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kathrynnnnnn's review
4.0
A really interesting insight into the world of a primatologist dealing with life, relationships, and politics surrounding work. I am forever fascinated by people who manage to get into this career by hands on experience in amazing locations - how on earth do they manage that? How do they get their foot in the door and jump off the stability "normal 9-5" cliff?
kaillem's review
5.0
Just a cautionary note before the review: If your sensibilities will not tolerate graphic depictions of bonobo sex or vivid retelling of violence, you may not enjoy this book as much as I did.
And now to the review:
Vanessa Woods gives a heartfelt account of her journey studying bonobos in the Congo. She includes several chapters on the political history of the Congo and explains the political conflicts that affect her research and friends at Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary, but she does it in such an original and engaging way that you barely realize you're being given a history lesson until you're thoroughly engrossed.
It's been a long time since I laughed so much while reading a book. There are plenty of sidesplitting bonobo antics and Woods' perspective on certain situations just makes me laugh. The humor definitely offsets the more serious chapters about war, which can get kind of intense.
BONOBO HANDSHAKE is an engaging read. It's excellently written and Woods' writing style grips you and pulls you in. It was easy to forget that I was reading and just "listen" and "watch" what was happening in the book. The one thing I would have liked more of is a more detailed discussion of the research findings!! I'll be looking up the academic papers by her husband and probably pick up another book on bonobos to learn more.
Highly recommended.
And now to the review:
Vanessa Woods gives a heartfelt account of her journey studying bonobos in the Congo. She includes several chapters on the political history of the Congo and explains the political conflicts that affect her research and friends at Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary, but she does it in such an original and engaging way that you barely realize you're being given a history lesson until you're thoroughly engrossed.
It's been a long time since I laughed so much while reading a book. There are plenty of sidesplitting bonobo antics and Woods' perspective on certain situations just makes me laugh. The humor definitely offsets the more serious chapters about war, which can get kind of intense.
BONOBO HANDSHAKE is an engaging read. It's excellently written and Woods' writing style grips you and pulls you in. It was easy to forget that I was reading and just "listen" and "watch" what was happening in the book. The one thing I would have liked more of is a more detailed discussion of the research findings!! I'll be looking up the academic papers by her husband and probably pick up another book on bonobos to learn more.
Highly recommended.
lizaroo71's review
4.0
vanessa marries brian and follows him to the congo where he begins researching bonobos - similar to the chimpanzee. it is only until they arrive at the sanctuary that vanessa begins to realize who taken she is with these beautiful creatures.
and beautiful they are. she gives detailed descriptions of the bonobo's interaction with one another and how very different they are from chimpanzees. bonobos are docile and all about sharing. they are not violent and are quite amorous (you might be surprised what a bonobo handshake entails).
woods does a good job of filling in the volatile politics of the region and the inhumanity many have suffered in the name of progress.
an intense yet poignant read.
and beautiful they are. she gives detailed descriptions of the bonobo's interaction with one another and how very different they are from chimpanzees. bonobos are docile and all about sharing. they are not violent and are quite amorous (you might be surprised what a bonobo handshake entails).
woods does a good job of filling in the volatile politics of the region and the inhumanity many have suffered in the name of progress.
an intense yet poignant read.
jesassa's review
3.0
This memoir was well written withal distinctive voice and surprisingly wide range of topics. I enjoyed the rumination on what makes us human, I teared up when I was supposed to, and appreciated the history of the Congo. The last chapters felt a bit preachy but I am in wholehearted agreement with her on issues of extreme poverty.
skinnercolin221's review
4.0
This book reads like a personal growth story, political thriller, and scientific discovery novel all in one. The examination of the Congolese wars was horrific, and I learned a fair amount about a region marred by war and exploited by Western mining companies. It raised critical questions in me about the role wealthy corporations and politicians may have played in perpetuating the Congo's unstable conditions, especially when precious metals like coltan (mined by children and possibly present in your own smartphone) are at stake.
In contrast to the human chaos, the book delves into the world of Bonobos, our closest living relatives, who are nearly genetically identical to chimpanzees. However, Bonobos are unique in that their societies tend to be much more peaceful and cooperative. Unlike chimpanzees, no bonobo has been observed killing another of its kind or a human. Despite this, they are heavily poached for food. Social dynamics of Bonobos have become popular due to their bisexual, non-monogamous, and matriarchal societies where sex plays a role in everything from conflict resolution to greetings. While this may intrigue some readers, I found their peaceful coexistence to be the most beautiful aspect of their society. Although the idea that there is another creature out their that French kisses is funny, it isn't something I particularly enjoy imagining. I like to instead remember the elder Bonobo, Mimi, escaping her room only to be found later, not up to mischief, but watering all the flowers.
As for the personal growth of the author, I won't spoil the whole story. Overall, the book is an enlightening read that juxtaposes the strife in the Congo with the harmonious lives of Bonobos, raising questions about our own societal constructs and what we can learn from our lesser-known cousins.
In contrast to the human chaos, the book delves into the world of Bonobos, our closest living relatives, who are nearly genetically identical to chimpanzees. However, Bonobos are unique in that their societies tend to be much more peaceful and cooperative. Unlike chimpanzees, no bonobo has been observed killing another of its kind or a human. Despite this, they are heavily poached for food. Social dynamics of Bonobos have become popular due to their bisexual, non-monogamous, and matriarchal societies where sex plays a role in everything from conflict resolution to greetings. While this may intrigue some readers, I found their peaceful coexistence to be the most beautiful aspect of their society. Although the idea that there is another creature out their that French kisses is funny, it isn't something I particularly enjoy imagining. I like to instead remember the elder Bonobo, Mimi, escaping her room only to be found later, not up to mischief, but watering all the flowers.
As for the personal growth of the author, I won't spoil the whole story. Overall, the book is an enlightening read that juxtaposes the strife in the Congo with the harmonious lives of Bonobos, raising questions about our own societal constructs and what we can learn from our lesser-known cousins.
cozylittlebrownhouse's review
5.0
After reading the horrific Ape House by Sara Gruen, I knew I wanted to read non-fiction material about the fascinating Bonobo species in the Congo. I was captivated. Woods offers a wonderfully emotional memoir dedicated to her love of these animals while weaving in the tumultuous history of Africa. I dare you not to fall in love too when you read how human the Bonobos are. Interesting and enlightening, I will now be turning to the internet to learn more.
How interesting and enlightening? I was home sick today and read through the entire book in one sitting.
How interesting and enlightening? I was home sick today and read through the entire book in one sitting.
littlebitofe's review
4.0
A very interesting read. I did fall in love with the bonobos and learned many things I didn't know about them and about the Congo. I enjoyed Woods's writing style very much (even though some of the political stuff was hard to follow). I was surprised at some of her blunt language and found myself giggling a few times because of it.
kingfan30's review against another edition
4.0
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 on 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 :-)
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 on 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 :-)