Primates is a nonfiction gem. Ottaviani and Wicks tell the interlocking stories of three female scientists who did groundbreaking research with primates: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas. All three women lived with the primates they studied (chimps, gorillas, and orangutans, respectively), and all three made significant contributions to their fields.

Of particular interest is the fact that they were all able to do their work because of their association with noted male scientist Louis Leakey – the three women were all dubbed “Leakey’s Angels” as a result. Leakey believed women were uniquely qualified for this type of research, and he was able to secure the funding to make it happen. There’s certainly an element of frustration knowing that brilliant female scientists needed another male scientist to make it possible for them to do their work.

I also found it interesting that two of the three women (Goodall and Fossey) actively eschewed traditional education (by this I mainly mean advanced college degrees), finding it unnecessary and even counterproductive. It’s only the third and youngest, Galdikas, who was already pursuing an advanced degree when she met Leakey, several years after Goodall and Fossey had begun their research with him. I can’t help but feel that the distaste for a degree has a lot to do with the traditional maleness of it as well as the very hands-off nature of such things, which didn’t appeal to these scientists who literally lived alongside their subjects.

This is the kind of book that inspires the reader to find out more about the subjects after the last page is turned. In so doing, I discovered that Ottaviani and Wicks significantly glossed over Fossey’s death – they refer to it, but make no mention of the fact she was murdered, the case still unsolved today (mostly). It’s not an exhaustive biography. Ottaviani mentions in the author’s note that the book is a hybrid of fiction and nonfiction – he had to fill in the gaps and speculate at some points. It’s told in first person, with Goodall narrating the first part, Fossey the second, and Galdikas the third. All three scientists narrate the last few pages, their voices intermingling. During this section, we get some idea of what they thought of each other, which I found very interesting. While the handwriting is different for each scientist, I did find it a bit difficult to distinguish who was narrating at times.

It’s in full-color, eye-catching and gorgeous. I’m so glad it is; it would be a travesty not to see the fantastic nature scenes depicted in all their glory. The three women look distinct from each other, and each is easily identifiable in a real-life photograph at the end of the book. This is excellent nonfiction with high appeal. I was amazed at what these women did, and I loved knowing that two of them continue to do amazing work today. I think this fact will make it seem relevant to kids – especially girls – who love science and animals, and it may inspire them to think of doing something like this themselves one day.

I never thought I’d find primates so fascinating. I still don’t think I really do. But the scientists? Definitely so.

Copy borrowed from the library.