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Among the Okapi
When a young, financially challenged lab demonstrator named Fred is approached by a mysterious professor, Dr. Smith, to help write up his notes from research he did on the okapi in the Congo, Fred is delighted. Not only will it give him a chance to get to know the enigmatic prof, the extra pay will also go a long way toward solving his financial woes.
However, Fred’s situation soon becomes complicated. After making a number of regrettable decisions, he embarks on a promising romance with Esther, a student from his hometown. Meanwhile, the more he gets to know Dr. Smith, the deeper Fred, Esther—and virtually everyone else in their orbit—are pulled into a dark secret from Dr. Smith’s past. Soon, the same mystery that ties them all together also threatens to tear their lives apart.
However, Fred’s situation soon becomes complicated. After making a number of regrettable decisions, he embarks on a promising romance with Esther, a student from his hometown. Meanwhile, the more he gets to know Dr. Smith, the deeper Fred, Esther—and virtually everyone else in their orbit—are pulled into a dark secret from Dr. Smith’s past. Soon, the same mystery that ties them all together also threatens to tear their lives apart.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2023
2 people are currently reading
5026 people want to read
About the author
John S. Taylor
1 book26 followersJohn S Taylor spent far too much of his youth getting educated and looking for a job. Eventually, however, he became a federal research scientist and adjunct professor at the University of Calgary. He has always had a special fascination with Africa, and has travelled there whenever the opportunity arose, either as a tourist or for volunteer work. University life in Canada and events in Africa form much of the background to his novel "Among the Okapi.' Currently he lives in Victoria, BC with his wife and daughter where he writes, raises orchids, plays very amateur piano, and travels as much as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 24, 2023
Such an engaging novel! The setting is a small, non-descript Canadian community college. Adventures - from the microscopic and local to those hefty and barely speakable - emerge from inner and outer dark places to take the reader on a compelling and at times frightening journey. We learn about the Okapi. Have we ever even heard of them before? We are invited to enjoy botanical wonders and inhale Africa. We meet mercenaries and squirm. We dig deep in old, musty journals. Then we are once more immersed in the rhythms and dramas of college life. All is not as it seems. Or perhaps to the discerning eye, it is. There are many intrigues and tensions, and the reader wonders if and how they will resolve.
It’s curious: at times the writing is understated and gentle; then, in a flash, it’s gritty, juicy and bloody. The ‘dark secret’ from Dr. Smith’s past casts a long shadow.
This is a good read. Enjoy the ride!
It’s curious: at times the writing is understated and gentle; then, in a flash, it’s gritty, juicy and bloody. The ‘dark secret’ from Dr. Smith’s past casts a long shadow.
This is a good read. Enjoy the ride!
February 15, 2025
It is rare, very rare, that I sit down and read a novel from beginning to end with hardly a break. But I found “Among the Okapi” utterly engrossing. This is one of those rare books that combines literate but unpretentious writing with a cast of identifiable characters - all flawed, as we all are - and an intriguing story line. I say story line rather than plot, as the narrative feels real; drawn from life, not fabricated. And this is the strength of all great novels – they reflect a world we know rather than manufacturing a stage upon which to mount a performance. And yes – I used the word “great” to describe John S. Taylor’s first novel. Although self-published, it puts almost all the mainstream novels I’ve read in recent years to shame, including a number of prestigious prize winner.
“Among the Okapi” is absorbing, thought-provoking and had me hooked from the outset. I can only hope that Mister Taylor has more novels in the pipeline.
Outstanding. Deserving of the widest possible readership.
“Among the Okapi” is absorbing, thought-provoking and had me hooked from the outset. I can only hope that Mister Taylor has more novels in the pipeline.
Outstanding. Deserving of the widest possible readership.
August 7, 2023
This is a compelling first novel by John S. Taylor, and he has acquitted himself brilliantly.
It is the 1960s, in the war-torn Belgian Congo, and renowned Canadian naturalist, Dr. Richard Smith, is there conducting research on the Okapi, a rare forest animal. Dr. Smith meets Alice, a young Canadian tourist, with whom he experiences a wonderful romantic interlude, abruptly cut short by her tragic death. Smith returns to Waverley, a small Ontario college town, the home of Alice’s sister, Daphne, with a fake death certificate. He is a broken man, and she nurses him back to health as best she can, but he clearly suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. Smith accepts an appointment with the local college, abandoning the prestigious teaching position offered to him in the United States. Smith is seen as enigmatic, reclusive and somewhat of a mystery. As the narrative of Smith’s life in Waverley unfolds, we are introduced to a fascinating array of characters, including the hapless college instructor, Fred, a danger to himself and others, retained by Smith to assemble his Okapi field notes; Esther, Daphne’s niece a student at the College, who unsettlingly reminds Smith of his lost love, Alice; as well as Esther’s kindly and insightful uncle, John Lyon and his ne’er-do-well son, Jason. As the Waverly narrative develops, artfully, the author slowly draws back the curtain on the mystery lying at the heart of Smith’s trauma, by gradually revealing excerpts of Smith’s personal diary. Ultimately the mystery is solved by the occurrence of two climactic events. The first is Fred’s discovery of the diary amongst Smith’s field notes. The second is the emergence of Smith’s hated nemesis from the Belgian Congo, the mercenary, Van Dusen, now a Canadian Federal Politician, which results in further tragic consequences and the book’s conclusion. This is a superbly crafted novel, characterized by the skillful inter-weaving of the past and the present, the lyrical portrayal of the romance of Smith and Alice in the Mountains of the Moon, the riveting description of the marauding soldiers of the ANC and Katangan rebels and the nightmarish circumstances of the death of Alice, and Smith’s frantic flight to safety. Author, John Taylor also very sensitively develops the portrayal of complex characters in challenging circumstances, which I found to be extremely persuasive.
He gets an A+
It is the 1960s, in the war-torn Belgian Congo, and renowned Canadian naturalist, Dr. Richard Smith, is there conducting research on the Okapi, a rare forest animal. Dr. Smith meets Alice, a young Canadian tourist, with whom he experiences a wonderful romantic interlude, abruptly cut short by her tragic death. Smith returns to Waverley, a small Ontario college town, the home of Alice’s sister, Daphne, with a fake death certificate. He is a broken man, and she nurses him back to health as best she can, but he clearly suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. Smith accepts an appointment with the local college, abandoning the prestigious teaching position offered to him in the United States. Smith is seen as enigmatic, reclusive and somewhat of a mystery. As the narrative of Smith’s life in Waverley unfolds, we are introduced to a fascinating array of characters, including the hapless college instructor, Fred, a danger to himself and others, retained by Smith to assemble his Okapi field notes; Esther, Daphne’s niece a student at the College, who unsettlingly reminds Smith of his lost love, Alice; as well as Esther’s kindly and insightful uncle, John Lyon and his ne’er-do-well son, Jason. As the Waverly narrative develops, artfully, the author slowly draws back the curtain on the mystery lying at the heart of Smith’s trauma, by gradually revealing excerpts of Smith’s personal diary. Ultimately the mystery is solved by the occurrence of two climactic events. The first is Fred’s discovery of the diary amongst Smith’s field notes. The second is the emergence of Smith’s hated nemesis from the Belgian Congo, the mercenary, Van Dusen, now a Canadian Federal Politician, which results in further tragic consequences and the book’s conclusion. This is a superbly crafted novel, characterized by the skillful inter-weaving of the past and the present, the lyrical portrayal of the romance of Smith and Alice in the Mountains of the Moon, the riveting description of the marauding soldiers of the ANC and Katangan rebels and the nightmarish circumstances of the death of Alice, and Smith’s frantic flight to safety. Author, John Taylor also very sensitively develops the portrayal of complex characters in challenging circumstances, which I found to be extremely persuasive.
He gets an A+
October 14, 2025
Memories of Africa cause ramifications for everyone back home
The last students have left Anatomy class at Waverly College in Toronto where Fred is lab demonstrator. He’s determined to ask his head of department Dr Smith for a pay rise. An affair with the landlady Inge has not saved him from paying rent, but his mind is on a student from his hometown of Darby whom he remembered from high school, Esther.
John Lyon is studying the sales figures of his lager-brewing company. A phone call promises that his son Jason will come home to visit. Wife Daphne is out at a meeting with the arts committee. Esther, their niece, orphaned at age 10, is staying there for a while. The two cousins have never met.
Dr Smith commissions Fred to edit the study he did in Africa on the okapi. Esther, a vegetarian, wants to be excused from dissecting white rats. Dr Smith thinks she look familiar. Fred and Esther bond during a spot of undercover activity.
Chapter 5, we break to quoting every other chapter from Dr Smith’s African journal—his tale of the okapi and of Alice. Every other chapter, however, goes back to the present-time narrative, so we don’t break the continuity.
Dr Smith seems obsessed with a Mark Van Dusen, someone from the Africa days.
These two sets of characters revolve around each other. Jason finally tells Dr Smith, ‘every time there’s been a serious problem in my family, it’s somehow connected to you.’
The characters are all very well developed, and their histories intersect in interesting, complex ways. I would have liked a bit more enlightenment earlier on concerning Van Dusen. When we finally learn, it’s suitably astonishing, with misunderstandings all around.
A very well written story.
The last students have left Anatomy class at Waverly College in Toronto where Fred is lab demonstrator. He’s determined to ask his head of department Dr Smith for a pay rise. An affair with the landlady Inge has not saved him from paying rent, but his mind is on a student from his hometown of Darby whom he remembered from high school, Esther.
John Lyon is studying the sales figures of his lager-brewing company. A phone call promises that his son Jason will come home to visit. Wife Daphne is out at a meeting with the arts committee. Esther, their niece, orphaned at age 10, is staying there for a while. The two cousins have never met.
Dr Smith commissions Fred to edit the study he did in Africa on the okapi. Esther, a vegetarian, wants to be excused from dissecting white rats. Dr Smith thinks she look familiar. Fred and Esther bond during a spot of undercover activity.
Chapter 5, we break to quoting every other chapter from Dr Smith’s African journal—his tale of the okapi and of Alice. Every other chapter, however, goes back to the present-time narrative, so we don’t break the continuity.
Dr Smith seems obsessed with a Mark Van Dusen, someone from the Africa days.
These two sets of characters revolve around each other. Jason finally tells Dr Smith, ‘every time there’s been a serious problem in my family, it’s somehow connected to you.’
The characters are all very well developed, and their histories intersect in interesting, complex ways. I would have liked a bit more enlightenment earlier on concerning Van Dusen. When we finally learn, it’s suitably astonishing, with misunderstandings all around.
A very well written story.
January 7, 2026
ok so "Among the Okapi" is about a guy who is a biology teacher at a college. at the start he is broke, living in a room with a woman who has... let's just say a complicated arrangement with him. he sees a girl in his class and becomes obsessed with her. meanwhile, there is this mysterious professor who has a dark past connected to Africa. there's also guy's uncle who owns a brewery and his son who comes home after years away. the whole thing gradually becomes this dark drama with secrets, betrayals, and a shocking ending that absolutely blindsided me.
the writing is smooth and the way the author builds tension is really good. and the ending is genuinely dark and tragic, not the typical "happy ending" vibe.
the book is long and sometimes it drags. there are sections where nothing much happens and you're just waiting for something to happen. some characters feel like they are in the story but don't really matter. the ending hits hard but also feels a bit rushed like everything explodes at once after 300+ pages of buildup.
this is a solid literary novel about flawed people making bad choices. it's not a light read and it's not meant to be. the author really understands how people self-destruct and how the past haunts you. if you like character-driven stories with dark themes, this will get into your head.
the writing is smooth and the way the author builds tension is really good. and the ending is genuinely dark and tragic, not the typical "happy ending" vibe.
the book is long and sometimes it drags. there are sections where nothing much happens and you're just waiting for something to happen. some characters feel like they are in the story but don't really matter. the ending hits hard but also feels a bit rushed like everything explodes at once after 300+ pages of buildup.
this is a solid literary novel about flawed people making bad choices. it's not a light read and it's not meant to be. the author really understands how people self-destruct and how the past haunts you. if you like character-driven stories with dark themes, this will get into your head.
September 9, 2025
A UNIQUE AND CAPTIVATING NOVEL
What first drew me to "Among the Okapi" was the title. Having traveled to Africa and seen the lovely creatures in the flesh, I was instantly intrigued. The novel did not disappoint.
One of the central characters recounts his time in Africa, and his quest to be “among the okapi” leads to discoveries far beyond what he expected. His journeys are vividly etched for the reader, from encounters with the ANC to the frustration of getting stuck in a heavy rainstorm, and dealing with a broken-down Land Rover. Taylor’s writing brings these moments to life so fully that I almost felt I was there alongside the characters.
But what truly makes this book shine is how seamlessly the other characters, not in Africa, are woven into the central narrative. The way they meet, connect, and influence each other feels more human than in any novel I have read for a very long time. Even the smallest details pertaining to everyday life were just as interesting as the larger, more dramatic events.
If there is a moral from this story, it's this: every moment is sacred, and life is way stranger than fiction. "Among the Okapi" is a captivating, deeply human story, and I sincerely hope John S. Taylor writes another novel soon. I will be the first to read it!
What first drew me to "Among the Okapi" was the title. Having traveled to Africa and seen the lovely creatures in the flesh, I was instantly intrigued. The novel did not disappoint.
One of the central characters recounts his time in Africa, and his quest to be “among the okapi” leads to discoveries far beyond what he expected. His journeys are vividly etched for the reader, from encounters with the ANC to the frustration of getting stuck in a heavy rainstorm, and dealing with a broken-down Land Rover. Taylor’s writing brings these moments to life so fully that I almost felt I was there alongside the characters.
But what truly makes this book shine is how seamlessly the other characters, not in Africa, are woven into the central narrative. The way they meet, connect, and influence each other feels more human than in any novel I have read for a very long time. Even the smallest details pertaining to everyday life were just as interesting as the larger, more dramatic events.
If there is a moral from this story, it's this: every moment is sacred, and life is way stranger than fiction. "Among the Okapi" is a captivating, deeply human story, and I sincerely hope John S. Taylor writes another novel soon. I will be the first to read it!
December 24, 2025
Well written novel
“Among the Okapi” is a quiet yet compelling novel that blends coming-of-age themes, mystery, and subtle romance into a thoughtfully layered story. What begins as an academic task for a struggling lab demonstrator slowly unfolds into something far more complex, as hidden truths and moral dilemmas surface. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build naturally as personal and professional lines begin to blur.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the development of the main character, Fred. Over the course of the story, Fred evolves from a financially pressured and somewhat uncertain young man into someone far more self-aware and grounded. His growth feels organic and believable, shaped by difficult choices, emotional risks, and the gradual uncovering of uncomfortable truths. His relationships—particularly the romantic one—further challenge his sense of responsibility and integrity, adding depth to his journey.
Overall, “Among the Okapi” is a character-driven novel that rewards patient readers. Its thoughtful narrative, understated suspense, and strong emotional core make it a satisfying read for those who appreciate stories where personal growth and quiet mystery take center stage.
“Among the Okapi” is a quiet yet compelling novel that blends coming-of-age themes, mystery, and subtle romance into a thoughtfully layered story. What begins as an academic task for a struggling lab demonstrator slowly unfolds into something far more complex, as hidden truths and moral dilemmas surface. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build naturally as personal and professional lines begin to blur.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the development of the main character, Fred. Over the course of the story, Fred evolves from a financially pressured and somewhat uncertain young man into someone far more self-aware and grounded. His growth feels organic and believable, shaped by difficult choices, emotional risks, and the gradual uncovering of uncomfortable truths. His relationships—particularly the romantic one—further challenge his sense of responsibility and integrity, adding depth to his journey.
Overall, “Among the Okapi” is a character-driven novel that rewards patient readers. Its thoughtful narrative, understated suspense, and strong emotional core make it a satisfying read for those who appreciate stories where personal growth and quiet mystery take center stage.
November 18, 2024
Among The Okapi
A novel about an extended family group in a small college town, north of Toronto. Essentially it’s a story about crises of conscience, failed ethics and the quintessential theme of boy meets girl. Love, lust, jealousy and mysterious entanglements drive the protagonists into deepening trouble. A hapless, newly minted professor is attracted to one of his students who coincidentally, was years behind him in his former high school. Young professor is beholden to his boss, head of the department…who is himself, tortured, because not only did he begin an affair with a traveller’s girlfriend in the Congo, but he abandoned her when she was severely injured ….which is unravelled in a series of subplots. The Okapi novel prompted me to investigate the horrors of the Congo when mercenaries viciously subjugated the local population. Colonial aggression could play a more significant role in the story. The women portrayed in Okapi are either supercilious or flighty, prone to jealousy, a bit Harlequin? Nevertheless we readers are subjected to the playbook of families and friends, their rebellious children and hints of politicians with a sordid past and hidden agendas.
A novel about an extended family group in a small college town, north of Toronto. Essentially it’s a story about crises of conscience, failed ethics and the quintessential theme of boy meets girl. Love, lust, jealousy and mysterious entanglements drive the protagonists into deepening trouble. A hapless, newly minted professor is attracted to one of his students who coincidentally, was years behind him in his former high school. Young professor is beholden to his boss, head of the department…who is himself, tortured, because not only did he begin an affair with a traveller’s girlfriend in the Congo, but he abandoned her when she was severely injured ….which is unravelled in a series of subplots. The Okapi novel prompted me to investigate the horrors of the Congo when mercenaries viciously subjugated the local population. Colonial aggression could play a more significant role in the story. The women portrayed in Okapi are either supercilious or flighty, prone to jealousy, a bit Harlequin? Nevertheless we readers are subjected to the playbook of families and friends, their rebellious children and hints of politicians with a sordid past and hidden agendas.
August 18, 2023
I enjoyed this book. There was so much interesting detail, and I found the characters and their trials quite believable. The scenes of past events in Africa are vivid and intense. In contrast, there is the quiet and peace of the present day at a small community college. However, life at the college is disturbed by several unexplained mysteries. Why does the distinguished scientist, Dr. Smith, settle for teaching at such a minor institute after receiving offers at prestigious universities? What is his relationship with the family of one of his students? Why is he obsessed with a local politician? The relationship between the various characters and events in the novel, past and present, gradually becomes clear, leading to a disturbing climax. The plot is characterised by a touching romance.
May 9, 2025
A Compelling Read with Well-Drawn Characters
The action is mainly set in the present day, but with tantalising glimpses back to a past, decades earlier, in Africa, where the older character, Dr. Smith, experiences things so shocking while studying okapi that they shape all his future life. When he meets the two young protagonists, Fred and Esther, events begin to unfold, and the story is a great mix of high drama, in the diary entries from Africa, and college life as experienced by Fred and Esther.
The everyday struggles and relationship of these two characters makes the narrative particularly interesting. The author writers about daily life so well, and all the characters are well-drawn, with contradictions that I found particularly intriguing. All in all, a great book that I didn’t want to put down.
The action is mainly set in the present day, but with tantalising glimpses back to a past, decades earlier, in Africa, where the older character, Dr. Smith, experiences things so shocking while studying okapi that they shape all his future life. When he meets the two young protagonists, Fred and Esther, events begin to unfold, and the story is a great mix of high drama, in the diary entries from Africa, and college life as experienced by Fred and Esther.
The everyday struggles and relationship of these two characters makes the narrative particularly interesting. The author writers about daily life so well, and all the characters are well-drawn, with contradictions that I found particularly intriguing. All in all, a great book that I didn’t want to put down.
July 31, 2025
Unexpectedly Captivating!
Among the Okapi was a quiet surprise. What starts as a simple academic opportunity for Fred turns into a layered story filled with quirky characters, a budding romance, and a slow-revealed mystery. I really enjoyed how the tension built gradually—nothing felt rushed, and the writing had a thoughtful, almost literary quality. If you like character-driven stories with a touch of intrigue, this one’s worth a read.
Among the Okapi was a quiet surprise. What starts as a simple academic opportunity for Fred turns into a layered story filled with quirky characters, a budding romance, and a slow-revealed mystery. I really enjoyed how the tension built gradually—nothing felt rushed, and the writing had a thoughtful, almost literary quality. If you like character-driven stories with a touch of intrigue, this one’s worth a read.
February 20, 2026
It appears slow-burning until the character layers begin to peel. The good doctor Smith’s story reminds us all that deeds are never really forgotten, but lurk and rear their heads when least expected, even years later. His life in Africa will forever be at the core of his later years. The humanity in the author’s prose is compelling.
October 26, 2023
A very good read. 'Among the Okapi' is one of my very favorite books this year.
I felt I actually knew the characters personally; especially Fred!
Thank you John Taylor for sharing your talent with us.
I felt I actually knew the characters personally; especially Fred!
Thank you John Taylor for sharing your talent with us.
August 8, 2025
This book shares something with The Painted Veil and The Great Gatsby. Beautiful and haunting, a well crafted narrative of desire and regret, unrequited and requited love. Multiple story lines are intricately interwoven to craft an imaginative and complex examination of human imperfection.
November 3, 2024
Good concept, interesting story. Not about okapi that much :(
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews