Abstract

'An enchanting book…poignant and passionate.'
Geographical

'A captivating and absorbing account.'
Sir David Attenborough

Madagascar is one of the world’s natural jewels, with over ninety per cent of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Few people knew it better than the pioneering primatologist and conservationist, Alison Jolly. Thank You, Madagascar is her eyewitness account of the extraordinary biodiversity of the island, and the environment of its people.

At the book’s heart is a conflict between three different views of nature. Is the extraordinary forest treasure-house of Madagascar a heritage for the entire world? Is it a legacy of the forest dwellers’ ancestors, bequeathed to serve the needs of their living descendants? Or is it an economic resource to be pillaged for short-term gain and to be preserved only to deliver benefits for those with political power?

Exploring and questioning these different views, this is a beautifully written diary and a tribute to Madagascar.

‘We thank you, Alison Jolly, for your contribution of numerous books and articles as well as giving us these diaries and insights into Madagascar conservation and, above all, for your impassioned commitment to Madagascar, an example for the whole world.’
Quarterly Journal of Biology

'[An] enchanting book… The tone is, by turns, lyrical, comic and irreverent while musings on the biggest issues sit beautifully alongside family moments, parties, and times when, confronted by tragedy, there was a need "to write all the feelings away". This is a poignant and passionate record of a life well lived and a timely reminder of the challenges Jolly’s beloved island still faces.'
Geographical

'The brutal honesty exhibited in her personal diaries and letters include both the successes and struggles of undertaking conservation in a developing country....vivid and beautifully written. So much so that it brought me to tears more than once, from both sadness and laughter.'
Progress in Development Studies

'A captivating and absorbing account that reveals how the people and the land of Madagascar captured her heart.'
Sir David Attenborough

'Without a doubt one of the very best books about conservation. It ranges from the author's work with Madagascar's fascinating and unique lemurs, efforts at all levels to protect their habitat, sympathetic descriptions of village life, and the often highly amusing stories of what goes on behind the scenes during high level meetings. The information presented in diary form makes you feel you were present, sharing the excitements, disappointments and triumphs that are part of the on going struggle to save the environment. And for those of us who knew and loved Allison, it is as though she is with us still, suggesting we do our best to save this planet for our children. I was truly absorbed from start to finish.'
Dr. Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace

'A gripping tale of the birthing years of the environmental movement in Madagascar. Alison Jolly is a great story-teller, and brings to life the first studies of the unique wildlife of Madagascar. Sometimes provocative, often funny and always with wisdom about human nature, this tale is history at its best, a first hand view of the intrigues of complex politics and the drive of determined researchers at the frontiers of wild science. The pathos of human poverty and the richness of wildlife are one story, and Alison Jolly brings you Madagascar with all its complexities.'
Patricia Wright, distinguished professor of anthropology, Stony Brook University, and founder of Centre ValBio in Madagascar

‘Alison Jolly’s amazing eyewitness account takes us from the halls of the World Bank to the huts of forest villagers - and even to the ethics of mining companies. I recommend it especially to the Malagasy friends and colleagues who struggle for sustainability for our country.’
Leon Rajaobelina, Conservation International