ISBN: 9780545842006
Written in easy-to-read language and style (also double-spaced sentences), this stirring and unforgettable novel is about the life of a silverback gorilla raised in captivity.
Inspired by the true story of Ivan, a gorilla captured as infant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raised in a human home, and finally sent to live at a circus-themed mall in Washington state in the USA, before being transferred to Zoo Atlanta in 1994. Ivan spent 27 years of his life alone in a cage, without seeing another of his own kind. Zoo Atlanta houses the largest group of captive western lowland gorillas in the nation. Ivan was known for his paintings, which were often “signed” with his thumbprint. He died on August 20, 2012 at the age of 50.
In this story, Ivan is an easygoing gorilla, living at the “Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade”, where he serves as an attraction for customers. Ivan is an artist, and his paintings are sold in the curio shop, and it is his art that ultimately helps him keep a promise to an old friend that he would find a newly arrived baby elephant a better home, and himself too.
It is a thought-provoking novel about what animals might experience having been separated from their own kind. After reading this book, you can’t think the same about animals and their freedom again. And it can open discussion with kids with regard to whether zoo’s and amusement parks are in the best interests of animals or not.
The book is written much in the form of a diary about the daily events in Ivan’s life, written from his point of view, giving great insight into his activities.
Brilliant read!
Book review
There is also a picture book of Ivan’s story available (ISBN: 9780544252301)
Read more about Katherine Applegate here!
