Cover Reveal! The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg
Publisher History Through Fiction, author Jillian Forsberg, and designer The Book Cover Whisperer, are proud to reveal the cover of The Rhino Keeper, coming October 22, 2024. A debut novel by Forsberg, The Rhino Keeper is based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th-century Europe. The colorful, floral design draws inspiration from titles such as The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow and How to Be an Epicurean by Catherine Wilson while the decorative pattern and font highlight the grandeur of the 18th century—baroque details that the rhino keeper, Douwe, would have seen throughout his European tour with Clara.
Praised as "an absorbing delight from start to finish” by Glynis Ridley, author of Clara’s Grand Tour, The Rhino Keeper is History Through Fiction’s first dual timeline narrative to feature a modern storyline. In 2022 Holland, college student Andrea Clarkson stumbles upon a historical mystery linked to a rhinoceros. Discovering documents and a grave with the animal's image, she unearths something astonishing that alters her life. Back in 1740, Captain Douwemout van der Meer and his rhino, Clara, win over Europe, bust myths, and face danger when a priest speaks out against the rhino. In today's Holland, Andrea has to face her fears to get back proof of this hidden history. Author Elizabeth R. Andersen calls it “a masterful tale of mystery, love, and the magic of discovery,” as the past and present stories blend perfectly.
Set to launch on October 22, 2024, The Rhino Keeper can be pre-ordered from History Through Fiction’s online store. Those who pre-order will not only receive an early copy of the book but also a signed bookplate from Jillian Forsberg and a special 18th-century Dutch East India Company (VOC) coin!
Check out the Book Teaser!
Praise for The Rhino Keeper
"Poignant and tender, this impeccably researched novel marks Forsberg as a writer to watch. A captivating debut you'll never forget."
-Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain
"A heart-wrenching tale of a man and his beloved rhinoceros, The Rhino Keeper is both a historical mystery and a tale of old-world adventure, reminding us that even the wishes we take to our grave may someday come true after all."
- Sarah Penner, NYT Bestselling Author of The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society
"Rich with adventure, historical detail, and love of all kinds, The Rhino Keeper is an enchanting true story. Readers of Forsberg's accomplished debut will find their hearts expanded with each page they turn."
-Molly Greeley, author of Marvelous
"Jillian Forsberg has crafted a masterful tale of mystery, love, and the magic of discovery. In The Rhino Keeper she takes a compassionate look at history while simultaneously weaving in a modern-day story. And how can anyone resist a tale about a rhinoceros named Clara and the salty seaman who loves her?"
- Elizabeth R. Andersen, author of The Alewives
"A charming page turner perfect for animal and history lovers alike."
- Diana Giovinazzo, author of Antoinette's Sister
"An absorbing delight from start to finish, readers will be pulling for the central characters, past and present, as we follow in Clara's outsize footsteps to discover her history and final fate. Jillian Forsberg is deeply engaged in this remarkable story and, after reading The Rhino Keeper, you will be, too."
- Glynis Ridley, author of Clara's Grand Tour: Travels with a Rhinoceros in Eighteenth-Century Europe
