Who Would Like This Book:
If you loved "Water for Elephants" or have a soft spot for animals, "Ape House" is a must-read. Gruen creates an intimate, empathetic window into the world of bonobos, blending fascinating real-life science with snappy storytelling. Animal lovers, fans of quirky characters, and those curious about the ethics behind animal testing and reality TV will especially enjoy this. There's humor, heart, and thought-provoking commentary throughout, all wrapped up in an easy, compelling read.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the story doesn't quite hit the captivating heights of "Water for Elephants." If you're looking for sweeping romance, you might be disappointed, as this novel is more about the apes and media satire. Others thought the book crammed a big story into a small space, wishing for more depth or length. The depiction of bonobo behavior - including their very real, very natural sexuality - also wasn't everyone's cup of tea.
About:
The novel 'Ape House' by Sara Gruen revolves around the story of a group of bonobos living in a research facility, their caretaker Isabel Duncan, and journalist John Thigpen. The plot unfolds as the lab is attacked, leading to the bonobos being sold and becoming the center of a controversial reality TV show called 'Ape House'. The book delves into themes of family relationships, scientific ethics, media influence, and the mistreatment of animals, while also providing a thoughtful insight into bonobo behavior and human-animal connections. Gruen's writing style intricately weaves together multiple storylines, creating a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the treatment of animals.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of animal experimentation and violence against animals, which may be distressing to some readers.
From The Publisher:
The wildly entertaining new novel from the bestselling author of Water for Elephants.
Sam, Bonzi, Lola, Mbongo, Jelani, and Makena are no ordinary apes. These bonobos, like others of their species, are capable of reason and carrying on deep relationships-but unlike most bonobos, they also know American Sign Language.
Isabel Duncan, a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab, doesn't understand people, but animals she gets-especially the bonobos. Isabel feels more comfortable in their world than she's ever felt among humans . . . until she meets John Thigpen, a very married reporter who braves the ever-present animal rights protesters outside the lab to see what's really going on inside.
When an explosion rocks the lab, severely injuring Isabel and "liberating" the apes, John's human interest piece turns into the story of a lifetime, one he'll risk his career and his marriage to follow. Then a reality TV show featuring the missing apes debuts under mysterious circumstances, and it immediately becomes the biggest-and unlikeliest-phenomenon in the history of modern media. Millions of fans are glued to their screens watching the apes order greasy take-out, have generous amounts of sex, and sign for Isabel to come get them. Now, to save her family of apes from this parody of human life, Isabel must connect with her own kind, including John, a green-haired vegan, and a retired porn star with her own agenda.
Ape House delivers great entertainment, but it also opens the animal world to us in ways few novels have done, securing Sara Gruen's place as a master storyteller who allows us to see ourselves as we never have before.
Ratings (7)
Loved It (1) | |
It Was OK (4) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (8):
Read It (7) | |
Want To Read (1) |
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