Tusk and Stone — Malcolm Bosse

While traveling, Arjun's caravan is waylaid by robbers who kidnap his beloved sister and murder his guardian uncle. Arjun's life is spared, but he is captured and sold into slavery, losing his privileges as a Brahmin. Instructed in the care and training of elephants, he becomes a legendary warrior. At the height of his fame he is captured again, and as a slave once more, he finds unexpected fulfillment and inspiration as a stone carver. Malcolm Bosse, a master of description and historical detail, gives Arjun's story, set many centuries ago, a remarkable contemporary reality.