INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

WINNER OF THE STANFORD'S TRAVEL WRITING BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026

WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR WRITING ON CONSERVATION 2025 **SPECIALLY COMMENDED**

From the acclaimed author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia, comes a new journey, following four 19^th century elephants marched from the East African coast towards Congo, to tell a heartbreaking story of folly and colonial greed.

'BEST SUMMER BOOKS OF 2025: An illuminating tale of imperial ambition and ineptitude.' FINANCIAL TIMES

'A beautiful, intelligent and heartfelt book, a brilliantly researched account of an imperial fever dream alongside a no less feverish contemporary journey'- THE SUNDAY TIMES

'History and travelogue combine wonderfully in this tale of colonial plunder and hubris Sophy Roberts luminous new book is a journey through Africa from Zanzibar to Lake Tanganyika and back, retracing the steps of a long-forgotten expedition.' - GUARDIAN

'This is a marvellous book, an important footnote to history - of Sophy Roberts' intrepid travel with a real purpose, shining a light on colonialism, Belgian and British, and their peculiar obsessions. ' - Paul Theroux, author of The Great Railway Bazaar

Masterfully weaving adventure, intrigue and the darker truths of colonial ambition into a story as gripping as it is eye-opening. - Levison Wood, author of Walking the Nile

'Deeply researched. Brings to life a bizarre and long-forgotten story of Africa with empathy, intriguing encounters and memorable characters, not least the elephants themselves. - Luke Pepera, author of Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity

Sophy Roberts brings history to life, tackling difficult, sensitive subjects with careful, exquisite prose. Unputdownable. - Mary Harper, author of Getting Somalia Wrong?

'A brave and searching book, rich in history