The Rhino Keeper
A novel based on the remarkable true story of a rhino who dazzled 18th-century Europe and the keeper who loved her.
About Jillian
Award-winning Kansas author Jillian Forsberg holds a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication and history from McPherson College. Her research on little-known historical events led her to discover the true story behind her first novel, The Rhino Keeper.
Jillian is a regular contributor to Writer Unboxed and leads the Manuscript Matchup beta reader program through History Through Fiction.
You can find Jillian gardening, browsing the closest antique mall, or reading every label at a museum. She'll most likely be wearing vintage dresses, except when she's at the zoo.
Jillian owns a bridal store and has worked in bridal since 2007. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, child, and pets.
Jillian’s second novel, THE PORCELAIN MENAGERIE, debuts 10/21/2025. Her third novel is written and she's working on a fourth --- and yes, they will always be animal stories.
Agents: Jillian is open to representation.
Praise for
The Rhino Keeper
Paste Magazine’s The Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books of Fall 2024:
“This particular historical fiction release has strong “you’re going to read it in book club” vibes."
“The Rhino Keeper is both a historical mystery and a tale of old-world adventure, reminding us that even the wishes we take to our grave may someday come true after all.”
~Sarah Penner, NYT Bestselling Author of The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society
"Readers of Forsberg's accomplished debut will find their hearts expanded with each page they turn."
~Molly Greeley, author of MARVELOUS
“How can anyone resist a tale about a rhinoceros named Clara and the salty seaman who loves her?”
~Elizabeth R. Andersen, author of The Alewives
"A captivating debut you'll never forget."
~Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain
"An absorbing delight from start to finish.”
~Glynis Ridley, author of Clara’s Grand Tour. Travels with a Rhinoceros in Eighteenth-Century Europe
“A charming page turner perfect for animal and history lovers alike.”
~Diana Giovinazzo, author of Antoinette’s Sister
"An unusual delight that will enrapture fans of historical fiction."
~Olivia Hawker, bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow
Early Praise for
The Porcelain Menagerie
"Historical fiction at its most evocative."
~ Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Blue
A tale as intricate as the small treasures they created."
~ Laura Morelli, USA Today Bestselling Author & Art Historian
"As luminous and brilliant as the porcelain that inspired it."
~ Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Artist of Blackberry Grange
"A propulsive page-turner."
-Laurie L. Dove, USA Today Bestselling Author of Mask of The Deer Woman
"I could not put it down."
-Jess Armstrong, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Curse of Penryth Hall
"A finely wrought story of ownership, obsession, and love."
-Molly Greeley, Author of Marvelous
