Product Description

At the behest of a wealthy geneticist researching the minute genetic differences that separates humans from chimpanzees and control the way the two species think and learn, a number of U.S. scientists have been asked to raise and study bonobo chimpanzees in their homes. One such chimp is Umber, placed with Dr. Jim Dutton, an anthropology professor. Umber, however, is startlingly different from the other chimpanzees Dutton has studied. Quick to learn, Umber soon acquires a prodigious sign language vocabulary and manipulates the computer, tools and kitchen appliances with remarkable ease. After comparing notes with other "host" families, Dutton starts wondering if the chimps were somehow altered. The question galvanises Dutton and Canadian journalist Valerie Radin to seek the truth - a truth that will soon lead to a horrifying discovery.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #568602 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 519 pages

Customer Reviews

Quite a good take on the idea
This is one of the books I picked up speculatively and am glad I did.
The story in essence is similar to the technothrillers of Crichton's genre, but is quite a good take. The standard ideas of scientists fooling about with something they shouldn't together with the results of the experiment going out of control.

I read it while on holiday and found it a very good page turner.