The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore

Amazon Best Books of the Month, February 2011: From the first page of Benjamin Hale's exquisite novel, The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore, Hale s linguistic talent locks the reader into their seat and sends them ticking up the roller coaster ride of Bruno Littlemore s life. An unlikely narrator, Bruno is a chimpanzee trying to become a man--a process he sees as equal parts enlightenment and imprinting your brain with taboos. Bruno acquires a fervent love of language--and of primatologist Lydia Littlemore, with whom he develops a deep (and, yes, sexual) relationship until she falls ill. Comic relief comes in the form of Leon, a boisterous subway thespian, who introduces Bruno to the stage shortly before a murderous transgression results in Bruno s return to captivity. With Bruno Littlemore, Hale has crafted a truly original narrator, holding a mirror on humanity with a razor-like precision that makes this stunning novel one readers will want to discuss the minute they turn the last page.--Seira Wilson