
The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore
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Narrated by:
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Robert Petkoff
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By:
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Benjamin Hale
About this listen
Bruno Littlemore is quite unlike any chimpanzee in the world. Precocious, self-conscious and preternaturally gifted, young Bruno, born and raised in a habitat at the local zoo, falls under the care of a university primatologist named Lydia Littlemore. Learning of Bruno's ability to speak, Lydia takes Bruno into her home to oversee his education and nurture his passion for painting. But for all of his gifts, the chimpanzee 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.
Like its protagonist, this novel is big, loud, abrasive, witty, perverse, earnest, and amazingly accomplished. The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore goes beyond satire by showing us not what it means, but what it feels like be human - to love and lose, learn, aspire, grasp, and, in the end, to fail.
©2011 Benjamin Hale (P)2011 HachetteListeners also enjoyed...
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Editorial reviews
This intriguing novel is narrated by a chimpanzee but not just any chimpanzee. Bruno Littlemore, with a high-brow and hilariously pompous attitude, is the first chimpanzee to conquer human speech. He’s confined to an institution in Florida where he’s dictating his memoirs to a stenographer named Gwen. Born into captivity in a zoo, he’s later transferred to a research facility in Chicago when it’s learned through an experiment that he’s a bit different than other chimps. There he meets Lydia Littlemore, who decides to take him in as her own and let him live at her house. Eventually the two become involved romantically and then, sexually. Disturbing? Yes. But also strangely… sweet.
Robert Petkoff as Bruno adapts a scholarly tone with a melodic enunciation of each word. He’s so convincing, there is no doubt that if a chimpanzee could speak, he would sound exactly like Petkoff. His affectations when taking on the characters of Lydia and others throughout the novel are equally skillful. But what really sets him apart from other narrators may be the recitation of animal vocals his chimpanzee squawks and guttural grunts would easily persuade a chimpanzee that he was of like DNA. Bruno is, if nothing else, a detailed storyteller (he drones on for at least 10 minutes about the appearance of a janitor in the research facility). This has the potential to get tiresome, but Petkoff’s sense of timing and drama combined with the vocabulary talent of author Benjamin Hale manage to make the minutiae come alive, so that descriptions are craved and not dreaded.
The plotline of Bruno Littlemore is so creative and far-fetched, yet simultaneously so intensely real and believable the hallmark of genius story-telling. Colleen Oakley
Bruno, what a life you lived!?!
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Mostly good, odd ending
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Unique, compelling, fun!
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The performance was great. Robert Petkoff is a very gifted narrator and performer; he could read the phone book and make it seem like he is reading early 19th century English literature. His voice changes very on the mark and slightly petulant voice he gave Bruno gave true life to this character.
A Revolutionary Tale
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Bruno Littlemore experiences life on both sides of the glass wall that separates the chimpanzees from the visitors at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. That unique perspective is what makes this book so wonderful.
This is Benjamin Hale's first novel and he's created something very special. Robert Petkoff does a tremendous job reading the book.
This is the kind of book I will listen to again and again and every time find something new and amazing.
Do yourself a favor and get this book. And once you've read it, tell all your friends about it. I have.
Prepare To Be Dazzled!
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If you like anthropomorphic animal stories for grown ups (I do), I recommend this one. The comments that there is too much description and repetition is very true; but as the book moves into the middle section you start to get that this is just part of Bruno's personality. It's not a very realistic book (if the premise were true), but fun nonetheless. It could be titled something like "Forrest Gump with Chimpanzees" in certain spots.
well chosen narrator, good story
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If I had one thing negative to say...it would only be this...how many times can the author use the term "my long purple fingers". Really...it almost got annoying, but if that's the worst..then please, please listen to this book!! Wonderful!!!
5 stars all around!!
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Petkoff reads in the voice of his characters and is totally believable; he is the character for those moments.
This is the best book I have ever listened to.
WOW!
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Wonderful book! Stretches the imagination and makes you think.
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Overwrought
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