Great Apes

Great Apes is a 1997 satirical novel that follows Simon Dykes, a London artist who experiences a radical shift in reality after a drug-fueled evening. The story takes place in an alternate London where chimpanzees are the dominant species, complete with their own social structures, medical establishments, and cultural norms. Simon must navigate this simian society while trying to understand his new reality and maintain his sense of self. The narrative moves through the complex dynamics of chimp social hierarchies and behaviors, presenting familiar human institutions and relationships through the lens of primate society. The setting includes hospitals, art galleries, and social clubs - all reimagined within chimpanzee culture. The novel explores themes of consciousness, identity, and the thin line between human and animal nature, questioning what truly defines civilization and self-awareness.

Readers describe this book as challenging but rewarding, with many noting the dense vocabulary and philosophical themes require focused attention. The satirical elements examining human behavior through ape society resonated with those who appreciate dark humor. Liked: - Creative premise and commitment to the concept - Detail-rich descriptions of chimpanzee society - Commentary on human nature and social structures - Dark humor and satire Disliked: - Overly complex language and long sentences - Graphic sexual/violent content - Pacing issues in middle sections - Some found it pretentious Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (120+ ratings) Reader comments highlight the polarizing nature: "Brilliant but exhausting" notes one Amazon reviewer, while another calls it "unnecessarily verbose." Several Goodreads reviews mention abandoning the book partway through due to the challenging style, while others praise its "unflinching examination of human society."

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🦧 Will Self wrote much of "Great Apes" while working as a journalist in a gorilla sanctuary in Gabon, gaining firsthand insights into primate behavior. 🎨 The protagonist's profession as an artist was inspired by research showing that great apes can create abstract paintings and demonstrate aesthetic preferences. 🧬 The book's premise draws on the fact that humans share approximately 98.8% of their DNA with chimpanzees, making them our closest living relatives. 📚 The novel pays homage to Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis," similarly featuring a protagonist who wakes up to find himself transformed, but on a broader societal scale. 🔬 Self consulted with primatologists from the London Zoo during the writing process to ensure accurate representations of chimpanzee social hierarchies and behaviors.