History Through Fiction Signs Author Jillian Forsberg

Jillian Forsberg’s debut novel, The Rhino Keeper, is forthcoming from History Through Fiction

December 6, 2023

For Immediate Press Release

Minneapolis, MN – History Through Fiction is proud to announce the signing of debut author Jillian Forsberg, whose novel, The Rhino Keeper, is the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros named Clara across 18th century Europe.

Jillian Forsberg is a historian and author with a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University. Her research on little-known historical events led her to discover the true story behind her first novel, The Rhino Keeper. In addition to being the former editor for Wichita State’s The Fairmont Folio, Jillian is an essayist whose articles have been published in academic journals. With a passion for 18th-century history, Jillian can also be found gardening, exploring antique malls, or reading every label at a museum. Vintage dresses are Jillian's clothing of choice, except when she's at the zoo. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, child, and pets. She's currently working on her second novel.

Jillian’s debut novel, The Rhino Keeper, is a dual timeline narrative alternating between University student Andrea Clarkson in contemporary Leiden, Holland, and ship captain Douwemout van der Meer in 1740s India and Europe. While Andrea uncovers a historical mystery studying abroad in Holland, Douwe meets Clara the Indian Rhino and her young caretaker Zubin. Compelled to save Clara from a tragic fate, Douwe buys Clara and hires Zubin, taking both of them aboard the Knappenhof bound for Europe. Douwe and Clara tour Europe, enthralling peasants and royalty, hoping to change popular misconceptions about the great animal. Meanwhile, Andrea and her classmates follow centuries-old clues, unearthing the deep bond between a rhino and her keeper. Determined to protect the last wishes of the Rhino Keeper, Andrea risks everything while Douwe and Zubin must evade a nefarious priest hell-bent on permanently ending the “idol worship” of Clara the Indian Rhino. In the end, both Andrea and Douwe are confronted with difficult choices between who they were and who they want to be.

Forsberg becomes History Through Fiction’s ninth author, all of whom have been signed to traditional publishing contracts with a small advance on royalties. Like other novels by History Through Fiction, The Rhino Keeper seeks to engage readers in a compelling fictional narrative while teaching them about real historical events and people. Founded in 2019 by author and historian Colin Mustful, History Through Fiction publishes novels that combine elements of fiction and nonfiction in order to tell stories that are both entertaining and educational. By publishing well-written, compelling historical novels, books by History Through Fiction bring history to life while also acting as important historical resources.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact the editor at: editor@historythroughfiction.com.

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