Quite a good novel, exploring the ethics of using animals for research, testing, etc.
The book is narrated by the son of two scientists. He is 13 when the book begins, and 15 when it ends. I thought that there were two plot lines, really. One was dealing with the chimpanzee, and all the philosophical/ethical questions which go into that. This was a superb plot line, and I loved it a lot. The other plot line had to do with a young teen navigating growing up, relationships with family (especially his dad), and relationships with girls. This plot line wasn't that great. It was rather crude when it came to girls ... actually pretty sexist in that area. The relationship with his father was more interesting. But, I did think that second plot line took away from the main theme.
Otherwise, it's a good read that raises interesting questions.
The book is narrated by the son of two scientists. He is 13 when the book begins, and 15 when it ends. I thought that there were two plot lines, really. One was dealing with the chimpanzee, and all the philosophical/ethical questions which go into that. This was a superb plot line, and I loved it a lot. The other plot line had to do with a young teen navigating growing up, relationships with family (especially his dad), and relationships with girls. This plot line wasn't that great. It was rather crude when it came to girls ... actually pretty sexist in that area. The relationship with his father was more interesting. But, I did think that second plot line took away from the main theme.
Otherwise, it's a good read that raises interesting questions.
