Patrick Nevins

Patrick Nevins’s Man In A Cage: A Novel is an excellent work of historical fiction, chronicling the exploits of primatologist Richard Garner, who devoted much of his life to the study of the speech patterns of apes and chimpanzees. Nevins paints a compelling sepia-tinted picture of a singleminded, egotistical researcher hellbent on proving his detractors wrong.

I was interested in Mr. Nevins' historical novel about Richard Garner, a sort of primatologist who pioneered the study of language among chimpanzees and gorillas. Since Garner was a historical figure and one who wrote a number of books and articles, I wondered why Nevins did not write a straightforward biography. His novel is readable but perhaps because I perceived Garner as a cranky crackpot, I was not interested in his affairs. Still, I am grateful to have learned of this eccentric scientist.

Set in 1892, the novel is based on the true story of American naturalist Richard Garner’s research in West Africa. His idea, that chimpanzees can communicate with each other verbally, was too far ahead of his time to get any real support. But his attitude of impatience and arrogance lead to serious conflict with the people around him.The irony is that as his communication with the chimps grows, his ability to deal with the humans deteriorates. An interesting book.