#BookReview: Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About South African Life

Posted on by Liz Gauffreau
Click on cover to purchase from Amazon.

My Review

Robbie Cheadle’s latest release, Lion Scream, is a book-length photo essay prompted by visits she and her family made to the South African bush. The book comprises photography (including a cake art piece), poetry, commentary, and short fiction to provide a range of perspectives on the plight of wild animals in Cheadle’s home country.

I found the photo essay form to be particularly well-suited to the author’s intent: “to share insights about the impact of habitat loss, hunting, and poaching on the wild animals of South Africa . . .” (“About My Poems and Photographs,” p. 3).

The photographs clearly communicate that these animals are in their natural habitat, and their natural habitat is where they belong. Moreover, humans need to respect their natural habitat as such. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words”!

That said, the book’s commentary is necessary to inform the reader of what humans are doing “outside the frame” of the photographs to endanger not only the wild animals of South Africa but also their habitat. For example:

“As of 2022, the Knysna elephant population that once consisted of about 1,000, has been reduced to a single adult female” (“My Experiences with Elephants,” p. 24).

I found that the book’s highly effective use of still photography (with links to YouTube videos of the animals’ behavior) raised the question of whether zoos’ purported role of educating children about animals from other parts of the world is still necessary in the Digital Age–and whether that role was even valid justification for removing animals from the wild to be put on display in the first place.

The syllabic poetry speaks in several different voices, again, to provide multiple perspectives on a problem that cries out to be heard. In “Rhino Dilemma,” for example, the speaker is an unseen witness to the horror of poachers’ hacking off the living animal’s horn. In “Vacancies,” the poacher directly addresses “all rhinos” in a voice that calls to mind snake oil salesmen. Several poems speak in the animals’ voices, as well as the poet’s voice as observer.

The short story that concludes the book, “The Nutcracker,” is unequivocal in its message:

“As for climate change, I’m going to research what we can do to change our lifestyle and make a real difference. It is the least I can do for my daughter, for my Irene . . . and for Alex too. We must do our bit to secure his future.”

Lion Scream is a book that wears its heart on its sleeve. I can only hope the lion’s scream will be heard and, most importantly, heeded.

About the Author

Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published thirteen children’s book and two poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

The ten Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision. Find Robbie at https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/.

Call-and-Response

I’ll leave you with the book’s title tanka written in response to a song many of us grew up with.

Lion Scream

There is no jungle
Only acres of smooth stumps
No habitat, no food source
Hopeless lion screams tonight

When I looked for a recording of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” the following information from Wikipedia caught my eye:

” ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ ” is a song originally written and recorded by Solomon Linda under the title ” ‘Mbube’ ” for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939. Linda’s original was written in isiZulu, while the English version’s lyrics were written by George David Weiss.”

To my surprise, I was able to find the original recording on YouTube with no trouble at all.

In an even bigger surprise, I found the story behind the song! (The AI narration is a bit off in places, but the information is fascinating. Unfortunately, I was not surprised to learn that Solomon Linda was tricked into signing away his rights to the song because he couldn’t read or write.)

232 thoughts on “#BookReview: Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About South African Life”

  1. Thanks Liz for this wonderful review of Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About South African Life (Another one for the list). The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens takes me back. Great that you were able to find the original by Solomon Linda and the the backstory.

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  11. This is a book I can relate to, Liz. Thanks for the wonderful review of Robbie’s book. She is creativity on wheels–cycling between poetry, photography, and fondant figures, always with a message of concern and hope.

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  16. I firmly agree that people seriously have to start respecting the animal habitat. I wish Robbie all the best with her book – you gave her a wonderful review, Liz.

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  18. This is a great review and I look forward to reading Robbie’s book. I remember visiting Sri Lanka back in 2001 when a man came around with a baby crocodile with it’s jaws wired together. He was looking to receive money from tourists in return for having their photograph taken with the crocodile. This incident has stayed with me as an instance of inhumanity to animals. Kevin

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    1. Thank you, Kevin. I’m very glad to hear that you will be reading Robbie’s book. I can understand how that explotation of the crocodile would make a lasting impression on you. Animals were not put on earth for our entertainment. They have their own lives to live.

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  19. Wonderful review, my dear Liz and -like you- I hope her message is heard and respected.
    Also, I never really understood why zoos exist. I can’t understand how a caged animal can be educational. Thank you for the background on “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and poor Solomon Linda being tricked.

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    2. Hi Marina, unfortunately, there is not enough capacity on the existing game reserves to allow for a viable population of creatures. For example, the Kruger National Park, which is one of Africa’s largest reserves in Africa, has a population of 2,000 lions. For a species to be considered viable and not endangered you need 50,000 of that creature. The total lion population of Africa estimated to be 20,000. As there natural habitat shrinks due to human encroachment, the threat to their survival increases. In summary, what I am saying is better lions in zoos than none at all. Game parks are the best option but there aren’t enough of them to make them the only option.

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  20. As always Liz, a brilliant review. You captured the essence of the book so poignantly here:
    “the book’s commentary is necessary to inform the reader of what humans are doing “outside the frame” of the photographs…”
    Thank you!

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  23. First of all, I have Robbie’s book loaded on my Kindle, but have to get myself in the right head space for it because I can see that it is going to be sad and angering. But I will read it because everyone should read it. We need to face up to what we humans are doing to the planet and its other inhabitants. Another wonderful review by Liz! Secondly, thank you for that story about the song. That, too, has a sad ending!

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    1. Thank you, Luanne! I agree with you about needing to be in the right headspace to read the book. It is upsetting, but, as you say, necessary. I, too, was saddened by the story of the song. Have you read Alice Walker’s short story “1955”? It gets at the same theme.

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      1. Remind me what Walker’s story is about? I’ve read one of her short story collections as well as The Color Purple, of course. And was there an essay collection? Where did she write about Zora Neale Hurston? So long ago . . . .

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  24. Terrific review, Liz, of one of Robbie’s works. She is SO talented and prolific! I was particularly struck with the mention of how zoos may not be necessary any more for educational purposes in the digital age, if they ever really were necessary. And fascinating/depressing information about “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and its origins!

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    1. Thank you very much, Dave! I’ve learned more about African wildlife from reading Robbie’s blog–and now this book–than I ever did from going to a zoo. They just depressed me, in particular the big cats, lions just lying there on the concrete and tigers and panthers pacing back and forth, back and forth in their enclosures.

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    2. Hi Dave, some animals like tigers are so endangered that any place that cares for them is better than the alternative. I think I need to write a discussion post about viable animal populations and capacity constraints. Sadly, it is depressing.

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  25. It’s great to see Robbie’s book here and your wonderful review, Liz. What an interesting comment on the relevance of zoos now that we can see these animals in their natural habitat. I thought the multi-media presentation of the book was not only clever but provided an immersive look into the issues faced by wildlife in Africa (and around the world). Wonderful review and huge congrats to Robbie. ❤

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  26. Your reviews are always so thorough and informative. How wonderful to hear the original song!

    Robbie is always showing me new things about her country and continent. She has a message we would do well to listen to. (K)

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  29. Liz, both the book and your review blew me away. This is all such important information, serving as an equalizer to the narratives of hegemony and domination we’ve unconsciously absorbed. And the messages are beautifully reinforced by the variety of media included in the book and in your review.

    I appreciate the contributions you and Robbie have made to the literary community and to preservation of the planet. Thank you!

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  30. Listening to that original version of the song was a real treat! The men’s voices are so balanced and well-blended. The book sounds well worth the time. I like that she has not shied from the harsh realities of life for these endangered creatures and the problematic issues of zoo culture. (I can’t stand to visit zoos, though I once loved them.)

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  31. Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
    Thank you to talented poet and author, Elizabeth Anne Gauffreau​, for this insightful review of Lion Scream. Liz has also investigated the background to the famous song, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and has even included a YT video of the original and some sad information about the creator of this song, Solomon Linda. I encourage you to investigate Liz’s sight while you are there as she writes thoughtful and inspiring reviews and posts and has written some exceptional books and short stories.

    Liked by 5 people

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  35. What a terrific review, Liz! I appreciate your insight and the information and statistics Robbie provides in her book. They truly paint a clear picture of the animals’ plight. I loved her book, the stunning photos, learning about the many different animals, some I have never heard of before. While a few poems made me smile, most broke my heart. The concept of poaching is almost too painful to even imagine. And your comment on zoos took me back to when our children were young and we’d visit the zoo. Seeing the animals from their eyes was fun, but even back then, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the caged animals. Now I don’t like them and wonder what their purpose is other than a money-making one. The only positive reason is to house animals that have been injured and wouldn’t survive in their natural habitat. Food for thought, for sure. Congrats to Robbie and thank you for sharing the songs too!

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    2. Hi Lauren, the commentary on this post has inspired me to write an article about where and how animals should, and can be, conserved. Unfortunately, humanity has taken over everything and everywhere so the natural habitats of wild creatures have virtually disappeared. We can’t be as picky about where they are housed and cared for, even though the national parks are obviously best. At this point ever animal is needed to try to reverse the slide towards extinction. Liz did write a wonderful and insightful review.

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  37. A wonderful post and follow-up discussion, Liz. You provided in-depth presentation of why this poetry collection is essential for our understanding of how climate change impacts the earth as well as societal issues. A few years ago, my son was introduced to the musical instrument mbira, which has been a part of the Shona culture in Zimbabwe for over a thousand years (some say 3,000) played for sacred ceremonies and celebrations. My son would play the mbira long into the night. It was truly magical. I am listening to the mbira music of Stella Chiweshe, while reading and reciting Robbie’s poetry.

    Thank you again for a brilliant review!!! Robbie – a great poetry collection. Congratulations.

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    2. Hi Rebecca, how lovely to learn of your son’s musical endevour and ability. The Shona are also very artistic. I wrote a post about their artworks as one of my Dark Origins post on Writing to be Read last year. Wonderful carvings from stone.

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  38. What a beautiful review of Robbie’s book of poetry, so very informative… Robbie who is a very talented writer and poet and I know holds great passion for Nature and the love of her land…
    I was drawn in, especially as my daughter visited the Global White Lion Protection Trust meeting the founder, Linda Tucker, in Africa a few years ago and how she was trying to protect the White Lions on a reserve.
    Too many are falling pray to hunting..

    I also found the information on the Song very informative. and the original Song… Thank you for sharing Liz, and Congratulations Robbie on your Book my friend…
    Loved the review Thank you 🙂

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    2. HI Sue, I am so pleased to know your daughter has some knowledge of the white lions which are only found in Timbavati in South Africa. I haven’t been there because it is a malaria area and my family have enough health issues without risking malaria. Thank you for your lovely words about my book, Sue. They are appreciated.

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  40. I am currently reading the Lion Scream..as always a fabulous review, Liz it is great you were able to find the original soundtrack by Solomon Linda so sad that like many others he was exploited for gain…I hope you have a great weekend , Liz 🙂

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    1. Hi Carol, I hope you are appreciating Lion Scream (I’m not sure enjoying is a good word for this book). I hope you find it interesting and informative. Solomon Linda’s story is that same as so many other artists, musicians, and writers.

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      1. You could be correct, Robbie although I have enjoyed some of the videos and poems it’s a thought-provoking and sobering read for anyone concerned about conservation but done in a way that makes you want to continue to read… so well done it is certainly not boring I like the concept very much 🙂 xx

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  43. Liz, I really enjoyed your review of Lion Scream. I have the book on my Kindle, next in line to read as soon as I finish my current one. I had a question about rhinos so I asked Robbie. Now I’m happy to know she writes about the rhino in her book. I’ve always been an animal lover since I was young. Congratulations Robbie on your new book!

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  45. Liz, this is a wonderful review. Congratulations, Robbie. I am very torn about zoos. Many are changing to give animals the space and habitat they need. While children (and adults) can learn about animals on line, nothing compares to actually seeing the animal. Do I think animals need to be in the wild, in their natural habitat? Of course I do. It’s the poachers and hunters, and destruction of the land that’s a serious problem.

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  47. What a wonderful review of Robbie’s book Liz! A coffee table book to appreciate and her beautful pictures and up close and personal experiences near and dear to her heart! 💞

    loved this line “Lion Scream is a book that wears its heart on its sleeve. I can only hope the lion’s scream will be heard and, most importantly, heeded.”

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  49. What a marvelous review you did on Robbie’s new book, Liz! I agree with you that Robbie effectively includes the multi formats, photography, video, fondant art, poetry, short story, research, personal observation, and insight to present this bleak situation of wild animal extinction. I loved her book and echo her passion. I also wish more readers find her book and be aware of the urgency of saving these animals and saving our planet as an ecosystem. Congratulations to Robbie on this wonderful review.

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