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Bonobo Handshake: A Memoir Of Love And Adventure In The Congo (2010)

by Vanessa Woods(Favorite Author)

3.99 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

1592405460 (ISBN13: 9781592405466)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Gotham

review 1: A fascinating read, thanks to Rachel (sfogs) for the recommendation and for sending me the book.I had never heard of Bonobos before reading this book, so to find out about these animals was incredibly interesting, they really are fascinating. The study of the differences between these and the chimps was an eye opener. I had seen a documentary on chimps chasing another animal through the forest for food, but I hadn't realised they could be so aggressive to other chimps and to humans. The Bonobos really are a peaceful group, and maybe we have a lot to learn from them.The history of the Congo was also interesting, the stories of what went on during the war and after, really are horrifying, and even more shocking was see it wasn't all that long ago.Why not full marks, I felt o... moren a few occasions that she was repeating herself and also was not so keen on the details of her relationship with her husband, although very truthful, not maybe necessary for the book.Thanks again for the recommendation :-)
review 2: I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I love the author's writing style; unlike some who write memoirs from a position of self-importance and no sense of humor, Ms. Woods is personable, self-deprecating and honest about her perceived shortcomings. But the book really is a tribute to the bonobos, a very endangered species, and to the people and land of the Congo, a country decimated by genocide and war. Her comparisons between the behaviors of the bonobos and chimpanzees, and how they relate to humans, are enlightening and thought-provoking. I laughed, I cried and I shuddered at the cruelty that humans perpetuate on each other, all in the pursuit of power and greed. A very interesting read. less

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