Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Jan 2015
416 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
A dark fable in the vein of Animal Farm, Watership Down, and The Wave, this action-packed page-turner is told entirely from warring monkeys' points of view and shines a light on the politics of power, the rise of tyrants, and the personal dilemmas that must be faced when your life is on the line.
When rhesus monkeys are brutally massacred on the dusty streets of Kolkata by a troop of power-hungry langur monkeys, Mico, a privileged langur, becomes entangled in the secrets that lie at the heart of his troop's leadership and is shocked at what he discovers. He feels compelled to help the few surviving rhesus, especially Papina, a young female he befriends, even though doing so goes against everything he's been taught. As more blood is spilled, Mico realizes that choosing between right and wrong won't be easy.
"Starred Review. Kurti takes creative license with his monkeys' capabilities and anthropomorphic qualities, but otherwise keeps this effective, memorable tale rooted in reality." - Publishers Weekly
"The allure of power - even for the most conscientious - is portrayed with frightening effectiveness. Powerful." - Kirkus
"An interesting premise that will provide readers with an introduction to fascism and political corruption, but does so without subtlety or complexity. Grade 7 and up." - School Library Journal
This information about Monkey Wars was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Richard Kurti is an acclaimed screenwriter. His work includes completed commissions for US studios, including Universal, Warner Bros., Miramax, and Laika, as well as UK companies such as Working Title and Pathe. He also writes for television in the UK. Richard Kurti lives in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
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