I started this novel without any expectations and was well-rewarded. Frankie Burke has just taken a research position at a primate facility. She is studying the mating habits of bonobo monkeys and at the same time she is recovering from surgery to treat her endometriosis. Frankie is focused on her new position and living a life without pain, but in the background there are hints of hints of a looming environmental catastrophe. Soon a dust storm causes the evacuation of the surrounding countryside and Frankie and her human co-workers must do what they can to ensure the survival of the primates in their care. This is a compelling and emotionally stirring tale that stuck with me for days after closing the last page.
— From Mark B.The Philip K. Dick Award-winning sci-fi novel: "A riveting page-turner" about the behavior of primates--human and otherwise--"in a very near and dire future" (The Washington Post).
Winner of the 2019 Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award for Speculative Fiction One of The Washington Post's 50 Notable Works of fiction in 2018 In a world where coastal cities flood, dust storms plague the Midwest, and implants connect humans directly to the Web, Dr. Francine Burk has broken new ground in the study of primate sexuality. While in recovery from a long-needed surgery--paid for with a portion of her McArthur "genius" award money--Frankie is offered placement at a prestigious research institute where she can verify her subversive scientific discovery: her Theory of Bastards.
