The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore — Benjamin Hale

Chronicling the extraordinary events that lead to his imprisonment for murdering a man, Bruno brings to mind some of the most memorable and enduring characters in literature -- Angie March, Ellison's Invisible Man, the indelible Alexander Portnoy, and Gunter Grass's shrieking Oskar Matzerath. Except for one thing: Bruno is a chimp. And he can talk.

Born and raised in a habitat at the local zoo, young Bruno falls under the care of a university primatologist named Lydia Littlemore who, upon discovering the chimp's unique talent, takes him into her home to oversee his education and nurture his passion for painting. But for all of his gifts, Bruno has a rough time caging his more primal urges. His untimely outbursts ultimately cost Lydia her job, and send the unlikely pair on the road in what proves to be one of the most unforgettable journeys -- and most affecting love stories -- in recent literature.