February Book of the Month

As the Second World War escalates and bombs start to fall, Joseph is charged with protecting Adonis the gorilla in this tense thriller based on a true story.

It’s 1940, and Joseph has been packed off to stay with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no great fondness for children. To Joseph’s amazement, she owns the rundown city zoo where Joseph meets Adonis, a huge silverback gorilla. Adonis is ferociously strong and dangerous, but Joseph finds he has an affinity with the lonely beast. But when the bombs begin to fall, it is up to Joseph to guard Adonis’s cage should it be damaged by a blast. Will Joseph be ready to pull the trigger if it comes to it?

Inspired by a true story, this is a deeply felt and movingly written novel with superb characterisation. An absolute masterclass in loss and redemption, this deserves to win all the awards. Can’t believe I’ve only just got around to reading it.