The Roots of Heaven

“There are no men who are not, in some way, responsible for the fate of other men.”

Part One

The novel opens in French Equatorial Africa, where Morel, a French environmentalist, launches a campaign to protect elephants from poachers and colonial exploitation. He gathers a diverse group of supporters, including Minna, a traumatized Holocaust survivor, and Forsythe, a disgraced American journalist. Together, they form an unlikely alliance against the destruction of nature.

Part Two

Morel’s crusade gains momentum as he distributes pamphlets demanding elephant protection. The colonial authorities dismiss him as a madman, but his idealism resonates with locals and outsiders alike. Peer Qvist, a Danish scientist, joins the cause, arguing that humanity’s survival depends on preserving nature.

Part Three

The group’s activism escalates into direct action—sabotaging hunting expeditions and freeing captured elephants. Minna, haunted by her past, finds purpose in the fight. Meanwhile, Forsythe documents their struggle, torn between cynicism and admiration for Morel’s unwavering commitment.

Part Four

Authorities crack down on the movement, branding them as terrorists. Morel is captured but becomes a symbol of resistance. In prison, he debates with a colonial officer about humanity’s moral duty toward nature. The officer represents pragmatic governance, while Morel embodies radical idealism.

Part Five

After escaping, Morel continues his mission in the wilderness, now pursued as an outlaw. The group splinters under pressure—some betray the cause, others die. The novel ends ambiguously: Morel disappears into the jungle, his fate unknown, but his ideas take root in others who carry on the struggle.

Key Ideas

• The conflict between colonial exploitation and environmental preservation
• Humanity’s moral responsibility toward nature
• The psychological scars of war and trauma
• Idealism versus political pragmatism
• The redemptive power of activism

Notable Adaptations