HACKENFELLER'S APE

by Brigid Brophy ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

An attractively written story which takes place chiefly in London's Regents Park Zoo and concerns Professor Darrelhyde. Darrelhyde is studying the mating habits of a pair of Hackenfeller's Apes, Percy and Edwina, and attempting to keep Percy from being sent up in a rocket ship for experimental purposes, since these apes are the closest animals to humans. Receiving no help from the newspapers, scientists, or the League to Prevent Unkind Practices to Animals (all of which are roughly treated here), the Professor tries to kidnap Percy with mixed results. The highspots are in the author's descriptions of people and places, and in such things are Darrelhyde on Mozart, Percy's activities upon his release from his cage, and various other delicate items which have little to do with the plot, but much to do with the purpose of the novel. If the whole does not add up to the sum of its parts, there is still a lot here for a special audience. Miss Brophy has gracefully walked the fine line between the possible impossible and the outright outre, and kept her eye squarely on modern man in the process.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1954

Categories: FICTION