This book has been on the list for quite some time. I am grateful that I took time and completed this book. This book is culmination of years of research done by one of the most beloved primatologist that is Jane Goddall. It's a mixture of both which is the scientific curiosity and compassion. Along with that the incredible insights weaves a great story around the chimpanzees of gombe.

When we look back it can be said that jane goddall committed a big mistake by allegedly anthropomorphizing the chimps and hence deviating from the principles of animal behaviour of that time. But if we take into account all the developments now we do understand that the continuity of biological characters can be applied to cognition and emotional development too. We humans tend not to put any animal close to our cognition fields sheerly because of arrogance and may be the insecurity which stems from the fact that we aren't so unique after all.

Something which Jane Goddall wrote towards the end describes perfectly summarises it-
"Yes, man definitely overshadows the chimpanzee. The chimpanzee is, nevertheless, a creature of immense significance to the understanding of man. Just as he is overshadowed by us, so the chimpanzee overshadows all other animals. He has the ability to solve quite complex problems, he can use and make tools for a variety of purposes, his social structure and methods of communication with his fellows are elaborate, and he shows the beginnings of Self-awareness. Who knows what the chimpanzee will be like forty million years hence? It should be of concern to us all that we permit him to live, that we at least give him the chance to evolve."

Overall it's a delightful read even when one ignores all the scientific aspects of it. One can just sit back and marvel at the world of chimpanzees.