Papio

by Victor Kelleher

It seems simple to David and Jem to release the two baboons from the experimental research station where they are doomed to die. But when they discover the baboons are no longer capable of looking after themselves in the African bush, David and Jem are forced to stay and protect them. And that's where their problems really begin.

Genres: Young Adult

Paperback

First published February 1, 1986

About the author

Victor Kelleher is an Australian author. Victor was born in London and moved to Africa with his parents, at the age of fifteen. He spent the next twenty years travelling and studying in Africa, before moving to New Zealand. Kelleher received a teaching degree in Africa and has taught in Africa, New Zealand and Australia. While in New Zealand, he began writing part time, prompted by homesickness for Africa. He moved to Australia in 1976, with his South African wife, Allison, and taught at the University of New England, in Armidale, New South Wales, before moving to Sydney to write full time. Many of the books he has written have been based on his childhood and his travellings in Africa.

Kelleher has won many awards for his books, such as the Australian Children's Book Award.

Reviews

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply unsettling but very important read. The first third of the book you just have this incredibly foreboding feeling as things get further and further out of hand. I feel the book should have been named after both of the captive animals, and not just Papio, but maybe the name wouldn’t stand out as much if it were “Papio and Upi”

[Elmore Wenholz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the villain was the best part, and the ending, but I thought the timing of the whole book was a little off. Also, the final chapter was completely unnecessary. Otherwise, a very interesting and original story.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable! Gripping throughout and hits hard at the end.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story tossed and turned my emotions all over the place until I had no idea what I was feeling. On the one hand it is a tale of adolescents coming to a state of self awareness, at another level an exploration of how easily our beliefs turn to fanaticism, with the potential to undo all that the initial belief represented. Reading this book, I was constantly uncomfortable, and I think that is what Kelleher was aiming for. I can't say I enjoyed the book, but I am certainly glad I read it.

[Anne Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and emotionally challenging, as are many of his books. I loved it even though I found myself going through so many emotions, excitement, dismay, anger, to name a few. I love the way he makes you think and feel about an issue. I never have trouble reading a Victor Kelleher book!

[Jennifer Marshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got half way. lost interest and gave up