SuitabookFonabio and the lion
René Guillot
- Reading
- Read alongside the child, pausing when the hunts or divided loyalties become important. Afterwards, discuss what the story shows about friendship and whether its treatment of the planter feels convincing.
- Themes
- Friendship and divided loyalty: Fonabio develops friendships with Naba, an orphaned lion cub, and Marlow, a planter, then faces a choice between them. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Human relationships with animals: Naba is an orphaned lion cub who becomes Fonabio’s friend, while hunting animals forms part of the surrounding life. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Admiration and power: Fonabio lives in a hut shared with Tiemoko and develops a strong admiration for Marlow, whose powerful personality excites him. The story presents Marlow as a powerful figure admired by Fonabio, but it is unclear whether that admiration is affirmed, challenged or transformed.
- Worth knowing
- Be prepared for hunting and dramatic circumstances, as well as the possibility of emotional strain when Fonabio’s loyalties come into conflict. The extent of danger, loss or violence is not established.