remarkable orangutans of Indonesia. This autobiographical account of her tenacity in the face of all manner of difficulties is well worth your time. Now in her sixties, she still lives and works in Indonesia, attempting to protect orangutans from habitat destruction, poaching, logging, gold mining, government corruption, the black market in wild animals, and the many people who believe that owning a wild animal confers high status upon them.
Galdikas was the third female primatologist supported by Louis Leakey. Dubbed "Leakey's Angels," (a term I detest, a throwback to the days when "Charlie's Angels" was a hit TV series) Galdikas, along with Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, devoted their careers to primatology. Leakey rightly assumed that public understanding of primates was key to gaining acceptance for his paleoanthropological discoveries; primatology also facilitates understanding evolutionary theory. (That part didn't work out so well in the US.)
A generous supporter of young scientists, and supportive of her adopted country, Indonesia, Galdikas has recieved recognition in her field and from her colleages both in scientific and in conservation circles. But she has earned less international acclaim and recognition than one might expect. Less inclined to self-promotion (or less skilled at it) than Goodall or Fossey, Galdikas is in some ways the most interesting figure of the three, deserving at least their levels of acclaim.
Galdikas was the third female primatologist supported by Louis Leakey. Dubbed "Leakey's Angels," (a term I detest, a throwback to the days when "Charlie's Angels" was a hit TV series) Galdikas, along with Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, devoted their careers to primatology. Leakey rightly assumed that public understanding of primates was key to gaining acceptance for his paleoanthropological discoveries; primatology also facilitates understanding evolutionary theory. (That part didn't work out so well in the US.)
A generous supporter of young scientists, and supportive of her adopted country, Indonesia, Galdikas has recieved recognition in her field and from her colleages both in scientific and in conservation circles. But she has earned less international acclaim and recognition than one might expect. Less inclined to self-promotion (or less skilled at it) than Goodall or Fossey, Galdikas is in some ways the most interesting figure of the three, deserving at least their levels of acclaim.
May 3, 2020
Loved the first half of the book and then it really was just more of the same followed up by more biographical information on her family,so I began skimming around page 270.
Birute's life story is amazing (talk about law of attraction giving her a perfect path to her dreams!) and the orangutans are wonderful and fun to read about. However,since the orangutans were,for the first while,wild ones being observed,this memoir lacks the emotional intensity of a bond between human and animal, they're more distant observations. Once Birute becomes surrogate mother to once captive orphans,the stories become a bit more amusing,but they still feel...flat and unattached, it's hard to visualize the magic of such a relationship because it just isn't provided in her writing style, moreover she describes how tiring it is caring for them rather than how funny and individual they are.
The last few chapters are about her having her first child and her husband leaving her for a teenage assistant. My blood is still boiling over that,he even had the nerve to mention her pregnancy weight gain as a reason he didn't want her anymore! I'd like to give him a good cuff round the ear!!!! She falls in love again however and finishes the book with a summary of Jane Goodall and Dian Fosseys career successes. So not much about apes themselves going on for quite awhile.
It is a good book and I truly enjoyed it until it just seemed homogeneous a little past halfway through. I did shed a few tears at a very sad part. She did amazing things and is an incredible lady,I'm glad I read about her adventures.
Birute's life story is amazing (talk about law of attraction giving her a perfect path to her dreams!) and the orangutans are wonderful and fun to read about. However,since the orangutans were,for the first while,wild ones being observed,this memoir lacks the emotional intensity of a bond between human and animal, they're more distant observations. Once Birute becomes surrogate mother to once captive orphans,the stories become a bit more amusing,but they still feel...flat and unattached, it's hard to visualize the magic of such a relationship because it just isn't provided in her writing style, moreover she describes how tiring it is caring for them rather than how funny and individual they are.
The last few chapters are about her having her first child and her husband leaving her for a teenage assistant. My blood is still boiling over that,he even had the nerve to mention her pregnancy weight gain as a reason he didn't want her anymore! I'd like to give him a good cuff round the ear!!!! She falls in love again however and finishes the book with a summary of Jane Goodall and Dian Fosseys career successes. So not much about apes themselves going on for quite awhile.
It is a good book and I truly enjoyed it until it just seemed homogeneous a little past halfway through. I did shed a few tears at a very sad part. She did amazing things and is an incredible lady,I'm glad I read about her adventures.
November 16, 2017
We all know about Fossey and Goodall. This book enlightens us to the work of Louis Leakey’s third great ape researcher.
May 18, 2018
In the words of Jane Goodall, "this is an unforgettable book written by a remarkable woman". The lengths at which this woman has gone to save the endangered orangutan and the tropical rain forests across Borneo (and, the world as a whole) is astounding. This book is truly phenomenal and his transformed the way I think about, not only the species of the red ape, but also our species, the human, and our distinct similarities to the other great apes.
Galdikas has illustrated her story in such a way that the reader never gets bored. In explanation, she might talk about an individual orangutan for a few pages, but then she will move swiftly on to another (albeit closely related) topic, such as what was going on at Camp Leakey that day. By doing this, she is ensuring that the reader never feels 'stressed out' when reading such a factually loaded book and, as a result of this, her audience encompasses a wide range of people with varying ages and personalities. However, all her readers have at least one thing in common: a sparked interest in primatology.
The main purpose of this book is most probably to inform the reader about the orangutan, it's traits and it's behaviour, but there is an underlying persuasive tone which is relatively prominent throughout the book, not least through her paragraphs dedicated solely to saving the species. It is, however, presented by describing the lives of individual wild orangutans, making the reader feel attached to them, and then immediately dedicating a paragraph to how illegal loggers are destroying their habitat. This makes the reader feel almost responsible because people from their own species are ruining habitats from another, therefore they feel more inclined to partake in conservation.
In addition, she tells us the traumas that ex-captive orangutans have had to endure and illustrates individual success stories and, as a result, almost forces the reader to feel strongly against the illegal pet trade. In all likelihood, if you are considering reading this book, then you are probably already against the illegal pet trade. In this case, Galdikas is trying to persuade you, the reader, to spread awareness about it and try to prevent it.
She does all this in such a way that the reader feels in no way that she is personally attacking them, rather that she is voicing her opinion and you can choose whether or not you agree with it. And that is the beauty within this book: her expertise and general way with words makes the reader overly inclined to agree and, thus, Galdikas achieve her goal.
If you are considering picking up this book, I couldn't recommend it enough. Whoever you are, this book is guaranteed to change your perception of life.
Galdikas has illustrated her story in such a way that the reader never gets bored. In explanation, she might talk about an individual orangutan for a few pages, but then she will move swiftly on to another (albeit closely related) topic, such as what was going on at Camp Leakey that day. By doing this, she is ensuring that the reader never feels 'stressed out' when reading such a factually loaded book and, as a result of this, her audience encompasses a wide range of people with varying ages and personalities. However, all her readers have at least one thing in common: a sparked interest in primatology.
The main purpose of this book is most probably to inform the reader about the orangutan, it's traits and it's behaviour, but there is an underlying persuasive tone which is relatively prominent throughout the book, not least through her paragraphs dedicated solely to saving the species. It is, however, presented by describing the lives of individual wild orangutans, making the reader feel attached to them, and then immediately dedicating a paragraph to how illegal loggers are destroying their habitat. This makes the reader feel almost responsible because people from their own species are ruining habitats from another, therefore they feel more inclined to partake in conservation.
In addition, she tells us the traumas that ex-captive orangutans have had to endure and illustrates individual success stories and, as a result, almost forces the reader to feel strongly against the illegal pet trade. In all likelihood, if you are considering reading this book, then you are probably already against the illegal pet trade. In this case, Galdikas is trying to persuade you, the reader, to spread awareness about it and try to prevent it.
She does all this in such a way that the reader feels in no way that she is personally attacking them, rather that she is voicing her opinion and you can choose whether or not you agree with it. And that is the beauty within this book: her expertise and general way with words makes the reader overly inclined to agree and, thus, Galdikas achieve her goal.
If you are considering picking up this book, I couldn't recommend it enough. Whoever you are, this book is guaranteed to change your perception of life.
December 24, 2018
Great adventure and how amazing to have lived and watched the Orangutans of Borneo. Readers follow along with the danger, the struggles and the wonderful journey.
February 10, 2024
This book is remarkable. Galdikas is so easily able to immerse you in the forest and bring these creatures to life. The writing is not exceptional, but it is valuable and compelling. Effortlessly and beautifully, she blurs the lines between human and orangutan and illuminates what it means to be both, what it means to be primate, and explores our place in this planet. Composed and eloquent, mystical and philosophical, Reflections of Eden is truly a fitting title; these creatures are distillations of something we as humans left behind. A refined and almost holy manifestation of the simian social spirit that is dignified and transcendent but so recognizable. So so good
September 30, 2022
Such an amazing read!!! Excellent storytelling that engrosses you in the lives of both orangutans and Birute herself, while also giving you the facts of life in Borneo and Indonesia. I learned a lot and was completely engaged, what more can you ask for!
October 14, 2021
Labai nuobodi knyga, pabaigiau tik iš pagarbos autorei. Įtariu, kad knyga todėl sunkiai skaitėsi, kad yra prastas vertimas. Kažkokios nesuvokiamos žodžių džiunglės, negyva kalba, kokia niekas realiam gyvenime nei kalba, nei rašo. Perskaitai ir bandai suprast, kas turėta omeny. Nah.
July 17, 2016
What Jane Goodall is to the chimpanzee and Dian Fossey was to the gorilla, Birute Galdikas is to the orangutan. I would venture to say a lot fewer people have heard of Dr. Galdikas than of the other two scientists, even though they were all sent off on their various studies by Dr. Louis Leakey and all work with great apes. However, orangutans are mostly solitary creatures who live their lives in the trees of Indonesia, rather than social land-based animals who lend themselves to photo opportunities. As Dr. Galdikas mentioned (paraphrased), “being able to observe an orangutan without it dropping branches on her (or attempting to uproot a dead tree to fall in her direction) was their sign of accepting her.”
The book, “Reflections of Eden”, is not so much a tale of orangutans as it is Dr. Galdikas' autobiography. Of course, considering how much of her life consisted of researching orangutans, and rescuing / rehabilitating captive ones, the book may just have well be about orangutans – once the author made it to Indonesia, there was no separating the two.
In addition to the inspiring tale of her life, and of the orangutans of Borneo, the book has some particularly interesting glimpses into the lives of Dr. & Mrs. Louis Leakey, Jane Goodall, and the late Dian Fossey – all of whom played an important role in Dr. Galdikas' life.
At 400+ pages, this is not one of those light, ghost-written autobiographies typical of celluloid, music, and sports stars. However, it is a great investment of time to read from beginning to end.
RATING: 5 stars..
The book, “Reflections of Eden”, is not so much a tale of orangutans as it is Dr. Galdikas' autobiography. Of course, considering how much of her life consisted of researching orangutans, and rescuing / rehabilitating captive ones, the book may just have well be about orangutans – once the author made it to Indonesia, there was no separating the two.
In addition to the inspiring tale of her life, and of the orangutans of Borneo, the book has some particularly interesting glimpses into the lives of Dr. & Mrs. Louis Leakey, Jane Goodall, and the late Dian Fossey – all of whom played an important role in Dr. Galdikas' life.
At 400+ pages, this is not one of those light, ghost-written autobiographies typical of celluloid, music, and sports stars. However, it is a great investment of time to read from beginning to end.
RATING: 5 stars..
February 12, 2021
I love this book. I love Birute. Her writing style is beautiful. I also greatly appreciate how she portrayed Dian Fossey. She loved Dian like a sister & her understanding of Dian is amazing. Her grief over Dian's death was real & heartbreaking. Her explanation of how the world would react to Dian's death was spot-on & so sad. I love that she dedicated one of the last chapters to discussing Dian. I've never thought much about orangutans but her descriptions made them feel so unique & special. Her dedication is beautiful too. I will say though, this was a THICK book. Be prepared to read a while lol.
I hate Rod. He is Birute's ex-husband, & he's an awful person. He cheated on her with an 18-yr old whom Birute hired to help take care of THEIR baby. He blamed Birute for having to care for a child & for her subsequent weight gain. He legit told her it was too bad she was losing the weight (after he announced he was leaving her for the 18-yr old & thus induced her stress weight loss) bc it would've made a difference a year ago but now he didn't care & was still leaving. He publicly went out with his hoe while still married to Birute. He ALSO took their child with him when he left! He then went on tv blaming her for him leaving, saying she never told him she wasn't coming back (to the U.S.) when they first went to Borneo.
I hate Rod. He is Birute's ex-husband, & he's an awful person. He cheated on her with an 18-yr old whom Birute hired to help take care of THEIR baby. He blamed Birute for having to care for a child & for her subsequent weight gain. He legit told her it was too bad she was losing the weight (after he announced he was leaving her for the 18-yr old & thus induced her stress weight loss) bc it would've made a difference a year ago but now he didn't care & was still leaving. He publicly went out with his hoe while still married to Birute. He ALSO took their child with him when he left! He then went on tv blaming her for him leaving, saying she never told him she wasn't coming back (to the U.S.) when they first went to Borneo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2019
It`s a shame that Birute Galdikas not as much well known worldwide as Jean Goodall or Dian Fossey. Being one of the `Leakey girls`, She earned imperishable merits with her work studying the perhaps least easily accessible apes, the orangutans.Her book is an great and exciting read and has to be on the shelf next to Goodall`s and Fossey`s books.
July 13, 2021
How is it that all three of the Leakey women are also such great writers? This book was engaging throughout and even though I didn't get as attached to the organutans as I did the gorillas (because of their more solitary, arboreal and "migratory" foraging nature), I still was totally wrapped up in Birute's story and her passion for conservation.
January 25, 2019
The most beautiful book, written. By ibu Birute. Borrowed her book, from her assistant. Beyond words! I was instantly captivated. I do want to read more. ..
January 26, 2023
Puiku knyga apie ypatingą mokslininkę ir gamtosaugininkę, turinčią lietuviškų šaknų. Jos atsidavimas orangutanų tyrinėjimui per individų istorijas padėjo atskleisti, pirmąkart paneigti ar patvirtinti daugybę dalykų, apie kuriuos anksčiau tik teorizuota.
Ji yra viena iš primatologių žvaigždžių triados: Birutė Galdikas tyrinėjo orangutanus, Jane Goodall - šimpanzes, Dian Fossey - kalnų gorilas. Visos atnešė mokslo proveržį savo tyrinėjamuose laukuose, visos buvo (buvo priverstos tapti) žymiomis gamtosaugininkėmis, saugančiomis gyvūnus ir jų gyvenamas teritorijas. Juk jei gyvūnai netenka savo įprastų teritorijų - "namų" - ar kas nors stipriai keičiasi, tai veikiausiai reiškia mirties nuosprendį.
Nors gyvenimas gamtoje, bendravimas su pūkuotais gyvūnais, kone žvaigždės statusas atrodo romantiškai, man patiko, kad Galdikas neslėpė frustracijos ilgai laukiant, kol pagaliau galės iškeliauti ir pradėti tyrinėjimus, pasakojo apie gyvenimą mažoj medinėj pašiūrėj, klampojimą pelkėse iki alkūnių, vabzdžius, karštines, pūliuojančias piktžaizdes, nuolatinę baimę, kad brakonieriai ar nelegalūs miško kirtėjai (dažnai su institucijų žinia) nesugadins jos tyrimų... Taip pat - apie beveik realiai neegzistuojančią gamtos ir gyvūnų rūšių apsaugą Borneo saloje (visoje Pietryčių Azijoje), kai ji pradėjo savo darbus, nebaudžiamą orangutanų kaip gyvūnėlių laikymą namuose (nes juk statuso ženklas!) ir panašius dantimis griežti verčiančius aspektus.
Kažkas savo apžvalgoje rašė, kad "basically, I want to be her". Išties ypatingo gyvenimo moteris, vis tik jos pasirinktas kelias be galo sunkus fiziškai ir emociškai. Kai orangutanai tampa tavo antrąja šeima, o tu matai juos mirštant arba jų rūšiai gresiant išnykti... Arba kai kolegos mokslininkai nuolat kritikuoja, kad ne taip darai tyrimus, nes turi atsiriboti ir tik stebėti - ar nuskęs, ar išplauks, tau neturi rūpėti. Kažkaip visa be galo daug pasiekusi triada buvo nuolat kritikuojama - matyt, ir dėl nusistovėjusio "mokslo darymo" status quo nesilaikymo, ir galimai, kad buvo moterys(?). Kaip supratau, ypač daug pamazgų yra gavusi Dian Fossey, kuri, atrodo, buvo išties spalvinga asmenybė ir apie kurią dar, deja, nesuspėjau paskaityti.
Džiaugiuosi, kad šia knyga pradėjau savo 2023-iuosius. Ji įkvepia.
Ji yra viena iš primatologių žvaigždžių triados: Birutė Galdikas tyrinėjo orangutanus, Jane Goodall - šimpanzes, Dian Fossey - kalnų gorilas. Visos atnešė mokslo proveržį savo tyrinėjamuose laukuose, visos buvo (buvo priverstos tapti) žymiomis gamtosaugininkėmis, saugančiomis gyvūnus ir jų gyvenamas teritorijas. Juk jei gyvūnai netenka savo įprastų teritorijų - "namų" - ar kas nors stipriai keičiasi, tai veikiausiai reiškia mirties nuosprendį.
Nors gyvenimas gamtoje, bendravimas su pūkuotais gyvūnais, kone žvaigždės statusas atrodo romantiškai, man patiko, kad Galdikas neslėpė frustracijos ilgai laukiant, kol pagaliau galės iškeliauti ir pradėti tyrinėjimus, pasakojo apie gyvenimą mažoj medinėj pašiūrėj, klampojimą pelkėse iki alkūnių, vabzdžius, karštines, pūliuojančias piktžaizdes, nuolatinę baimę, kad brakonieriai ar nelegalūs miško kirtėjai (dažnai su institucijų žinia) nesugadins jos tyrimų... Taip pat - apie beveik realiai neegzistuojančią gamtos ir gyvūnų rūšių apsaugą Borneo saloje (visoje Pietryčių Azijoje), kai ji pradėjo savo darbus, nebaudžiamą orangutanų kaip gyvūnėlių laikymą namuose (nes juk statuso ženklas!) ir panašius dantimis griežti verčiančius aspektus.
Kažkas savo apžvalgoje rašė, kad "basically, I want to be her". Išties ypatingo gyvenimo moteris, vis tik jos pasirinktas kelias be galo sunkus fiziškai ir emociškai. Kai orangutanai tampa tavo antrąja šeima, o tu matai juos mirštant arba jų rūšiai gresiant išnykti... Arba kai kolegos mokslininkai nuolat kritikuoja, kad ne taip darai tyrimus, nes turi atsiriboti ir tik stebėti - ar nuskęs, ar išplauks, tau neturi rūpėti. Kažkaip visa be galo daug pasiekusi triada buvo nuolat kritikuojama - matyt, ir dėl nusistovėjusio "mokslo darymo" status quo nesilaikymo, ir galimai, kad buvo moterys(?). Kaip supratau, ypač daug pamazgų yra gavusi Dian Fossey, kuri, atrodo, buvo išties spalvinga asmenybė ir apie kurią dar, deja, nesuspėjau paskaityti.
Džiaugiuosi, kad šia knyga pradėjau savo 2023-iuosius. Ji įkvepia.
May 18, 2023
Wow, this book has done it. I have been longing to read this book for what feels like multiple years while bookstores have continuously deemed this book less sellable than Jane Goodall and her chimpanzee counterparts. Although Jane Goodall is a pleasure to read, Galdikas and her orangutans certainly deserve some love as well.
This memoir has certainly proved itself. Although the first couple of chapters were slow coming, the book picked up the pace and wonderfully integrated me into her orangutan studies and conservation work. I particularly love her larger focus on personal experiences working in the field such as illness, diplomacy, and learning of the local culture. While Goodall primarily defaults to her chimps, Galdikas hit a fresh balance that sets herself apart from just another account of a different ape species.
A void in my mind has temporarily filled as I await my data to enter the field myself and observe primates similar as she.
Overall I am very happy to have read this book and it has served just as I dreamed it would. I wish Galdikas had more books in her repertoire as Goodall has but I guess I will just have to write my own to contribute to the underloved genre of popular primate nonfiction.
This memoir has certainly proved itself. Although the first couple of chapters were slow coming, the book picked up the pace and wonderfully integrated me into her orangutan studies and conservation work. I particularly love her larger focus on personal experiences working in the field such as illness, diplomacy, and learning of the local culture. While Goodall primarily defaults to her chimps, Galdikas hit a fresh balance that sets herself apart from just another account of a different ape species.
A void in my mind has temporarily filled as I await my data to enter the field myself and observe primates similar as she.
Overall I am very happy to have read this book and it has served just as I dreamed it would. I wish Galdikas had more books in her repertoire as Goodall has but I guess I will just have to write my own to contribute to the underloved genre of popular primate nonfiction.
October 25, 2022
Muy ameno e interesante, aun cuando no te interese especialmente la vida de los orangutanes de Borneo. La autora nos cuenta su propia experiencia, una vida predestinada, ya marcada desde los comienzos, incluso antes de conocer a Louis Leakey. Relata con detalle sus trabajos de campo siguiendo y estudiando a los orangutanes o dedicados la recuperación de cautivos, pero también las gestiones con la burocracia del país, las relaciones con la población local, sus historias personales y sentimientos, la vida cotidiana en el campamento Leakey, unas condiciones de vida que soportaba porque estaba trabajando en aquello a lo que realmente quería dedicar su vida. Además, conoció y se relacionó con Jane Goodall y Diane Fossey, con trabajos equivalentes con chimpancés y gorilas, sobre las que también nos cuenta cosas, especialmente de la última. Una gran historia personal y humana, en definitiva una vida dedicada a la defensa de la naturaleza, que merece la pena conocer.
Read
January 19, 2021Birute Galdikas tells of her daily routine tracking wild orangutans in Borneo and the reader gets to learn a ton on every page. Of course the primary reason I got the book was to learn about orangutans but I was also captivated by the different new fruits that I learned about, life during the rainy season, and certainly how she created this unique opportunity in her life.
For anyone who doesn't think their dreams can come true, this is an inspirational read. You can really make impossible dreams come true sometimes.
For anyone who doesn't think their dreams can come true, this is an inspirational read. You can really make impossible dreams come true sometimes.
April 1, 2021
This is an excellent book about Birute Galdikas and her lifes work in Borneo of studying, conserving and living with the orangutans. The book is written in a way that it is both very informative and enjoyable. I was totally fascinated in learning of the things she endured and learning about the lives and habits of the orangutans. It is imperative to know of how mankind is destroying the tropical rain forests, thus moving many species into instinction and thus eventually ourselves. Excellent book.
April 11, 2021
It's a world's story told through one life's story. It's a story of a Human's path towards a better future understanding the purity of the past and witnessing the tragedy of the present. It is scientific but hearty, informational but emotional. It's a story of the strongest woman I have ever read about. I'm impressed, overwhelmed by the feelings that rarely appear after reading non-fiction. I've learned a lot, and I've become stronger myself. Thank you.
November 14, 2020
An important book about the author's ground-breaking research with orangutans; it was a long book and it took a while for me to read it, because I did not want to rush it. Grateful that I was introduced to this book by my book club, and looking forward to our discussion. It may be difficult to find a copy of this book (published in 1996) but well worth the effort.
November 24, 2024
WOW this book was amazing. Not only is the insight into the habits, society, and culture of orangutans fascinating, it also reveals so much about the origins of the human equivalents to those things. Went in expecting a standard study of these animals and finished with a new and profound understanding of humanity. Incredible.
March 1, 2024
Enjoyed diving into the Indonesian forest. The writing style was at times quite poetic. The end felt a little "hurried" with its quick decade-jumps compared to the beginning of the story but overall nice experience. Definitely learned something.
June 18, 2019
Just what I was hoping for: an in depth look at field research with orangutans. Enjoyed this a lot.
August 18, 2020
Prachtig, meeslepend en inzichtgevend in de natuur van de mensheid.
April 26, 2022
Brilliant and engaging , Galdikas' groundbreaking study of orangutans is also good science.
September 4, 2022
I cried. No grouping of words has ever made me as emotional as this. Tears spilt, even blood shed (I cut my leg open on a rusty nail after rolling on the ground crying). Read this, life CHANGING.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews