"Les Racines du Ciel" is a novel by French author Romain Gary, published in 1956. The story is set in French Equatorial Africa and follows the journey of Morel, a man determined to protect elephants from poachers. His quest symbolizes a broader fight for freedom and the preservation of nature. The novel explores themes of colonialism, environmentalism, and the human condition. It reflects on the complexities of life in Africa during the post-war period, highlighting the struggles between tradition and modernity. The book won the prestigious Prix Goncourt and is considered a significant work in French literature.