In 'Ape House' by Sara Gruen, a woman named Franny discovers that her life is entwined with a group of highly intelligent bonobos after a tragic event shakes her world. As she navigates the complex relationship between humans and these remarkable primates, secrets unfold that challenge her understanding of family and loyalty. The narrative is a heartwarming yet poignant exploration of identity, connection, and the ethics of animal treatment. Gruen's vivid storytelling exposes the reader to the emotional depth of both humans and apes, leaving them questioning what it means to be truly alive. Will Franny's bond with the bonobos change her forever, and can she help them find freedom from their confinement?
By Sara Gruen
Published: 2011
""Sometimes, the most significant connections are made where you least expect them, echoing the unspoken language that binds us all.""
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. BONUS: This edition contains a reader's guide.
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“"Sometimes, the most significant connections are made where you least expect them, echoing the unspoken language that binds us all."”
Ape House
By Sara Gruen
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Sara Gruen is a bestselling author known for her compelling narratives and richly detailed storytelling. Her most acclaimed work, "Water for Elephants," a historical novel set in the circus during the Great Depression, has won numerous awards and was adapted into a major motion picture. Gruen's other notable works include "Ape House," "Along for the Ride," and "At the Water's Edge," each showcasing her talent for weaving intricate plots with vivid characters. With a background in fine arts and a passion for animal welfare, Gruen's writing often explores themes of human-animal relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.
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