Lafcadio, The Lion Who Shot Back

Lafcadio is a lion, but not just any lion. He asks questions and doesn’t take no for an answer. One day, the lions are taking a postprandial nap in the warm sunshine of the savannah when hunters appear. Instead of running away with the rest of the pride, Lafcadio stays to meet the hunters.

A hilarious adventure ensues, during which Lafacdio eats a great many hunters, becomes a crack shot, joins a circus as a trick shooter and then discovers that international stardom and riches don’t always bring satisfaction.  His life takes an interesting turn when he meets Uncle Shelby.

Uncle Shelby is, of course, the narrator and author of the story. Imbued with characteristic Silverstein humour and absurdity, the tale romps to its inevitable conclusion. It’s not a book for the faint-hearted; hunting, shooting and the capricious eating of humans and marshmallows is commonplace. Disbelief has to be suspended throughout and it is this which gives it universal appeal to adults and children alike.

It’s not just a witty story, though. It’s actually a modern fable; about knowing yourself and about finding your place in the world. Supported with line drawn cartoons throughout, this book offers an opportunity to secure Silverstein’s 1963 debut novel in the UK for the first time. It’s an opportunity well worth seizing.