Interviews with an Ape is a real page-turner, a book that you cannot put down so immersed you become with both its human and non-human characters. Despite the hardships that they are all facing, this is a book I would particularly recommend to young adults, because its simple style and clarity of content is sure to hit the spot on a subject which is paramount among young generations: the cruelty of the world we live in, and our capacity to change the course of our tragic history as a species. Felice Fallon demonstrates real empathy, something that is too often missing in our dealings with both our fellow humans and our distant or not-so-distant cousins, setting an example for us all.

This is a difficult book to review.

This book forces you to open your eyes to the cruelty of humans, in how we treat each other and animals. It is written from the point of view of both, the humans who are cruel, the animals that are suffering and the humans that try to help them.

This was a painful book to read and will leave a long lasting impact on me.

The only reason I have given this 4 stars instead of 5 is because I only give 5 stars to books I will read again. Interviews with an Ape upset me too much the first time I read it, I couldn’t put myself through it again.

Despite the fact that I have read widely on the subject of man's appalling abuse of animals, this novel shocked me deeply. It is the first person narrative from the animals' point of view that really hits home.

The early chapters read like non-fiction, describing the desperate situations animals find themselves in at the hands of farmers, hunters and the entertainment industry. At times I knew exactly what was coming when I turned the page and it was difficult to read on, but we all owe it to the poor exploited innocent creatures to read of the horrors they suffer. The sow, victim of industrial farming methods, was the character who spoke to me most eloquently.

Sadly many people will read this book and think the situations described must be exaggerated, but sadly every word is true. I hope it reaches a wide readership so that as many people as possible wake up to the sickening reality. That reality is that the world's most powerful species is inflicting horrific suffering not only on animals but also on the humane humans who try to stop the abuse.

Ms Fallon is skilled at giving both her human and animal characters their own distinctive voices. She has clearly conducted a massive amount of research into her subject and has written a truly original novel that I am sure will shock all compassionate human beings.

Please, everybody, read this book, take action, maybe by supporting an animal welfare charity , giving up eating meat, signing petitions, and do your bit to make the world a more humane place.

A moving tale about Einstein, a gorilla, who can communicate using sign language. This book will change how you see and feel about the world. Everyone should read this.

I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review. What an incredible book difficult at times with man's cruelty and good at times man's kindness. This is a must read and one of the top books in 2021.

I was disappointed to find this has nothing to do with Koko, the actual ape who could speak in sign language, but is a totally fictionalised piece to wallow in human projections of the feelings of mistreated animals.

I can see the point of the book. Humans have a history of treating animals as if they don't have thoughts and feelings. They've been trafficked, made to perform, kept in too small cages battery raised for food and any number of cruelties. Let's not forget the total barbarism of the fox hunt!

It makes for a depressing read, each chapter representative of some of the worst treated animals in our thoughtless history. I can't say I enjoyed reading about these things. I'm just a bit disappointed that it wasn't what the title led me to assume, because actual interviews with the ape who could sign would be beyond fascinating.

Wow. There aren’t the words to describe how important and eye opening this book is. It was very difficult to read and my heart strings were twanging. I had to read this in very small doses and leave some recovery time between sections. This is a book that everyone should read. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

This book was incredible, I haven’t read anything like it before. The author was captivating in her descriptions of events from the perspective of each animal, and the humans showing them cruelty or kindness. I learned a lot from the book too, I hadn’t been aware of bear bile farming and from subsequent research I was saddened to see that the story of the mother and cub included in the book is based on true events. There was a whole range of emotions that I had while reading- it varied between heartwarming, heartbreaking and anger-inducing at the cruelty of people. I will definitely be recommending this book to people.

Finished this book an hour ago.what an unusual book but a very interesting read.
Basically the story of a gorilla who has learned sign language from two deaf twins who are his keepers.
The book also follows the lives of other animals and people who are also involved with animals in some way.
Einstein the gorilla's journey from capture as a baby to his eventual release back into the wild as a silver back.

Interviews with an Ape is special, important and compelling. By using animals as it’s ‘voice’ It pushes their plight at the hands of ‘humanity’ to the centre stage.

If you are looking for an easy read, this is not it, this is a ‘warts ‘n all’ sort of book. We, as a species, come under close scrutiny and are laid bare as both tormentors and tormented. So, no, it’s not an easy read, but it is an important one.
By far the most prominent POV, and the one that will stay with me is that of Einstein (a male silverback Gorilla) who was taught to communicate by signing. Other animals also feature linked to each other mostly by their detainment against their will in various settings, their only ‘crime’ that of not being human.

Virginia McKenna says ‘this book should be read by everyone’ and I totally agree, it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, so strap in and approach with an open mind and heart. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am numbed after reading this debut novel by Felice Fallon!

I started reading and couldn't stop! Gentleness and brutality hand in hand. A wonderful read that leaves you asking questions, lots of questions. I cried at the end, tears running down my face, I tried not to but couldn't!

Einstein, the gorilla, tells his story along with other vulnerable animals and it makes you think, really think! I had a variety of emotions from, sad, cruel, funny, brutal and difficult to read at time.

I would recommend this novel. This story will stay with me forever.

I give a 5 star rating.

I WANT TO THANK NETGALLEY FOR THE OPPERUNITY OF READIN AN ADVANCED COPY OF THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW