Ape House A Novel
Ape House A Novel by Sara Gruen, published by Random House Publishing Group on April 5, 2011, is a reprint edition comprising 336 pages in English. This novel explores the lives of bonobos, a species of ape known for their intelligence and ability to communicate using American Sign Language. The story centers on Isabel Duncan, a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab, who feels more at home with the bonobos than with humans. Her world is turned upside down when an explosion at the lab leads to the apes’ liberation and a subsequent reality TV show that captures their antics, drawing significant public attention.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines themes of animal rights and human relationships, as Isabel navigates her connection with the bonobos and her interactions with John Thigpen, a reporter drawn into the unfolding drama. The novel delves into the complexities of communication and connection, both among humans and animals. With elements of satire and a visionary perspective, Ape House presents a unique look at the intersection of media, society, and the animal kingdom, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives through the lens of these extraordinary creatures. This edition also includes a reader’s guide for further exploration of its themes.
Official synopsis 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.
BONUS: This edition contains a reader’s guide.
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