Book review: Ape House

I just finished reading this book this week:

I checked this book out at the library only because it was by the same author as this book, which I LOVED:

I'm sorry to say I was a bit disappointed.

Water for Elephants had such rich characters, I felt I devoured it page by page. I also loved learning something of the world of the traveling circus in the 1930's, as well as elephants and their complex and human qualities. It was fascinating and a very quick read.

Ape House, however, did not read as quickly. While the intent I'm sure was again to teach us something, this time about bonobos rather than elephants, the story fell short. The characters weren't as developed, and the plot seemed a bit contrived. I finished it because of my genetic need to finish a book or movie once I've started, but it was more of a quest to move on to another book than to see what happens next.

I appreciate the pressure a new author must feel to follow up to something that was so spectaculary received— a movie is even in the works for Water for Elephants—but I would not suggest rushing to check this one out. I think the author is still fine tuning her proven storytelling skills.