Clara the Rhino
The True Story that Inspired THE RHINO KEEPER
⭐️ A 2025 Kansas Notable Book
⭐️ Winner of the Midwest Book Award for Cover Design
About The Rhino Keeper
A novel based on the remarkable true story of Clara the Rhinoceros—an Indian rhino who dazzled 18th-century Europe—and the keeper who loved her.
By Jillian Forsberg
Based on the astonishing true story of Dutch sea captain Douwemout van der Meer and the Indian rhinoceros called Clara, The Rhino Keeper evokes both the thrill of archival discovery and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhino for centuries.
The novel blends dual timelines—1740 and 2022—into one sweeping tale of history, mystery, and the profound bond between humans and animals.
The Story
2022 – A Mystery Unearthed
While studying abroad in Holland, college student Andrea Clarkson uncovers strange historical documents featuring a rhinoceros. More clues appear: an eighteenth-century grave carved with the same animal, and then—after a major river expansion exposes buried remains—everything Andrea believes about history changes. When a grave robber steals the evidence, Andrea must face her darkest fears to recover a long-forgotten truth.
1740 – Clara the Rhino Tours Europe
Captain Douwemout van der Meer possesses something unseen in Europe for two centuries: a living rhinoceros named Clara. Together they tour the continent, enthralling peasants, kings, queens, scientists, and artists, hoping to overturn popular beliefs that rhinos were violent beasts.
But their celebrity brings danger. When a zealous priest becomes convinced Clara is an object of idol worship, she and her caretakers face grave risks. And as Douwe becomes increasingly devoted to Clara’s well-being, unexpected love complicates his loyalties. Must he choose between a life with a “wonder-beast” and the possibility of human connection?
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Praise for The Rhino Keeper
Sarah Penner, NYT bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary:
“A harrowing, heart-wrenching tale… illuminating the extraordinary connection between humans and animals. A tale of old-world adventure and a historical mystery spanning centuries.”
Glynis Ridley, author of Clara’s Grand Tour:
“An absorbing delight… readers will follow in Clara’s outsize footsteps to discover her history and her fate. You’ll be deeply engaged in this remarkable story.”
Paulette Kennedy:
“Fascinating, enchanting, impeccably researched… a captivating debut you’ll never forget.”
Diana Giovinazzo:
“A charming page-turner perfect for animal and history lovers alike.”
Molly Greeley:
“Rich with adventure, historical detail, and love of all kinds… readers’ hearts will expand with every page.”
Elizabeth R. Andersen:
“A masterful tale of mystery, love, and discovery… seamlessly interweaving two timelines.”
Olivia Hawker:
“An unusual delight that will enrapture fans of historical fiction. An unforgettable tale.”
About Clara the Rhinoceros
Clara (c. 1738–1758) was a female Indian rhinoceros who became one of the most famous animals in 18th-century Europe. After arriving in Rotterdam in 1741, she toured the continent for 17 years—an unmatched celebrity whose likeness appeared in paintings, engravings, poems, and even fashion.
She traveled through the Dutch Republic, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, and England, meeting monarchs, inspiring artists, and capturing imaginations wherever she went. Clara remained gentle, charismatic, and astonishingly resilient, becoming the first rhinoceros many Europeans had ever seen.
The Man Behind the Legend: Captain Douwemout van der Meer
Born in 1705 in Leiden, Douwe Mout van der Meer began his life at sea at just fifteen, serving in the Dutch East India Company. Although little is known about his personal life, one fact shaped his legacy: in 1740, he returned to Europe with a young rhinoceros named Clara.
Douwe became Clara’s agent, caretaker, and constant companion. After her death in 1758, history records almost nothing more about him.
This mystery forms the emotional heart of The Rhino Keeper, where the fictional Douwe must confront ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of his choices as Clara’s fame grows.
About the Author: Jillian Forsberg
Jillian Forsberg is a historian and author with a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University. Her research into overlooked histories led her to the extraordinary true story of Clara and Captain van der Meer. A former editor of The Fairmont Folio, she is also an essayist published in academic journals.
When not writing, Jillian can be found gardening, browsing antique malls, exploring museums, or wearing one of her many vintage dresses. She lives in Wichita, Kansas with her family.
Her second novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, is forthcoming from History Through Fiction on October 21, 2025.
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Check out author Jillian Forsberg’s website for Clara the Rhino art, blogs, and behind-the-scenes content!