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Ape Quartet #4
Orphaned
Before humans, and before human history, there were the apes.
Snub is a young gorilla, living in the heart what will eventually be known as Africa. She is jealous of her mother's new baby . . . and restless in her need to explore. When a natural disaster shakes up her family, Snub finds herself as the guardian of her young sibling . . . and lost in a reshaped world.
Snub may feel orphaned, but she is not alone. There are other creatures stalking through the woods -- a new form of predator, walking on two legs. One of their kind is also orphaned, and is taken in by Snub. But the intersection of the human world and the gorilla world will bring both new connections and new battles.
In his boldest work yet, two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer shows us a riveting, heartbreaking early encounter between ape and man -- told from the ape's point of view. It is a journey unlike any other in recent literature.
Snub is a young gorilla, living in the heart what will eventually be known as Africa. She is jealous of her mother's new baby . . . and restless in her need to explore. When a natural disaster shakes up her family, Snub finds herself as the guardian of her young sibling . . . and lost in a reshaped world.
Snub may feel orphaned, but she is not alone. There are other creatures stalking through the woods -- a new form of predator, walking on two legs. One of their kind is also orphaned, and is taken in by Snub. But the intersection of the human world and the gorilla world will bring both new connections and new battles.
In his boldest work yet, two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer shows us a riveting, heartbreaking early encounter between ape and man -- told from the ape's point of view. It is a journey unlike any other in recent literature.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2018
13 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Schrefer
43 books1,648 followersELIOT SCHREFER is a New York Times-bestselling author, and has twice been a finalist for the National Book Award. In naming him an Editor’s Choice, the New York Times has called his work “dazzling… big-hearted.” He is also the author of two novels for adults and four other novels for children and young adults. His books have been named to the NPR “best of the year” list, the ALA best fiction list for young adults, and the Chicago Public Library’s “Best of the Best.” His work has also been selected to the Amelia Bloomer List, recognizing best feminist books for young readers, and he has been a finalist for the Walden Award and won the Green Earth Book Award and Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award. He lives in New York City, where he reviews books for USAToday.
Also: I love marshmallows and early twentieth century fiction. And apes.
Also: I love marshmallows and early twentieth century fiction. And apes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 18, 2022
Excellent and surprisingly touching story, very much in the mold of Robert Bakker's equally good Raptor Red, except that it's told from the point of view of a Paleolithic gorilla rather than a Jurassic velociraptor. That said, not a lot of plot per se - but what do you expect? This is a story about apes and cavemen; it's not like they gonna plan a complicated heist.
The book starts with the following brief description of...
…which are then used throughout the book, as in "it makes Snub growl out loud - mrgh - but softly, so Mother cannot hear." However, in the otherwise A+ audiobook narration, four of the five tended to sound like "mhrraa;" and even if I could tell the difference, there was no way I could remember what they each meant, since I couldn't continually flip back to the above cheat sheet. Still, even without their meaning, the sounds were a nice addition to the story, and - dare I say? - "humanize" the gorillas by reinforcing that they had a (very) limited form of language.
I've also read - and thoroughly enjoyed - the first two books in Schrefer's "great apes quartet," but for some reason have zero interest in the third book, Rescued, which from the description just sounds too much like an unnecessary "Young Sheldon"-esque prequel to those weird, late-70s Clint-Eastwood-and-an-orangutan "Any Which Way But Loose" movies. But still, three out of four ain't bad - and so as with both Endangered and Threatened, this is a solid recommend.
The book starts with the following brief description of...
…which are then used throughout the book, as in "it makes Snub growl out loud - mrgh - but softly, so Mother cannot hear." However, in the otherwise A+ audiobook narration, four of the five tended to sound like "mhrraa;" and even if I could tell the difference, there was no way I could remember what they each meant, since I couldn't continually flip back to the above cheat sheet. Still, even without their meaning, the sounds were a nice addition to the story, and - dare I say? - "humanize" the gorillas by reinforcing that they had a (very) limited form of language.
I've also read - and thoroughly enjoyed - the first two books in Schrefer's "great apes quartet," but for some reason have zero interest in the third book, Rescued, which from the description just sounds too much like an unnecessary "Young Sheldon"-esque prequel to those weird, late-70s Clint-Eastwood-and-an-orangutan "Any Which Way But Loose" movies. But still, three out of four ain't bad - and so as with both Endangered and Threatened, this is a solid recommend.
November 20, 2018
This is very, very different from the other Ape books by Eliot Schrefer, but if you're worried that it won't make you cry because humans mostly suck so bad, never fear! I full on sobbed at work because of how depressed it made me. Why can't human beings be more like gorillas-only take what we need, leave other animals and their homes alone? Anyhow, I hope I didn't put you off reading this book. It's really good! And like Schrefer says in the interview at the end, humans aren't just jerks. We're also the species that can totally save gorillas if we just get it together. So if you want to be inspired to save gorillas, this is a good place to start.
June 14, 2020
Bookaday #20. Novel in verse really suits this story from the POV of Stub, a female yearling gorilla. Love the little pictures in the corners to say who is nearby and the gorilla vocalizations. Like the other books in the series, excellent back matter. “Paradox of humans: We really love animals even while we eat them and destroy their environment.”
April 16, 2019
This imagined prehistory is undeniably the crowning achievement in Schrefer’s ape quartet, at once brimming with hope and loss, love and cruelty, constantly challenging the reader to question—in 600,000 years—how much and how little we’ve evolved.
My full review is posted at Ecolitbooks.com.
My full review is posted at Ecolitbooks.com.
October 20, 2018
This is a tough book to review because it is so unique. Eliot Schrefer's fourth book of the Ape Quartet is unlike the first three books and unlike any book I've read before. In contrast to the first three books, it's written in free verse, a kind of synthesis of prose and poetry. Uniquely, it's set in the paleolithic era, 600,000 years ago. Most interestingly, the story is not told from the perspective of humans - the perspective is that of a young gorilla called Snub. Notice that I didn't say that it's narrated by Snub! The author has managed to give the impression of seeing things exactly as young Snub sees them and communicating that, reporting, almost, what Snub thinks, sees, feels.
I admit that the early going of my reading of Orphaned was slow. This presentation, in terms of form and perspective, took a little getting used to. And there is a glossary of five gorilla vocalizations at the beginning of the book that are sprinkled throughout adding depth. But at a certain point it all started to click, to make sense, and then I couldn't read fast enough! The final result of the book, I thought, was empathy with Snub in particular and these creatures who share 98% of our DNA with us. While, to me, this did not *feel* like the conclusion to the quartet - it felt more like a prelude to me - it was a worthwhile read. And the first three books were so good that I can't imagine anyone reading those and not reading this one. But if one were approaching this quartet for the first time I might recommend Orphaned as an excellent starting place.
I admit that the early going of my reading of Orphaned was slow. This presentation, in terms of form and perspective, took a little getting used to. And there is a glossary of five gorilla vocalizations at the beginning of the book that are sprinkled throughout adding depth. But at a certain point it all started to click, to make sense, and then I couldn't read fast enough! The final result of the book, I thought, was empathy with Snub in particular and these creatures who share 98% of our DNA with us. While, to me, this did not *feel* like the conclusion to the quartet - it felt more like a prelude to me - it was a worthwhile read. And the first three books were so good that I can't imagine anyone reading those and not reading this one. But if one were approaching this quartet for the first time I might recommend Orphaned as an excellent starting place.
January 9, 2019
Orphaned does
not have much
Of a plot. but,
I liked
It anyway.
not have much
Of a plot. but,
I liked
It anyway.
May 3, 2021
When I started this book, I described it as a talking animal story, but that turned out to be wrong. Even when they're very realistic, the animals in those stories aren't true animals. This book was about true animals; it was about gorillas living in prehistoric times. Told (experienced?) though the eyes of Snub, a young female gorilla.
There isn't much plot to describe. Early in the story, a volcano explodes and so Snub's family group has to relocate. Late in the story, they encounter not-gorillas (early humans). Mostly it was about how gorillas live in the natural world.
I completely believed Snub's voice. Her thoughts, behaviors, and interactions felt completely true to me. The author included repeated use of four gorilla noises (each noise defined in the header of chapter one). Like hoo meant peacefulness. mrgh meant readiness to attack. The four word sounds were used extensively through the story and really helped with the feel of it.
The author did another great trick: The header of each chapter had a little illustration telling you which gorillas were in it. I quickly enough learned to glance at it and check to see who would be there. At the end of the book, the author explained he did that on purpose, to give the reader the same awareness that a gorilla would have of its family.
If this was such a perfect animal book, why did I rate it a liked instead of loved? Two reasons:
1: There was basically no plot. About a third of the way in I was bored and ready to move on to something else. It was very good, but without an overarching story, I didn't feel driven to continue.
2: The larger issue. It was written in prose. Freeform poetry. I'll open to a random page and quote how it looks.
Skitter-scatter of rocks
shards tumbling into the canyon,
sending the gorillas clutching one
another--
except Silverback,
up on two legs and roaring.
Sharp line the ledge above.
Darting, grunting.
Maybe these are new gorillas.
Silverback beats his chest,
wragh.
When I first started the book, I spent so much time troubleshooting it and my Kindle. I thought something was making the lines break oddly.
Is prose nice? Does it fit in this story? Yes! But it was way, way, way too disruptive to read a whole book in it. I couldn't get lost in the story at all, because I never lost awareness of the writing.
I did save a quote I loved:
The little body in her aching arms is
the courage she needs.
Is this a good book? For sure! It's really well written and a great read! I just wish I had enjoyed it more.
There isn't much plot to describe. Early in the story, a volcano explodes and so Snub's family group has to relocate. Late in the story, they encounter not-gorillas (early humans). Mostly it was about how gorillas live in the natural world.
I completely believed Snub's voice. Her thoughts, behaviors, and interactions felt completely true to me. The author included repeated use of four gorilla noises (each noise defined in the header of chapter one). Like hoo meant peacefulness. mrgh meant readiness to attack. The four word sounds were used extensively through the story and really helped with the feel of it.
The author did another great trick: The header of each chapter had a little illustration telling you which gorillas were in it. I quickly enough learned to glance at it and check to see who would be there. At the end of the book, the author explained he did that on purpose, to give the reader the same awareness that a gorilla would have of its family.
If this was such a perfect animal book, why did I rate it a liked instead of loved? Two reasons:
1: There was basically no plot. About a third of the way in I was bored and ready to move on to something else. It was very good, but without an overarching story, I didn't feel driven to continue.
2: The larger issue. It was written in prose. Freeform poetry. I'll open to a random page and quote how it looks.
Skitter-scatter of rocks
shards tumbling into the canyon,
sending the gorillas clutching one
another--
except Silverback,
up on two legs and roaring.
Sharp line the ledge above.
Darting, grunting.
Maybe these are new gorillas.
Silverback beats his chest,
wragh.
When I first started the book, I spent so much time troubleshooting it and my Kindle. I thought something was making the lines break oddly.
Is prose nice? Does it fit in this story? Yes! But it was way, way, way too disruptive to read a whole book in it. I couldn't get lost in the story at all, because I never lost awareness of the writing.
I did save a quote I loved:
The little body in her aching arms is
the courage she needs.
Is this a good book? For sure! It's really well written and a great read! I just wish I had enjoyed it more.
March 11, 2019
Note: Reviewed from an ARC.
The fourth of the Ape Quartet series, this one details what happens to Snub, a young gorilla who finds she must take care of her newborn brother after volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley changes the landscape and causes her family to separate, scattering in many directions to save their lives.
Told through the eyes of Snub, the text is written as a novel in verse, using phrases and short sentences, as if by stream of thought. Two-time National Book Award nominee Shrefer opens with two pages of information for the reader: a short list of vocalizations that gorillas make with their meaning to humans and a paragraph setting the story – 600,000 years ago in the Great Rift Valley, about the time tribes of early humans began to explore this area for the first time.
The book is divided into five sections: Home, Far from Home, Old Meets New, New Meets Old, and Home Remembered. Within each of these sections, the story is told using breaks or shorter passages. At the beginning of each break/passage, there are diagrams of gorillas (male, female, and baby) to show readers how many gorillas will be in that particular passage. Interestingly enough, they also cause the reader to pause, making them think about what has just been read. The writing is exciting, as Snub reacts to all that goes on around her. There is great danger – from the volcanic eruptions and damage it creates to other wildlife seeking to survive to her taking in a surprising orphan. Snub grows as a character in this story, intuitively adapting to the changes in her world and the responsibilities thrust upon her – for survival not only for herself, but also for others of her kind. Schrefer delves into the details of daily life of gorillas during the story. Descriptions of other animals adapting are fascinating to read.
This might be a good suggestion for readers looking for something beyond “The One and Only Ivan” by Applegate. A little slow to begin, but picks ups speed quickly.
Recommended for grades 4-8.
The fourth of the Ape Quartet series, this one details what happens to Snub, a young gorilla who finds she must take care of her newborn brother after volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley changes the landscape and causes her family to separate, scattering in many directions to save their lives.
Told through the eyes of Snub, the text is written as a novel in verse, using phrases and short sentences, as if by stream of thought. Two-time National Book Award nominee Shrefer opens with two pages of information for the reader: a short list of vocalizations that gorillas make with their meaning to humans and a paragraph setting the story – 600,000 years ago in the Great Rift Valley, about the time tribes of early humans began to explore this area for the first time.
The book is divided into five sections: Home, Far from Home, Old Meets New, New Meets Old, and Home Remembered. Within each of these sections, the story is told using breaks or shorter passages. At the beginning of each break/passage, there are diagrams of gorillas (male, female, and baby) to show readers how many gorillas will be in that particular passage. Interestingly enough, they also cause the reader to pause, making them think about what has just been read. The writing is exciting, as Snub reacts to all that goes on around her. There is great danger – from the volcanic eruptions and damage it creates to other wildlife seeking to survive to her taking in a surprising orphan. Snub grows as a character in this story, intuitively adapting to the changes in her world and the responsibilities thrust upon her – for survival not only for herself, but also for others of her kind. Schrefer delves into the details of daily life of gorillas during the story. Descriptions of other animals adapting are fascinating to read.
This might be a good suggestion for readers looking for something beyond “The One and Only Ivan” by Applegate. A little slow to begin, but picks ups speed quickly.
Recommended for grades 4-8.
July 28, 2020
Having loved the previous three books in his Ape Quartet series, I was eager to read Eliot Schrefer's latest offering. Sadly, the book slipped to the bottom of my to-read pile, and I didn't get to it as quickly as I hoped because it was buried underneath many other titles. I agree with another reviewer that it might be helpful to read this one before the others since it is set during the paleolithic era whereas the other books that Schrefer has written about apes have modern settings. This one is, indeed, different from the others because it is written in a novel in verse style and follows Snub, a young female gorilla living with her family. When disaster strikes the family and Snub is separated from everyone but her young brother, she does her best to protect the little one even though she has felt jealous about how Mother seems to prefer it to her: "Now Mother wants only to be with Silverback and the worm, / and it hurts like a hole where there once was a tooth" (p. 14). Food and shelter are the focus for Snub in this changed world, and she must be careful to avoid known and unknown enemies, even coming into contact with a grieving human girl for a brief time. The author uses gorilla vocalizations along the side of the text to express emotions, and I frequently flipped back to the key explaining their meaning to make sure I understood, especially at the start. In its own way, this one was just as compelling reading for me as the previous three, and I applaud the author for taking a risk and telling the story in this particular form. It plunges readers into the mind and heart of Snub, and they can't help but worry about whether this gorilla will be able to survive or not as well as being concerned about the intrusion of humans, our ancestors, and note the dwindling and ever-changing images that started each section. I was fully invested in Snub's story and emotionally drained when I finished this book. Now, I want to reread it and the others later on and delight once again in the storytelling ability of this writer.
January 25, 2019
Set in the Paleolithic era (about 2.6 million years ago), Snub, a young gorilla, lives peacefully with her family; Silverback, Mother, Brother, Wrinkle, and Teased. Snub soon learns that there are great dangers in her world. She is separated from her family, and only has her new baby brother, Breath, to keep her company. Snub must find her way back home, and to her family. With new and interesting friends, and dangerous enemies, along the way, can Snub finally be reunited with her family once more?
My favorite character was Orphan. She is kind and likes figuring things out. She forms a great friendship with Snub and is compassionate and helpful. Orphan is an interesting character and a big part of the story.
Throughout the story, Snub often finds members of her family, only to be immediately separated again. This added lots to Snub’s personality and actions, because it made her more determined to find her family. Also, at the top of some pages where a new event begins, illustrations of gorillas are shown to indicate which characters are in the current section. It was a beautiful artistic touch.
This book was mainly about determination and perseverance to find those you love. Snub wouldn’t give up until she found her family. It was a very inspiring theme and gave the book character and depth.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because of the format, and the gorilla vocalizations. Throughout the story, words like “mrgh” or “hoo” were used in italics to “represent” human words and feelings. It was very confusing, but I still enjoyed this book overall. I recommend this poetic narrative to children ages 9-13, as well as adults. The book is a medium length of 305 pages, and is the fourth book in Eliot Schrefer’s ape quartet, but has no connection to the previous three books. Happy Reading!
Review by Brooke Z., Age 12, Delaware Valley Mensa
My favorite character was Orphan. She is kind and likes figuring things out. She forms a great friendship with Snub and is compassionate and helpful. Orphan is an interesting character and a big part of the story.
Throughout the story, Snub often finds members of her family, only to be immediately separated again. This added lots to Snub’s personality and actions, because it made her more determined to find her family. Also, at the top of some pages where a new event begins, illustrations of gorillas are shown to indicate which characters are in the current section. It was a beautiful artistic touch.
This book was mainly about determination and perseverance to find those you love. Snub wouldn’t give up until she found her family. It was a very inspiring theme and gave the book character and depth.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because of the format, and the gorilla vocalizations. Throughout the story, words like “mrgh” or “hoo” were used in italics to “represent” human words and feelings. It was very confusing, but I still enjoyed this book overall. I recommend this poetic narrative to children ages 9-13, as well as adults. The book is a medium length of 305 pages, and is the fourth book in Eliot Schrefer’s ape quartet, but has no connection to the previous three books. Happy Reading!
Review by Brooke Z., Age 12, Delaware Valley Mensa
December 7, 2018
The book Orphaned by Eliot Schrefer is a book taken by a different point of view then normal. Instead of a person, the point of view is from a gorilla. The gorilla named Snub is a jealous gorilla due to her mother fawning over her new brother Breath. Snub is quite an adventurous gorilla, the need for it always takes over her. One day disaster strikes, leaving their family at the foot of danger. Now snub is now left to take care of her little brother while in search for her family, and maybe finding herself a little bit along the way. In this adventure, danger is a reoccurring thing, and they’re no stranger to danger. This book has really changed the whole definition of “first person”, instead it takes a whole new twist.
Snub has got to be the most loved character in here. Snub has gone through a lot, almost like a warrior, taking care of her little sibling, while amongst the fangs of danger. Connections have sparked between Snub and I. Snub and I have little sibling that we take care of that have little knowledge of the world, sometimes we’re getting in the way of showing how harsh reality is. Snub is a very strong person (or gorilla), always burning with bravery and pulling through with strength no matter how difficult situations can be, no disaster can stop her.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot, and would recommend to sixth grade and up due to some graphic material being described. Reading this book was a roller coaster of emotions, positive and negative, sadness and happiness. Orphaned has an array of lessons hidden throughout, some definitely stronger than others. This book is a short read, I would recommend this for readers who are in a pinch to read a book, or for those who like science.
Snub has got to be the most loved character in here. Snub has gone through a lot, almost like a warrior, taking care of her little sibling, while amongst the fangs of danger. Connections have sparked between Snub and I. Snub and I have little sibling that we take care of that have little knowledge of the world, sometimes we’re getting in the way of showing how harsh reality is. Snub is a very strong person (or gorilla), always burning with bravery and pulling through with strength no matter how difficult situations can be, no disaster can stop her.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot, and would recommend to sixth grade and up due to some graphic material being described. Reading this book was a roller coaster of emotions, positive and negative, sadness and happiness. Orphaned has an array of lessons hidden throughout, some definitely stronger than others. This book is a short read, I would recommend this for readers who are in a pinch to read a book, or for those who like science.
August 4, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange #partner for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for this gem! The story takes place in the paleolithic era, in a time when early humans will come in contact with gorillas for the first time. This story was written in verse, from the point of view of the young female gorilla, Snub. Her family group is displaced by a volcanic eruption. Snub’s sense of independence and curiosity drives her to look beyond her gorilla group and make some difficult decisions. When she discovers a “not gorilla” that walks on two legs and was abandoned by her family, Snub takes her in. The dynamic between these two, as well as Snub’s youngest sibling, makes you think about how powerful of a connection you can make, even if it is an unspoken one.
I really enjoyed this beautiful story. The fact that it took place at such an interesting and turbulent time in history peaked my curiosity. I think Schrefer did an amazing job with the development of Snub and loved the choice to write in verse. The short phrases created a visual imagery for me that made sense for a gorilla. This is the first book I have read in this series and it did not disappoint. I will definitely pick up the other three. I would recommend this for middle school and higher. However, I also think some of my fifth graders could definitely handle the content and would love the series as well.
May 19, 2018
Orphaned by Eliot Schrefer, 336 pages. Scholastic Press, OCTOBER 2018. $19.
Langauge: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some deaths)
EL, MS – OPTIONAL.
Snub lives the normal life of a silverback gorilla with Mother, Brother, Wrinkled, Teased, and their leader, Silverback. First a new baby is born to mother, and Snub calls him Breath. But then violent shaking and wildfires destroy their home. Snub and Breath are alone after Mother is attacked by a strange new group of beings – Snub calls them not-gorillas because while they have arms and legs and kind of move like Snub, they have no fur and their actions are incomprehensible. Snub even adopts one young not-gorilla who is abandoned by the group and calls it Orphan.
Schrefer reaches far back into history to look at the first interactions between man and gorilla. Because of the difficulty of writing through the eyes of a gorilla, the narrative is less compelling – less able to draw the reader into the story. The interactions between Snub and the not-gorillas are short. I applaud Schrefer’s bold choice - to see through Snub’s eyes, but it is less likely that students will talk this one up with each other.
EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Langauge: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some deaths)
EL, MS – OPTIONAL.
Snub lives the normal life of a silverback gorilla with Mother, Brother, Wrinkled, Teased, and their leader, Silverback. First a new baby is born to mother, and Snub calls him Breath. But then violent shaking and wildfires destroy their home. Snub and Breath are alone after Mother is attacked by a strange new group of beings – Snub calls them not-gorillas because while they have arms and legs and kind of move like Snub, they have no fur and their actions are incomprehensible. Snub even adopts one young not-gorilla who is abandoned by the group and calls it Orphan.
Schrefer reaches far back into history to look at the first interactions between man and gorilla. Because of the difficulty of writing through the eyes of a gorilla, the narrative is less compelling – less able to draw the reader into the story. The interactions between Snub and the not-gorillas are short. I applaud Schrefer’s bold choice - to see through Snub’s eyes, but it is less likely that students will talk this one up with each other.
EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
September 24, 2018
I really love that Eliot Schrefer decided to write this book in verse in contrast to the other Ape Quartet books being narratives because it really brings out the fact that this time it is written from the point of view of the ape not the human. I also feel that he did a really good job reminding me that the character was an ape through the short descriptive phrases that showcased the way gorillas thought as well as the interspersed gorilla vocalizations that forced you to remember that they aren't human.
Despite the fact that the characters are gorillas, this book also illustrates coming of age really well with the main gorilla, Snub, going enjoying the comforts of being the youngest to gaining independence and leadership, and making decisions without waiting for silverback's decision or approval.
Like most books in verse, to fully appreciate it, I think it should be read slowly, taking in every word and drinking in the rhythm. Some people might find it tempting to read quickly because of the sparseness of words per page, but the true beauty of the combinations of words can get lost. Although that is true for most novels in verse, I think it is especially true for this book because the short sentences the gorillas think in lend themselves extremely well to poetry.
This is an amazing eyeopener in the world of gorillas and I even if you don't normally like novels in verse, you should really try this one because it could be read as short rhythmic sentences. I really enjoyed every second of reading this.
Despite the fact that the characters are gorillas, this book also illustrates coming of age really well with the main gorilla, Snub, going enjoying the comforts of being the youngest to gaining independence and leadership, and making decisions without waiting for silverback's decision or approval.
Like most books in verse, to fully appreciate it, I think it should be read slowly, taking in every word and drinking in the rhythm. Some people might find it tempting to read quickly because of the sparseness of words per page, but the true beauty of the combinations of words can get lost. Although that is true for most novels in verse, I think it is especially true for this book because the short sentences the gorillas think in lend themselves extremely well to poetry.
This is an amazing eyeopener in the world of gorillas and I even if you don't normally like novels in verse, you should really try this one because it could be read as short rhythmic sentences. I really enjoyed every second of reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2019
In purposefully stiff verse format which includes gorilla vocalizations separate and flush right (which make them easy to miss sometimes), this fourth book in the Ape Quartet is told in the voice of the young female gorilla, Snub. Set in the prehistoric time when anthropologists believe gorillas and early humans (homo erectus and homo ergaster) overlapped, most of Snub’s family survives a volcanic eruption, but their territory and lives are altered. Snub must take care of the baby she originally, well, snubs, and eventually also adopts the human child she refers to as Orphan, for obvious reasons. The story works in verse, but may throw readers of the previous books which were not written in this form. Each section begins with an illustrated “roll call” of the characters included in that section distinguished by their unique shapes -- the gorilla baby, the medium sized ape, the silverback, the human child, etc. An author’s note includes fascinating information about his research. Readers are likely to be compelled to read more about gorillas after experiencing this group’s struggles and snuggles (aah, grooming).
August 17, 2018
Thank you to @KidLitExchange for the opportunity to read this book. Snub is a young gorilla, living in the heart of what will eventually be known as Africa. “Only Snub has seen up close the red torture that ripped out of the mountain. Only Snub knows that if the enemy has now come to rip her family open with its spurts of hot red, not even Silverback will be able to defeat it.” After a natural disaster, Snub finds herself the sole protector of her baby brother as they wander a reshaped world. This book was not at all what I was expecting. It is written beautifully and there are pieces that I will use as mentor text. But it is raw and harsh and at times brought me to tears and made my heart race with suspense and panic. I would recommend this book for upper middle school and high school students. It will stick with me for a while.
March 16, 2020
There was just something about it overall that I did not like: the fact that apparently this is in the paleolithic era?? I mean, I don't believe there was an era like this at all! But I didn't realize it took place during this time period until I was over halfway done with the book.
Whenever there were not-gorillas (people), I never really understood exactly what was going on. Like....wait...did grandpa not-gorilla just skewer a bunch of his people and leave Orphan behind??
*look of bewilderment*
And the formatting is not my favorite, written in poem form. Personally...it makes it hard to follow the story at all.
Content:
Sexy stuff/romance--none
Language--none
Violence--gorillas attack, get attacked, and the not-gorillas are super weird and confusing. (As mentioned above)
Whenever there were not-gorillas (people), I never really understood exactly what was going on. Like....wait...did grandpa not-gorilla just skewer a bunch of his people and leave Orphan behind??
*look of bewilderment*
And the formatting is not my favorite, written in poem form. Personally...it makes it hard to follow the story at all.
Content:
Sexy stuff/romance--none
Language--none
Violence--gorillas attack, get attacked, and the not-gorillas are super weird and confusing. (As mentioned above)
May 3, 2023
I rated the book Orphaned by Eliot Schrefer 4 stars because the book itself is full of imagery and detail which makes the book interesting and keeps you reading but there are some parts to the book that are confusing and make you get lost.The book takes place before humans in a place that today is modern Africa.The book follows a young gorilla named Snub who is jealous of his mothers new baby later in the book a natural disaster hits their area and Snub finds himself as the guardian of his hated younger sibling and are both lost in a reshaped world Snub finds other creatures stalking through the woods a new form of predator that walks on two legs.Other than the parts that made me get lost the book had a really interesting plot that kept me intrigued while reading the book.I like the way this author writes their books so i would read another book from this author.
May 27, 2018
Levithan was right to guide Schrefer into writing this in verse rather than narrative style simple because yes, this book is written in the historical time period of the Paleolithic era and Snub is our main non-human character, a gorilla. She's living in her family unit and is going to be seeking her independence soon as is the nature of the gorilla families as volcanoes are beginning to erupt and the land is changing to create what will become Africa.
The style lends itself to the exploration of our non-human characters in a way that feels insightful and non-conforming at the same time. Plus, I love that he dedicated the book to Dr. Jane Goodall.
The style lends itself to the exploration of our non-human characters in a way that feels insightful and non-conforming at the same time. Plus, I love that he dedicated the book to Dr. Jane Goodall.
July 20, 2024
This is part of a series that includes "Threatened" and "Endangered", both National Book Award finalists, which I have previously reviewed. It is hard to find a book set in the Paleolithic Era, but here is one. It is hard to find a book written from the perspective of a gorilla, but here is one. Snub, a young female gorilla, tells the story. A volcanic eruption has just upset their hoo (Peaceful and repetitive lives) and they are on the run. I expected Snub to be the orphan, but I was wrong. Snub encounters non-gorillas (early humans) and a love-hate relationships ensues. The ending is hopeful.
August 3, 2018
I’ll admit that this is my first book from this author. I was not disappointed in any way! I feel that the format worked perfectly for the content. A strict narrative would have seemed lengthy and bogged down (IMHO). The way that the shorter phrases and passages were worded created vibrant imagery of places, Snub and all of the animals...including the humans. The words helped me to create the environment in my mind which lasted throughout the book! Great addition to a MS or higher classroom!
February 1, 2020
The fourth book in the ape quartet each about a different species. This one is as moving as the other novels but in a different poetic way. Focusing on a gorilla family having to relocate due to a volcanic eruption. Dealing with death & predators both of the animal & nongorilla (human) variety. I was hesitant due to the poetry format & was delightfully surprised by how moving the storytelling was. Go & read them all. You will be better for it!
July 24, 2019
My assessment comes down to expectation. I was not expecting the 4th installment of this ape quartet to be in the ape’s POV. I especially wasn’t expecting it to be written in poetry. One of these changes I could probably handle. But both? I found it to be too much. I missed the human POV and the prose. I think I’ll have to reread Endangered to get my fix because this one didn’t do it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
Orphaned is a unique final installment to the ape series. Told in verse, the story follows the interaction of gorillas and man before human history. I loved Snub's story arc. Be prepared to laugh & cry.
December 19, 2018
I have never read anything quite like it. A book about gorillas in the Paleolithic period from the point of view of a female gorilla in poetic form. Beautifully written, inventively delivered, and character development that took you on a journey. Page turner. Couldn't put it down.
December 25, 2018
I love Eliot Schrefer writing and his stories. This was a beautifully sad ending to the quartet. This book is a much faster read than the other three because it is written in a verse like structure, but it does not affect the impact of the story. Overall, great read.
December 26, 2018
Not a fan of this poetic, verse style of this book. The plot was slow and/or almost non-existent. While the descriptions are poetic, they are so extensive that they bog down the story. I can't imagine any of my students enjoying this. I did not finish it
January 7, 2019
Even though this is a book in verse, it is not an easy read. I think because it is told from the female gorilla's POV, it is difficult to follow. I think students may have a hard time keeping up with what is going on.
February 22, 2019
Review soon to be posted at WASHYARG: https://evergreenbookaward.org/washya...
I had not read any of the other three titles in this quartet, but it did not impact my enjoyment of the fourth book.
I had not read any of the other three titles in this quartet, but it did not impact my enjoyment of the fourth book.
March 1, 2019
This was a very quiet, thoughtful book. It's different (about a gorilla in the paleolithic era), and it's in verse! But the verse is really what makes the story work. It lent itself well to Snub's (the gorilla's) voice.
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