The Dawn of Adonis
In a story slightly reminiscent of Oliver Twist, the year is 1911. Toff Squabble, an urchin, and his uncle, Goliath Deeds, with a reputation akin to Bill Sykes, acquire, probably by nefarious means, a pregnant gorilla.
The gorilla gives birth but, like many mothers, both human and ape, at that time, she dies giving birth because she was malnourished and mistreated. Despite being urged not to by his despicable uncle, Toff Squabble goes to find Mr. Beecroft, who is a vet, and his daughter, Nettie, an ardent and caring animal lover.
The baby ape survives, but because Mr. Beecroft won’t allow Goliath Deeds to keep him, Mr. Beecroft is badly injured, like many of Deeds’ enemies. Nettie, his daughter, however, sneaks back in the dead of night to the warehouse where the ape is being kept and rescues him. Toff Squabble finds out that Nettie has taken the ape and instead of telling his uncle, as might have been expected, Nettie persuades him to run away with her and the ape, back to her father.
Thereby begins a thrilling flight across London, in the company of a newborn ape. Will the children triumph, or will Goliath Deeds and his cronies?
This book is built on the strength of the relationships within it, both human and animal. The building of the relationship between Nettie and Toff is wonderful to witness as they both learn to trust a world that has been unkind to them. The maternal bond between Nettie and the ape and the eventual reasons for his name, Adonis, are believable and breathtaking. Animal lovers will rejoice in this narrative. Adonis leaps off the page.
