I've just been reading this book today. It isn't so long but it has been an absolutely fascinating read. It would appeal to anyone interested in history - particularly Egypt and the French plundering/excavating (depending on how you view it) the country's national treasures in the 1700/1800s, travel stories, zoology.... or just a really good read to be honest.

It's the story of a female giraffe transported from the Sudan, up through Egypt and across to France to be presented to the King of France as a gift from the viceroy of Egypt. She sounded like such a wonderful creature, the mention of the raincoat they made for her trek through France particularly sweet. There's also quite a bit of background about the country and France's presence in Egypt that is also really interesting.