![]() 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. |