But as the book cuts between the present and the past, the racially exploitative history of the research institute is revealed, and the family’s life spirals out of control. "We’re no good with animals." But Charlotte’s mother, Laurel, maintains the chimpanzee is not meant to be a pet: "He’ll be like a brother to you," she proclaims as a sign language teacher, Laurel is the one who will be responsible for the chimpanzee’s education. "All our pets die," Charlotte says, protesting the imminent move-in with the chimpanzee. Greenidge proves herself a master of dialogue, which helps her craft engaging, well-drawn characters. In Greenidge’s debut novel, an African-American family is hired by a private research institute to “adopt” a chimpanzee and teach the animal sign language.Ĭharlotte Freeman, the older of two teenage daughters, is less than enthused about her parents’ decision-which means moving from their south Boston home to take up residence at the remote Toneybee Institute for Ape Research.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |