Book Review: We Were Here First by Joukje Akveld

 

 Note: The title of this book has been translated into English by me for the reading comprehension of this blog's viewers as the book itself isn't available in English (yet). The original title reads Wij waren hier eerst.

Another animal non-fiction, this time for teenage readers.

In this book, Akveld takes a look at various animals in Africa. We're given facts about them such as how they live, however the book is mostly about the relationship between humans and each respective animal. We explore how a lot of the animals we're shown have been declining in numbers due to (among other things) poaching. Each chapter also delves into people who are trying to better things for each respective species, such as volunteers or founders of wildlife sanctuaries. Finally, each chapter ends with a brief list of tips on where/how to observe each species in the wild and what (not) to do around each species.

A pretty good non-fiction. It was informative and reflective and it definitely made me want to take that trip to Africa to see the wildlife I've been desiring for so long now. I like how the book is about the relationship between humans and animals, but it isn't only sad and depressing. 

It is a fact that a lot of wildlife, not just in Africa but worldwide, is doing worse than before and declining in numbers. But I'm glad that the book also shows the people trying to better things for the animals. Healing them after they get injured or taking in exotic pets that cannot be released into the wild. Stuff like that. Humans and (the African) wildlife may have a rocky relationship, but it's not a total lost cause and there are a lot of people actively working on making things better. That's a good and hopeful note to end things on.

I also like that the book teaches us some basic facts about the animals, however I won't recommend reading it for that information as it's rather brief for each species. It's helpful and adds context, don't get me wrong, but this isn't really a book focused on only teaching facts about the species featured, but more so their relationship with humans like previously mentioned.

I'm also fond of the book's very casual tone. It seems to be more so aimed at teens than younger children if you ask me as it delves into some matters you won't just find in any children's book, but despite this it still takes its audience seriously while also having a casual tone that reads away easily. Not a lot of stiff jargon, it's still very accessible while also being serious about the subject matter. But they don't shy away from making a joke or pun every so often, which is welcome as the book would be rather depressing without them.

Overall this is a good non-fiction for younger readers who like (African) wildlife and want to explore our relationship with them. Also a good read before taking a trip to Africa to see the animals there because it very clearly lists things you should do (e.g. keeping a respectful distance, not running away from predators) and things you shouldn't (e.g. feeding the wildlife, petting lion cubs at "sanctuaries"). 

Rating: 3.5/5