I received short story from the author, in exchange for an honest review.



Poignant, and unexpected. These are the first words that came to my mind as I finished my first read of this story.
Since the author's presentation spoke of a link with the Chinese myth of the Monkey King, I went to check on it before reading "Monkey Talk", and therefore expected something light, humorous and somehow related to mischievous deeds, since the myth's protagonist is basically a trickster. What I found instead is a deep, thought-provoking tale about bias, recognition and acceptance, told in a deceptively light tone that nonetheless lets you perceive the deep pain underneath.

Professor Towry is a chimp - an evolved and educated one, but a chimp nonetheless, which makes his acceptance by humans an uphill path. Oh, certainly they go to his lectures, invite him to events, but still he's looked on with amused curiosity at best, and in this short story humanity does not give its best at all. Towry tries to be ironically defiant about it, but you can sense the hurt lying under the careless attitude, a hurt that is compounded by other problems undermining the Professor's self-image and hold on sentience.

This is a story to be read and enjoyed, rather than summarized. Its aftermath will stay with you for quite some time.

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I found this story interesting for a variety of reasons.

On the surface, this was a fun story with great characters. I really liked Mr. Towry, a chimpanzee that can talk thanks to technological and biological advancements of the future setting of the story. As the blurb hints at, Towry does have an attitude. At the same time, I didn’t feel that he was totally out of line with how he felt about certain things. The other main character, Ms. Liu, also added to this story. I wasn’t expecting there to be as much depth to her at first glance, but the author developed her, and Towry, well for this being a short story.

This story wasn’t just about talking apes, though that in itself could be worth reading about. As the author mentions in the description, this story has a basis on a Chinese myth. I’m not familiar with it, but the theme of “who belongs, and who doesn’t” is very clear throughout this story. I won’t get into much detail with it, but the way it’s worked into the story might get some readers thinking long and hard about how we view others, as well as other animals.

Monkey Talk is a great story bringing you into the mind of a Chimp who can freely communicate with the world. This helps to see things from a very different perspective and is thought-provoking to say the least. ( )

Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts: Who else immediately thought of Planet of the Apes after reading the description? I may be alone in that, but this short story is really nothing like Planet of the Apes (original or remakes), except that the monkeys can talk.

The characters were okay, nothing to really write home about. I didn’t really care for Mr. Towry, the main character. He seemed like a jerk and not someone (human or ape) that I would want to be around. If I described him in one word, based on what I read, it would have to be complainer. It was fun imagining an ape with a British accent though (he’s from London).

My biggest complaint with Monkey Talk is the length. It is just too short. I was a little bit confused when I finished it. I think I have it figured out, but if it were just a bit longer I’d know for sure. The author’s style of writing is fantastic. Frankly, he could probably make something boring seem interesting. He does a great job of building things up and keeping you guessing about plot points and character motives/flaws. What I enjoy most about the method of build up is how unique it is. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another author with a style matching that of T. Lucas Earle.

I liked Monkey Talk, but it should’ve been longer. I’m very frustrated with how great these short stories are, but they’re just too short for my taste. When you find an author that you think is worth the time to read, of course you want to read more. So, I would recommend Monkey Talk, especially if you’re into sci-fi and the concept of evolution.

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