CHEETAH
By Ric Edelman
“An animal isn’t extinct until it is extinct.”
Dr Sarah Durant, Zoological Society of London
At its heart is a simple but profound question:
What does it take to save something that the world has almost lost?
A Story Inspired by Real Events
Through the lives of rangers, former poachers and conservationists, CHEETAH explores the fragile balance between people and nature.
Against a backdrop of drought, economic pressure and political complexity, those working to protect the cheetah must confront impossible choices.
The novel offers a rare window into a world few people ever see — the final refuge of one of Earth’s most endangered animals.
Published with Purpose
CHEETAH is not only a story about conservation.
It actively supports it.
50% of the author’s royalties are donated to organisations engaged in cheetah protection.
Published by Softwood Books
Softwood Books is proud to launch CHEETAH at the London Book Fair.
Inspired by true events, the novel is a love song to the Asiatic cheetah, to the richness of Persian culture and to the extraordinary people working quietly to protect the natural world.
A Collaboration with Outstanding.Global
The publication of CHEETAH is supported by Outstanding.Global.
Outstanding.Global explores how creativity, culture and leadership can help address the complex challenges facing our world.
This project reflects that mission — using storytelling, art and global collaboration to shine a light on one of the most urgent conservation challenges of our time.
About the Author
Ric Edelman is a writer and environmentalist. His plays have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and performed on the London fringe.
Two of his screenplays, Heath and Cheetah, have been optioned for feature films.
Ric co-founded the environmental education charity Green Light Trust with Nigel Hughes. Their work with communities in Papua New Guinea has helped protect vast areas of pristine rainforest.
About the Illustrator
Sama Soltani is a Kurdish Iranian illustrator and painter. She studied at Tehran Art University and later completed an MA in Fine Art in the UK.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and she has illustrated several Persian literary works, including a recent edition of Omar Khayyam.