A Primate's Memoir

A Neuroscientist’s Unconventional Life Among the Baboons

By: Robert Sapolsky

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

"I had never planned to become a savanna baboon when I grew up; instead, I had always assumed I would become a mountain gorilla," writes Robert Sapolsky in this witty and riveting chronicle of a scientist's coming-of-age in remote Africa. An exhilarating account of Sapolsky's twenty-one-year study of a troop of rambunctious baboons in Kenya, A Primate's Memoir interweaves serious scientific observations with wry commentary about the challenges and pleasures of living in the wilds of the Serengeti-for man and beast alike.

Over two decades, Sapolsky survives culinary atrocities, gunpoint encounters, and a surreal kidnapping, while witnessing the encroachment of the tourist mentality on the farthest vestiges of unspoiled Africa. As he conducts unprecedented physiological research on wild primates, he becomes ever more enamored of his subjects - unique and compelling characters in their own right - and he returns to them summer after summer, until tragedy finally prevents him. By turns hilarious and poignant, A Primate's Memoir is a magnum opus from one of our foremost science writers.

©2001 Robert M. Sapolsky (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Filled with cynicism and awe, passion and humor, this memoir is both an absorbing account of a young man's growing maturity and a tribute to the continent that, despite its troubles and extremes, held him in its thrall." ( Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)

"Mike Chamberlain narrates this work by primatologist Robert M. Sapolsky, who went to Kenya to study baboons. Chamberlain's lively, bemused tone communicates Sapolsky's down-to-earth approach and sense of humor. Sapolsky's writing is eminently approachable for the layperson, and the listener soon begins to feel acquainted with the various baboons in the troop and to see certain similarities between their behavior and those of the human world. Through the amusing moments and the trials and tribulations, Chamberlain's energetic narration provides a great complement to the author's quirky personality." ( AudioFile)

Unexpectedly brilliant and moving

What did you love best about A Primate's Memoir?

People of my age grew up hearing about the famous primatologists. Mr. Sapolsky acted on those stories and has lived the life. He does not glamorize it, nor does he glamorize Kenya or the baboons that he grew so attached to. This book, rather, is a love letter to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Primate's Memoir?

The last chapter and Mr. Sapolsky's efforts to understand his baboons, his life's work, and his life.

Any additional comments?

This is an incredibly moving book. It starts out a little slow (I really couldn't relate to a young graduate student who spent his summers in Africa studying baboons), but the humanity of the story and of the author builds steadily throughout the book.

BRAVO

A few tears here and there, couldn't wait to hear more, it closed beautifully and captured my heart. I personally got to meet Dian Fossy on Oct 25, 1984 thru a Humane Society event.
I cherish my autographed book and will cherish this book review.
EXCELLENT AND WELL DONE!

Interesting & Quirky

After visiting Kenya, it was interesting to be able to delve more deeply into the animal lives of baboons and the Masai tribe. In fact, it would have been a great read ahead of traveling to Kenya.

The author combines lighthearted dry humor with sadness. Although a memoir, he keeps much of his own personal life shrouded. I wish I had known a bit more about him.

I wonder how many poetic liberties he took with his adventures. If they are even 90% true, it is an amazing tale of survival. A Jewish white man who takes on the cultural otherness of a very different culture from his...

Sometimes the story got lost in the details. At other times, it sped.

I would have liked hearing real Kenyan accents since this was an audio book.

One of my favorite books

This book is an absolute delight. I couldn’t enjoy it more. I enjoy Sapolsky’s scientific books and this memoir adds richness to those works, but absolutely stands on its own as a truly excellent memoir

Not really for animal lovers.

I love books about animals. This one has quite a bit about baboons. Those parts, I loved, even if some of the events that the author described broke my heart and terrified me. What disappointed me was that most of the content is about the other kind of primates... humans. Learning about the author's own experiences and life on remote countries was interesting, but I don't find us as a species as fascinating as baboons. Still, worth reading to learn more about them.

Definitely a tear jerker

Robert’s memoir is entertaining, educational, and devastating. His brutal honesty about the corruption in Kenya’s government was very eye opening. Get ready to cry! The last chapter is truly heartbreaking. His vivid recollection of the baboons demise was definitely hard to listen to, but I’m so glad I finished it. I definitely recommend.

Loved it

I found this bool to be so interesting and funny and charming and sad. I love memoir 's because people do interesting things in life and Robert had some truly amazing adventures as a subadult male primate.

Delightful

Enjoyed this book in preparation for a Kenyan safari. The author combined baboon information with a description of the cultures in Kenya.

May listen to again.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Sapolsky has a way of telling a story that keeps the listener interested. He has a great sense of humor and sneaks little remarks. in that catch you off guard. He shows genuine compassion and concern for every member of the troop. It was enlightening to find how primates have distinct personalities. Their social interactions and structures are very similar to humans. I have listened to other books and lectures by The Great Courses the author and enjoyed them as well.
The narrator is one of the best that I have heard have been listening to recorded books for decades.

Brilliant!

I loved this book. It was funny and disturbing and enlightening. The narrator was good and I enjoyed listening.