Plot Summary

The Last Unicorn

William Debuys
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The Last Unicorn

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021

Book Brief

William Debuys

The Last Unicorn

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Travel Literature

Action & Adventure
Setting

Myanmar • 2010s

Theme
Environment
Topic
Science & Nature

Animals
Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Last Unicorn by William Debuys is a memoir recounting his expedition with the Saola Working Group to locate the elusive saola in the Annamite Mountains of Laos. Debuys and his team traverse treacherous terrain, documenting the region's unique wildlife and conservation issues, though they ultimately do not find the saola. The memoir reflects on nature, local culture, and the challenges of wildlife preservation amidst poaching and environmental threats. The book includes vivid descriptions of animal suffering due to snares and kill traps.

Mysterious

Serene

Contemplative

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.0

512 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

William Debuys' The Last Unicorn explores the vanishing wildlife and cultural landscapes of Southeast Asia. Critics praise its evocative prose and environmental insights, although some feel it delves too deeply into personal narrative, occasionally detracting from its broader ecological message. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read for nature enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Last Unicorn?

Readers who enjoy The Last Unicorn by William deBuys are nature enthusiasts and conservation advocates. They may also appreciate the detailed exploration found in Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard and the ecological narrative style of Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac. This audience values environmental literature and profound human-nature connections.

4.0

512 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Travel Literature

Action & Adventure
Setting

Myanmar • 2010s

Theme
Environment
Topic
Science & Nature

Animals
Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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