[K-LIT REVIEW] 'Bonobo' asks who is the noble beast?

Jeong Yoo-jeong's latest English translation, "Bonobo," is unflinching in its portrayal of battles, whether physical or emotional, that are fought with animal-like ferocity and leave lasting impressions. The most devastating blow is the sheer frequency with which individuals remain silent in the face of someone's need. Lines like "I pretended I hadn't heard" and "Go ask someone else" encapsulate the tone of an indifferent world.

Can the experiences of the three main characters offer lessons in empathy? The narrative employs a common sci-fi trope: a transfer of consciousness from one body to another. A vehicular accident swaps the psyche of primatologist Jini into that of a bonobo. As Jini grapples with finding her way back to her own body, she also delves into the primate's memories of captivity and trafficking, prompting her to reevaluate the dynamics between humans and animals.

Through Jini, the book elucidates the intricate relationship between bonobos, teaching us about these creatures while also confronting the protagonist's own self-doubt and skepticism about human nature. The question arises: who qualifies as a noble beast, and who is merely a savage animal? The novel suggests that the moment of birth is a shared moment of joy for a bonobo family.