The story of Hope Clearwater - a researcher of a community of wild chimpanzees in Africa. The novel explores two parallel societies : the interaction of the chimps and the relationships of the people in Hope's life, including the man she had married. Academic research contrasts with the base physicality of both men and chimpanzees.
In Africa Hope gradually discloses the nature of her troubled marriage in England to John Clearwater, the brilliant yet manic mathematician. She also makes major controversial discoveries about violence in the chimp community, which challenges the basis of the research. A novel of female strength and courage in male society which also evokes Africa well.