Humanzee (Oxford Thrillers) (Paperback)

~ Susan P. Gates (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Nemo has seen some amazing sights in his circus life, but nothing matches Chingwe the humanzee in the Wonderland freak show. One look at the creature-part human, part chimpanzee-sends Nemo into a rage. You can't put people in cages! Nemo rescues Chingwe and take shim home but quickly learns that not everyone shares his tolerance. The men with guns, for instance, who want to see Chingwe destroyed... This novel is now reissued in a smaller format mass-market paperback.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (September 30, 1999)
• ISBN-10: 0192750380
• ISBN-13: 978-0192750389
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,454,144 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars humanzee is excellent, October 31, 2005

By	Timothy A. Wargo - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The characters were extremely detailed including Chingwe the humanzee and Nemo,the boy who is the main character..It was very descriptive in general.I could actually visualize the underground caves mentioned that Nemo explored.I would have liked a more detailed description of Chingwe,though.There was never a dull moment in the book.I literally had a hard time putting it down.It's been a while since I've read a book that engaging.

3.0 out of 5 stars Fairly engaging adventure story, June 29, 2005

By	Laura Anne "transatlantic migrant" (USA/UK) - See all my reviews

All in all, this is a fairly accomplished children's book, but sadly it doesn't transcend the barrier to make it a great kid's book that could be truly enjoyed by adults too.
The protagonist, Nemo, is an interesting and reasonably developed character; and Gates plays around a little with our concepts of time. Although set at the end of the 20th century, the book has a slightly futuristic feel.
The relationship between Chingwe (the humanzee of the title) and Nemo is genuinely touching at times, and his interactions with Martha are equally interesting.
Sadly, the book is a little disappointing in its treatment of science and evolution - the ideas presented may be challenging for some, but at times the book has a slightly preachy feel, and presents the issues in a very black and white way. The book would certainly from an interesting basis for discussing the ideas of both creationists and evolutionary biologists, but would be best presented along with material representing other viewpoints.
Just as a brief warning, although I'm not religious, I can very easily see that this book may cause offence to those with very strong religious sensibilities, as it presents creationism in a very negative light.