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Sally Jones #2
The Murderer's Ape
Sally Jones is an extraordinary gorilla and a brilliant ship's engineer who sails the high seas on The Hudson Queen with her loyal friend the Chief. One day the shipmates are offered a mysterious job that promises to pay big bucks, but then disaster strikes, the job goes wrong and the Chief is falsely convicted of murder.
For Sally Jones this is the start of a grand adventure and a desperate quest to clear her friend's name. By freighter, steam train and bi-plane the intrepid ape journeys from Lisbon to Bombay and beyond in search of the truth. But powerful forces are working against her, and they will do anything to protect their own secrets...
An OBSERVER, GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH, TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES and BOOKTRUST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A Waterstones Children's Book of the Month
For Sally Jones this is the start of a grand adventure and a desperate quest to clear her friend's name. By freighter, steam train and bi-plane the intrepid ape journeys from Lisbon to Bombay and beyond in search of the truth. But powerful forces are working against her, and they will do anything to protect their own secrets...
An OBSERVER, GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH, TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES and BOOKTRUST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A Waterstones Children's Book of the Month
"I don't know when I last read a book with such pure and unalloyed pleasure. It's ingenious, it's moving, it's charming, it's beautiful, it's exciting, and most importantly the characters are people I feel I know like old friends."Philip Pullman
612 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2014
252 people are currently reading
5399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 732 reviews
February 6, 2022
5/5
Ko knygose vaikystėje nemėgau, o vėliau tuo labiau nepamėgau, yra didaktika. Dažnai vaikiškoje literatūroje dažnai pasitaikanti, paauglių literatūroje subtiliau dengiama, bet visgi egzistuojanti. Tai valio ir ačiū dievams (o šiaip tai tiesiog labai geram autoriui) – šioje knygoje yra labai daug tinkamų (ir nelabai) sprendimų, bet didaktikos nerasit. Užtat su kaupu nuotykių, gėrio ir šviesos, pertepant tokia pat didele (visgi, 600 psl) doze siaubo, netikėtumų, blogų sprendimų, mirties ir išdavysčių. Galima iš šios knygos DAAAUG visko išmokti ir pasiimti (vien tai, kad pagrindinė veikėja – nebyli mašinistė beždžionė, jau daug reiškia), bet niekas nekišama į gerklę, o paties autoriaus apskritai nesijaučia – taip įsiskaičiau, kad neįrodysit, jog istoriją man ne gorila Salė papasakojo :)))
Tikrai knyga ne tipiškai vaikiškai parašyta – jokio čiūčiavimo, jokio siaubingų gyvenimiškų reikalų pridengimo, saldžialiežuvavimo – čia dažnai ir nesiseka, ir dalykai vyksta žiauriai ir neteisingai, ir tenka ilgai laukti bet kokio teisybės grūdo. Bet istorija taip įtraukia, kad puslapiai tirpsta, o veikėjų nepamilti neįmanoma. Iliustracijos vertos atskiro pagyrimo, o jei būčiau knygą skaičiusi dešimties ar dvylikos, tai tikriausiai nebūčiau apie ją nustojusi kalbėti kokius metus. Leidykla pašnabždėjo, kad jei Beždžionei seksis, galima sulaukti ir kitų dalių, o tai būtų tikras laimėjimas – noriu daugiau, DAUGIAU nuostabiosios Salės! Viena tų knygų, kurias tėvai džiaugsis skaitydami kartu su savo pypliais ir taip pat labai lauks kito vakaro, kuomet istorija toliau vyniosis – retai kada tokia literatūrinė dovana pasitaiko.
Ko knygose vaikystėje nemėgau, o vėliau tuo labiau nepamėgau, yra didaktika. Dažnai vaikiškoje literatūroje dažnai pasitaikanti, paauglių literatūroje subtiliau dengiama, bet visgi egzistuojanti. Tai valio ir ačiū dievams (o šiaip tai tiesiog labai geram autoriui) – šioje knygoje yra labai daug tinkamų (ir nelabai) sprendimų, bet didaktikos nerasit. Užtat su kaupu nuotykių, gėrio ir šviesos, pertepant tokia pat didele (visgi, 600 psl) doze siaubo, netikėtumų, blogų sprendimų, mirties ir išdavysčių. Galima iš šios knygos DAAAUG visko išmokti ir pasiimti (vien tai, kad pagrindinė veikėja – nebyli mašinistė beždžionė, jau daug reiškia), bet niekas nekišama į gerklę, o paties autoriaus apskritai nesijaučia – taip įsiskaičiau, kad neįrodysit, jog istoriją man ne gorila Salė papasakojo :)))
Tikrai knyga ne tipiškai vaikiškai parašyta – jokio čiūčiavimo, jokio siaubingų gyvenimiškų reikalų pridengimo, saldžialiežuvavimo – čia dažnai ir nesiseka, ir dalykai vyksta žiauriai ir neteisingai, ir tenka ilgai laukti bet kokio teisybės grūdo. Bet istorija taip įtraukia, kad puslapiai tirpsta, o veikėjų nepamilti neįmanoma. Iliustracijos vertos atskiro pagyrimo, o jei būčiau knygą skaičiusi dešimties ar dvylikos, tai tikriausiai nebūčiau apie ją nustojusi kalbėti kokius metus. Leidykla pašnabždėjo, kad jei Beždžionei seksis, galima sulaukti ir kitų dalių, o tai būtų tikras laimėjimas – noriu daugiau, DAUGIAU nuostabiosios Salės! Viena tų knygų, kurias tėvai džiaugsis skaitydami kartu su savo pypliais ir taip pat labai lauks kito vakaro, kuomet istorija toliau vyniosis – retai kada tokia literatūrinė dovana pasitaiko.
October 17, 2017
This took a while to read but not because it's dull or slow-paced but rather I enjoyed savouring it. When a rather gifted ape, Sally Jones, finds her dear friend framed for a crime he did not commit, she finds herself on the run from a secretive organisation whose intent is to bring disorder to its home country of Portugal.
Sally must country across the world to find the one person who can help set her dear friend free and her adventures take us to exotic places where we meet a rich, memorable cast of characters. Segregated because of what she is, Sally must use her wits and talents to keep her head above water and outplay those who challenge her.
With the backdrop set in the early 20th century, steam liners, accordions, pistols and typewriters illuminate a delicate, very firm narrative. Although the chapters are very short and the characters and storyline wholly engaging, some might find the length offputting but Sally's story is so well told (and translated) that this award-winning novel is one that you should not miss out on - especially with the author's pointillist illustrations accompanying the story. I loved every word.
Sally must country across the world to find the one person who can help set her dear friend free and her adventures take us to exotic places where we meet a rich, memorable cast of characters. Segregated because of what she is, Sally must use her wits and talents to keep her head above water and outplay those who challenge her.
With the backdrop set in the early 20th century, steam liners, accordions, pistols and typewriters illuminate a delicate, very firm narrative. Although the chapters are very short and the characters and storyline wholly engaging, some might find the length offputting but Sally's story is so well told (and translated) that this award-winning novel is one that you should not miss out on - especially with the author's pointillist illustrations accompanying the story. I loved every word.
May 15, 2022
Ši knyga, nors pats tikriausias detektyvas - su privaloma įtampa, žudikais ir paslaptimis - iš tikro yra knyga apie draugystę, ištikimybę ir meilę - dalykus, apie kuriuos visada gera skaityti. Puiki knyga artėjančioms atostogoms - rekomenduoju prisidengus moksloo metų pabaigos proga padovanoti savo vaikams (skyčiau nuo 9 metų), o paskui skaitykite patys (tinka iki 99 m.).
https://knyguziurkes.com/2022/05/15/z...
https://knyguziurkes.com/2022/05/15/z...
November 4, 2024
I received a review copy of this book from Pushkin Press via NetGalley/Edelweiss for which my thanks.
Sally Jones may be a gorilla but it won’t be an exaggeration to say that she is one of the most endearing fictional heroines I have met—kind-hearted, talented and with many skills she acquires on her journey (she is first-engineer on a ship, able to read and write, play chess and was even trained as a jewel thief by an unscrupulous character in the past), a wonderful friend that anyone would want standing by them, and intrepid when the occasion calls for it. While Sally first appeared in a relatively short graphic novel, The Legend of Sally Jones (2008), The Murderer’s Ape is a full-length tale (at 588 pp in the print copy), which not only involves a proper mystery and adventure that keep one engaged but also thoroughly warms the heart. First published in 2017, the English translation by Peter Graves appeared in 2021. While this book is classed as children’s/middle-grade fiction and published under the Pushkin Children’s imprint, I felt its subtleties and the emotions it evokes would be much better appreciated by adults (not to say that younger readers won’t enjoy it).
The story is told in Sally’s voice (written by her on her Underwood typewriter, in fact) in retrospect. She tells of how when she was serving as First Engineer with her friend Henry Koskela, a Finnish sailor also known as the Chief, aboard his ship, the Hudson Queen, the acceptance of a seemingly simple cargo consignment when they were going through a bad patch leads them into plenty of trouble with the assignment going wrong and Koskela eventually accused of murder in Lisbon. Not only is Sally now alone, she is also hounded as the ‘Murderer’s Ape’, forced to keep out of sight. Eventually she finds a friend in Ana Molina, a young girl with a beautiful voice who works in a shoe factory. Ana’s landlord, Senor Fidaro who makes and repairs musical instruments, is initially disdainful but tolerant of Sally; over time, though, he too becomes a good friend. Sally’s hopes that the Chief will soon be found innocent are dashed when he is convicted. Must she wait all those years to see him again? But then Sally stumbles onto a clue which might just help clear the Chief—but what should she do? How can she track it down? The search for answers to clear the Chief’s name brings Sally face-to-face with many dangers and also takes her on many adventures including back on the seas and half way across the world.
The Murderer’s Ape was a story that captivated me right from the start and stayed that way all through. Had it not been for the length (or had it been a weekend when I read), I’d have finished in a couple of sittings. Jacob Wegelius has crafted a wonderful tale where Sally, without being anthropomorphic or magical in any way, is extraordinary is so many ways. Granted the author has equipped her with exceptional skills which real-life gorillas wouldn’t likely have (trained ones, I mean), but that doesn’t make her any the less believable. And it isn’t these skills alone that make her truly special—it is her character and her kind heart as you will see when you read; one can empathise and connect with her emotions.
This isn’t a fast-paced tale by any means but even though the action and important plot developments aren’t constant, at no point does the reader feel like the story is too stretched out or dragging. I enjoyed every page and every moment of this well-plotted and wonderfully written book and considering lately I haven’t been in a mind to read very long books, the fact that the nearly 600 pages of this didn’t feel so has much to say about its readability. While danger and challenges confront Sally at every step, the author handles these subtly with no unnecessary drama or melodrama, something I especially appreciated.
Sally’s journey in the book takes her places—on ships and planes, even trains—to among others, Egypt and a longer period in a princely state in Colonial India. In Lisbon (where Koskela is imprisoned) and on her travels Sally becomes the target of enemies, either for greed or for other reasons but no fault of her own. Alongside, she also makes a number of friends, even unexpected ones, and these one can entirely credit to her own character and appeal. I haven’t gone into too much detail in my description of the plot both because so much happens and it would be most enjoyable to simply read on and see how things unfold, but I can safely say that the book is full of warm moments sure to melt one’s heart.
A wonderful story with a mystery, excitement and adventure as also plenty of charm, likeable characters and numerous heartwarming moments, this is one I enjoyed thoroughly. (Can’t wait to pick up the next one; in fact part way through reading the book I ordered myself print copies of this and the next book). The book is also illustrated by Wegelius with its cast of characters also introduced through illustrations; I also absolutely loved the end papers which were colour maps tracing Sally’s journeys!
Sally Jones may be a gorilla but it won’t be an exaggeration to say that she is one of the most endearing fictional heroines I have met—kind-hearted, talented and with many skills she acquires on her journey (she is first-engineer on a ship, able to read and write, play chess and was even trained as a jewel thief by an unscrupulous character in the past), a wonderful friend that anyone would want standing by them, and intrepid when the occasion calls for it. While Sally first appeared in a relatively short graphic novel, The Legend of Sally Jones (2008), The Murderer’s Ape is a full-length tale (at 588 pp in the print copy), which not only involves a proper mystery and adventure that keep one engaged but also thoroughly warms the heart. First published in 2017, the English translation by Peter Graves appeared in 2021. While this book is classed as children’s/middle-grade fiction and published under the Pushkin Children’s imprint, I felt its subtleties and the emotions it evokes would be much better appreciated by adults (not to say that younger readers won’t enjoy it).
The story is told in Sally’s voice (written by her on her Underwood typewriter, in fact) in retrospect. She tells of how when she was serving as First Engineer with her friend Henry Koskela, a Finnish sailor also known as the Chief, aboard his ship, the Hudson Queen, the acceptance of a seemingly simple cargo consignment when they were going through a bad patch leads them into plenty of trouble with the assignment going wrong and Koskela eventually accused of murder in Lisbon. Not only is Sally now alone, she is also hounded as the ‘Murderer’s Ape’, forced to keep out of sight. Eventually she finds a friend in Ana Molina, a young girl with a beautiful voice who works in a shoe factory. Ana’s landlord, Senor Fidaro who makes and repairs musical instruments, is initially disdainful but tolerant of Sally; over time, though, he too becomes a good friend. Sally’s hopes that the Chief will soon be found innocent are dashed when he is convicted. Must she wait all those years to see him again? But then Sally stumbles onto a clue which might just help clear the Chief—but what should she do? How can she track it down? The search for answers to clear the Chief’s name brings Sally face-to-face with many dangers and also takes her on many adventures including back on the seas and half way across the world.
The Murderer’s Ape was a story that captivated me right from the start and stayed that way all through. Had it not been for the length (or had it been a weekend when I read), I’d have finished in a couple of sittings. Jacob Wegelius has crafted a wonderful tale where Sally, without being anthropomorphic or magical in any way, is extraordinary is so many ways. Granted the author has equipped her with exceptional skills which real-life gorillas wouldn’t likely have (trained ones, I mean), but that doesn’t make her any the less believable. And it isn’t these skills alone that make her truly special—it is her character and her kind heart as you will see when you read; one can empathise and connect with her emotions.
This isn’t a fast-paced tale by any means but even though the action and important plot developments aren’t constant, at no point does the reader feel like the story is too stretched out or dragging. I enjoyed every page and every moment of this well-plotted and wonderfully written book and considering lately I haven’t been in a mind to read very long books, the fact that the nearly 600 pages of this didn’t feel so has much to say about its readability. While danger and challenges confront Sally at every step, the author handles these subtly with no unnecessary drama or melodrama, something I especially appreciated.
Sally’s journey in the book takes her places—on ships and planes, even trains—to among others, Egypt and a longer period in a princely state in Colonial India. In Lisbon (where Koskela is imprisoned) and on her travels Sally becomes the target of enemies, either for greed or for other reasons but no fault of her own. Alongside, she also makes a number of friends, even unexpected ones, and these one can entirely credit to her own character and appeal. I haven’t gone into too much detail in my description of the plot both because so much happens and it would be most enjoyable to simply read on and see how things unfold, but I can safely say that the book is full of warm moments sure to melt one’s heart.
A wonderful story with a mystery, excitement and adventure as also plenty of charm, likeable characters and numerous heartwarming moments, this is one I enjoyed thoroughly. (Can’t wait to pick up the next one; in fact part way through reading the book I ordered myself print copies of this and the next book). The book is also illustrated by Wegelius with its cast of characters also introduced through illustrations; I also absolutely loved the end papers which were colour maps tracing Sally’s journeys!
December 20, 2021
Oi, kokia gera beždžionė!!!
Kiekvienam siūlau pameluoti, kad perkat kokiems nors vaikams, ir nusipirkti sau - nu žiauriai maloniai suskaičiau ir, kas paprastai nebūdinga vaikiškoms knygoms, buvo nuoširdžiai ĮDOMU visą laiką ir norėjosi sužinoti, kas įvyks toliau.
Kas vyksta - gorila Salė Džouns yra laivo mašinistė (ir apskritai labai gabi mechanikai) ir ieško darbo kartu su savo bičiuliu laivo kapitonu. Bet nutinka nelaimė! Kapitonas melagingai apkaltinamas žmogžudyste ir įkalinamas. Kur dėsis Salė Džouns? Ar sugebės padėti savo draugui? Ši nuostabi beždžionė nemoka kalbėti, o žmonės jos baidosi, bet turi daug kitų gabumų, o vienas jų - susirasti netikėtų bičiulių. Tačiau toli gražu ne visi žmonės yra tokie draugiški, kaip beždžionės!
Puiki nuotykių knyga ir beveik prieš tavo valią daro tave geresniu žmogumi:)
Kiekvienam siūlau pameluoti, kad perkat kokiems nors vaikams, ir nusipirkti sau - nu žiauriai maloniai suskaičiau ir, kas paprastai nebūdinga vaikiškoms knygoms, buvo nuoširdžiai ĮDOMU visą laiką ir norėjosi sužinoti, kas įvyks toliau.
Kas vyksta - gorila Salė Džouns yra laivo mašinistė (ir apskritai labai gabi mechanikai) ir ieško darbo kartu su savo bičiuliu laivo kapitonu. Bet nutinka nelaimė! Kapitonas melagingai apkaltinamas žmogžudyste ir įkalinamas. Kur dėsis Salė Džouns? Ar sugebės padėti savo draugui? Ši nuostabi beždžionė nemoka kalbėti, o žmonės jos baidosi, bet turi daug kitų gabumų, o vienas jų - susirasti netikėtų bičiulių. Tačiau toli gražu ne visi žmonės yra tokie draugiški, kaip beždžionės!
Puiki nuotykių knyga ir beveik prieš tavo valią daro tave geresniu žmogumi:)
October 17, 2018
Ja Žils Verns būtu uzrakstījis bērnu grāmatu, tad rezultāts varētu būt kaut kas uz "Kapteiņa pērtiķa" pusi. Ko tik nedara saprātīgā gorilla vārdā Sallija Džounsa - strādā uz kuģa par mašīnisti, labo akordeonus, spēlē šahu ar Maharadžu, labo lidmašīnas, ir lieciniece Portugāles valdības apvērsuma mēģinājumam, kopj kapus Lisabonā un ko tik vēl ne.
Viennozīmīgas piecas zvaigznes gan no mazo klausītāju, gan lielā priekšālāsītāja puses.
Viennozīmīgas piecas zvaigznes gan no mazo klausītāju, gan lielā priekšālāsītāja puses.
June 30, 2017
Sarjakuvataiteilija Hugo Prattin mukaan suurten seikkailijoiden aikakausi päättyi 1930-luvun puolivälissä. Luontevaa onkin, että myös Jakob Wegeliuksen "Merten gorillan" (WSOY, 2017) tapahtumat sijoittuvat niille main.
Romaanin päähenkilö on Sally Jones -niminen gorilla, joka palvelee Hudson Queen -aluksella konemestarina ystävänsä suomalaissyntyisen kapteeni Henry Koskelan eli tuttavallisemmin Pomon alaisuudessa. Tapahtumat saavat alkunsa kun mies nimeltä Alphonse Morro pestaa eränä iltana kaksikon hämärältä tuntuviin hommiin, koska sen kummemmin suomalaisilla kuin apinoillakaan ei ollut tapana kysellä turhia (s. 612).
Sallyn ja Pomon ei olisi kannattanut suostua keikkaan. Kyse on nimittäin aseiden salakuljetuksesta, johon ovat sotkeutuneet häikäilemättömät ja vaikutusvaltaiset tahot. Tilanne äityy niin pahaksi, että Hudson Queen uppoaa joen pohjaan ja Koskela heitetään vankilaan syytettynä Morron murhasta. Sally Jonesin ja hänen uskollisten ystäviensä täytyy yrittää keinolla millä hyvänsä todistaa ystävänsä syyttömyys. Lopulta seikkailu vie Sallyn lopulta aina Intiaan, Bhapurin upporikkaan maharadjan hoviin asti.
Wegelius on kirjoittanut kiehtovan ja aavistuksen verran hidastempoisen seikkailuromaanin, jossa on mukana enemmän Jules Vernea kuin Timo Parvelaa (tai aseta tähän haluamasi nykykirjailija). Vanhan liiton henkeä korostaa sekin, että kaikki sen henkilöhahmoista ovat aikuisia, mikä on melko poikkeuksellista 2000-luvun lasten- ja nuortenkirjallisuudessa.
Ystävyyden merkitystä korostavassa tarinassa on mukana myös tummempia sävyjä - henkirikoksia (kuten alkuperäinen nimi, astetta raflaavampi "Mördarens Apa" kertoo), parisuhdeväkivaltaa, alkoholin käyttöä - mutta sen verran taiten kerrottuna, että jo alakouluikäinen lukija voi kirjaan huoletta tarttua. Kokemus osoitti, että seitsemänvuotias kuulija nautti romaanista siinä missä aikuinenkin. Sivuja on melkein 650, mikä karkoittanee osan potentiaalisesta lukijakunnasta, mutta kunhan alkuun on päässyt, imaisee tarina tehokkaasti mukaansa.
Sally kohtaa maailmalla seikkaillessaan monenlaisia ihmisiä, amerikanitalialaisesta harmonikkavirtuoosista portugalilaiseen fadolaulajattareen. Läheskään kaikki heistä eivät ole sitä miltä he näyttävät, ja niin ihmisluonnon hyvät kuin huonotkin puolet tulevat gorillallemme tutuiksi. Luvassa onkin lukuisia yllätyksellisiä käänteitä, mikä lisää entisestään kirjan viehätysvoimaa.
Sally Jones on kerta kaikkiaan mainio päähenkilö, hieno mies [...] ellei siis oteta huomioon sitä, että olet naaraspuolinen. Ja gorilla (s. 301). Käsistään kätevä, ystävällinen Sally on enemmän hiljainen sivustatarkkailija kuin toiminnallinen sankari.
Ei voi sanoa muuta kuin että olipahan vaan hieno lastenromaani, joka toivottavasti löytää lukijansa.
Romaanin päähenkilö on Sally Jones -niminen gorilla, joka palvelee Hudson Queen -aluksella konemestarina ystävänsä suomalaissyntyisen kapteeni Henry Koskelan eli tuttavallisemmin Pomon alaisuudessa. Tapahtumat saavat alkunsa kun mies nimeltä Alphonse Morro pestaa eränä iltana kaksikon hämärältä tuntuviin hommiin, koska sen kummemmin suomalaisilla kuin apinoillakaan ei ollut tapana kysellä turhia (s. 612).
Sallyn ja Pomon ei olisi kannattanut suostua keikkaan. Kyse on nimittäin aseiden salakuljetuksesta, johon ovat sotkeutuneet häikäilemättömät ja vaikutusvaltaiset tahot. Tilanne äityy niin pahaksi, että Hudson Queen uppoaa joen pohjaan ja Koskela heitetään vankilaan syytettynä Morron murhasta. Sally Jonesin ja hänen uskollisten ystäviensä täytyy yrittää keinolla millä hyvänsä todistaa ystävänsä syyttömyys. Lopulta seikkailu vie Sallyn lopulta aina Intiaan, Bhapurin upporikkaan maharadjan hoviin asti.
Wegelius on kirjoittanut kiehtovan ja aavistuksen verran hidastempoisen seikkailuromaanin, jossa on mukana enemmän Jules Vernea kuin Timo Parvelaa (tai aseta tähän haluamasi nykykirjailija). Vanhan liiton henkeä korostaa sekin, että kaikki sen henkilöhahmoista ovat aikuisia, mikä on melko poikkeuksellista 2000-luvun lasten- ja nuortenkirjallisuudessa.
Ystävyyden merkitystä korostavassa tarinassa on mukana myös tummempia sävyjä - henkirikoksia (kuten alkuperäinen nimi, astetta raflaavampi "Mördarens Apa" kertoo), parisuhdeväkivaltaa, alkoholin käyttöä - mutta sen verran taiten kerrottuna, että jo alakouluikäinen lukija voi kirjaan huoletta tarttua. Kokemus osoitti, että seitsemänvuotias kuulija nautti romaanista siinä missä aikuinenkin. Sivuja on melkein 650, mikä karkoittanee osan potentiaalisesta lukijakunnasta, mutta kunhan alkuun on päässyt, imaisee tarina tehokkaasti mukaansa.
Sally kohtaa maailmalla seikkaillessaan monenlaisia ihmisiä, amerikanitalialaisesta harmonikkavirtuoosista portugalilaiseen fadolaulajattareen. Läheskään kaikki heistä eivät ole sitä miltä he näyttävät, ja niin ihmisluonnon hyvät kuin huonotkin puolet tulevat gorillallemme tutuiksi. Luvassa onkin lukuisia yllätyksellisiä käänteitä, mikä lisää entisestään kirjan viehätysvoimaa.
Sally Jones on kerta kaikkiaan mainio päähenkilö, hieno mies [...] ellei siis oteta huomioon sitä, että olet naaraspuolinen. Ja gorilla (s. 301). Käsistään kätevä, ystävällinen Sally on enemmän hiljainen sivustatarkkailija kuin toiminnallinen sankari.
Ei voi sanoa muuta kuin että olipahan vaan hieno lastenromaani, joka toivottavasti löytää lukijansa.
June 6, 2022
Sally Jones is a ship’s engineer who journeys from Portugal to India to clear her captain’s name when he is accused of murder. She’s also a gorilla. Though she can’t speak, she understands human language and communicates via gestures and simple written words. This was the perfect rip-roaring adventure story for me to read at sea (I started it on a 20-hour ferry ride from England to Spain); the twisty plot and larger-than-life characters who aid or betray Sally Jones kept the nearly 600 pages turning quickly. I especially loved her time repairing accordions with an instrument maker. This is set in the 1920s or 30s, I suppose, with early airplanes and maharajahs, but still long-distance sea voyages. Published by Pushkin Children’s, it’s technically a teen novel and the middle book in a trilogy, but neither fact bothered me at all.
August 9, 2019
I'm kicking myself for taking so long to get to this book. Sally Jones is absolutely wonderful! An anthropoid ape, Sally Jones (that's how she likes to be referred to) is sentient, intelligent, and has worked for years as an engineer aboard the ship Hudson Queen with Chief, Henry Koskela. She and Chief are good friends, and though she cannot speak, she and Chief have, over many years together, learned to function well as a team and care for each other.
After a deal gone very wrong transporting goods to Lisbon, the Hudson Queen is wrecked and Chief finds himself accused of murder and swiftly imprisoned. Sally Jones is devastated, and on the run, as people believe she is nothing more than a dangerous animal. She eventually finds friendship and safety with the wonderful Ana Molina, factory worker and lover of fado, and Luigi Fidardo, instrument maker. When presented with the opportunity, Sally Jones, with her friends' help, begins working to clear Chief's name.
I cannot begin to say how much I loved this book. Sally Jones is magnificent, relentless in her pursuit of justice, even though she frequently suffers from depression and is thwarted repeatedly by greedy, shady and outright criminal people during her search. And though she cannot speak, she keeps finding ways to communicate and get through bad situations. I liked that the kindness of her friends Ana and Fidardo kept her centred and moving forward.
I also loved the little illustrations that prefaced each chapter, giving me a good sense of the time period and the various settings Sally Jones finds herself in.
This was a lovely story of adventure and friendship, and I suspect I'll be rereading this eventually.
After a deal gone very wrong transporting goods to Lisbon, the Hudson Queen is wrecked and Chief finds himself accused of murder and swiftly imprisoned. Sally Jones is devastated, and on the run, as people believe she is nothing more than a dangerous animal. She eventually finds friendship and safety with the wonderful Ana Molina, factory worker and lover of fado, and Luigi Fidardo, instrument maker. When presented with the opportunity, Sally Jones, with her friends' help, begins working to clear Chief's name.
I cannot begin to say how much I loved this book. Sally Jones is magnificent, relentless in her pursuit of justice, even though she frequently suffers from depression and is thwarted repeatedly by greedy, shady and outright criminal people during her search. And though she cannot speak, she keeps finding ways to communicate and get through bad situations. I liked that the kindness of her friends Ana and Fidardo kept her centred and moving forward.
I also loved the little illustrations that prefaced each chapter, giving me a good sense of the time period and the various settings Sally Jones finds herself in.
This was a lovely story of adventure and friendship, and I suspect I'll be rereading this eventually.
July 2, 2024
Tai yra be galo įtikinantis nerealistinis pasakojimas. Kartais būna gana realios istorijos ir tu netiki, o šis pasakojimas apie genialią beždžionę mašinistę, parašiusią knygą susiklausė be jokio sudvejojimo. Gal, kad charakteriai trimačiai, neperspausti, bet kartu ir knygiškai romantiški. Pradžioj reikėjo laiko įsijausti ir įsipatoginti istorijoje, bet kai jau tai nutinka, nebegali atsitraukti. Be abejo mano vertinimas yra grindžiamas ir tuo, jog romanas yra paaugliams, taigi ir lūkestis yra atitinkamas.
Rekomenduoju paaugliams ir suaugusiems su vidiniu paaugliu.
Rekomenduoju paaugliams ir suaugusiems su vidiniu paaugliu.
July 3, 2017
Read about this one in the NY Times Book Review. Sounded interesting, and did not disappoint. Captain Henry Koskela (a/k/a Chief) and female gorilla Sally Jones are hired by Alfonse Morro to pick up some tiles along a river in their small cargo ship. Things go awry at the pickup, Alfonse Morro falls in the sea back at the port, and Chief is arrested for his murder. Sally Jones goes on the run, and subsequently enlists the help of new friends to prove the Chief's innocence as he is convicted and sentenced to 25 years. Sally Jones sets off on an adventure. Wegelius is a talented storyteller, and his themes of kindness, friendship and love, greed, deceit, cruelty and hatred resonate. His characters are top-notch, especially but hardly limited to Sally Jones herself: tenacious, and whose care/love for Chief providing the strength to persevere against long odds and powerful enemies. 4.5 stars.
March 11, 2022
Bellissimo romanzo di avventura con protagonista una scimmia quasi umana piena di risorse, coraggio e determinazione.
E' una lettura piacevole anche per gli adulti: in questo periodo così tetro per me è stato un libro rasserenante.
Nota sull'edizione: è deliziosa, piena di illustrazioni accattivanti che abbelliscono ogni capitolo ed è ben fatta anche nella versione ebook.
E' una lettura piacevole anche per gli adulti: in questo periodo così tetro per me è stato un libro rasserenante.
Nota sull'edizione: è deliziosa, piena di illustrazioni accattivanti che abbelliscono ogni capitolo ed è ben fatta anche nella versione ebook.
March 3, 2022
Nuostabi knyga!!!
August 25, 2017
This is old-fashioned storytelling at its finest: clear-cut villains, an unusual heroine with rare capabilities, far-flung travels, and a bit of a mystery to solve. Sally Jones (and please, do not call her "Sally"---her name is "Sally Jones", thank you very much), our heroine, is a gorilla. She is an exceptional gorilla in that she can read and write, just not speak, so she perfectly understands humans. She has many talents: engineering a cargo ship, playing chess, repairing accordions, to name a few. Her best friend, the Chief, is accused of murder and the main plot line is Sally Jones' attempt to find the evidence to exonerate him. Along the way, she is befriended by a beautiful soprano and an accordion maker/repairer who live in the same building. The only very slight hesitation I considered about recommending this book for middle grade readers is an abusive affair the soprano briefly has, which is foiled (inadvertently) by Sally Jones. However, there are no specifics; there is only mention that the cad comes in the evening and that, by morning, the young lady has suspicious bruises. I did give the book to my 11-year-old grandson, so I felt this affair was too vague to be of concern. The book is long, with many plot twists and turns, but I thought it was a lot of fun.
December 26, 2018
Hitaasti avautuva, mutta avauduttuaan valloittava seikkailukertomus gorillasta, fadolaulajasta, maharadzasta, viuluntekijästä ja suomalaisesta merikapteenista. Lukiessani mietin, mikä tarkalleen ottaen tästä kirjasta tekee lastenkirjan. Tarinan kertakaikkisen hienouden ymmärtäminen vaatii suht harjaantunutta lukijaa, ja nautin tästä aivan tavattomasti ja nimenomaan aikuisena, ilman minkäänlaisia kohderyhmälaseja päässä. Voi olla, että lapselle tämä on parhaimmillaan yhdessä aikuisen kanssa luettuna, jolloin tarinasta on mahdollista myös keskustella yhdessä. Sinällään sopii (ja suosittelen) kyllä ihan kaikille alakouluikäisistä kiikkustuolissa istujiin. Todella upea, iätön kirja.
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September 3, 2022Odė posthumanizmui: pagrindinė veikėja, beždžionė, vaizduojama kaip žmogiškesnė už kai kuriuos žmones. Gerai suręstas dviejų kontinentų detektyvas su tiksliomis geografinėmis nuorodomis ir laivybos terminais. Vertas Lindgren premijos, nors ne visai astridiškas.
August 8, 2019
Tarina eteni hitaasti kuin mainingit, mutta myös yhtä lailla heltymättömästi. Sally Jones oli kerrassaan sympaattinen päähenkilö ja tarinassa oli mukavaa menneen ajan tuntua. En taida silti laittaa vinkkauspakkiin, koska tarina on aivan liian pitkä ja hidas kärsimättömille nykylukijoille, mutta tulen ihan saletisti vinkkaamaan hyllyjen välissä ja täsmänä hyville lukijoille, jotka arvostavat huolellista paneutumista hyvin kerrottuun tarinaan.
September 6, 2025
Pirmas sakinys: Vieną dieną, visai neseniai, Šefas man padovanojo seną rašomąją mašinėlę, 1908 metais pagamintą "Underwood No. 5".
"Tai yra be galo įtikinantis nerealistinis pasakojimas. Kartais būna gana realios istorijos ir tu netiki, o šis pasakojimas apie genialią beždžionę mašinistę, parašiusią knygą susiklausė be jokio sudvejojimo." © Lina.
Knyga apie žmones: ištikimybę ir draugystę, gailestingumą ir teisingumą, ilgesį ir meilę, neišsipildžiusius lūkesčius ir lemties ironiją. Ir apie fado.
Pati knyga yra kaip fado – melancholiška: liūdna, tačiau išlaisvinanti.
Skaitymo malonumas: pagauli (nuotykiai, kelios paslaptys), paskaiti (pasakojimo būdas, įvykių gausa, neįmantrūs, tačiau tikri veikėjai, subtilus humoras) ir, kaip minėta, įtikinanti (pavyzdžiui, laiško reikia laukti keletą mėn. ar net pusmetį) istorija. Ir nė lašelio didaktikos.
Panašu, kad autorius parašė fado* romaną.
* Fado (iš port. k. "lemtis") – iš Portugalijos kilęs muzikos žanras. Tai melancholiška daina apie nelaimingą meilę, išdavystę, mirtį ir neviltį, vandenyną. Svarbiausias emocinis elementas – ilgesys (saudade) (Vikipedija).
4.9/5✰
"Tai yra be galo įtikinantis nerealistinis pasakojimas. Kartais būna gana realios istorijos ir tu netiki, o šis pasakojimas apie genialią beždžionę mašinistę, parašiusią knygą susiklausė be jokio sudvejojimo." © Lina.
Knyga apie žmones: ištikimybę ir draugystę, gailestingumą ir teisingumą, ilgesį ir meilę, neišsipildžiusius lūkesčius ir lemties ironiją. Ir apie fado.
Pati knyga yra kaip fado – melancholiška: liūdna, tačiau išlaisvinanti.
Skaitymo malonumas: pagauli (nuotykiai, kelios paslaptys), paskaiti (pasakojimo būdas, įvykių gausa, neįmantrūs, tačiau tikri veikėjai, subtilus humoras) ir, kaip minėta, įtikinanti (pavyzdžiui, laiško reikia laukti keletą mėn. ar net pusmetį) istorija. Ir nė lašelio didaktikos.
Panašu, kad autorius parašė fado* romaną.
* Fado (iš port. k. "lemtis") – iš Portugalijos kilęs muzikos žanras. Tai melancholiška daina apie nelaimingą meilę, išdavystę, mirtį ir neviltį, vandenyną. Svarbiausias emocinis elementas – ilgesys (saudade) (Vikipedija).
4.9/5✰
July 26, 2018
The story begins with Sally Jones, the ape noting down her story in order to have a clear conscience. We get to know that Sally Jones works as an engineer on a boat and how her captain was charged guilty of murder and that's where that story line completely takes the backseat and instead the story becomes more about the journey of the ape from Lisbon to India and how she survives once her captain is arrested. Only towards the end after a good 500 pages does the story line of the murder takes the front seat again.
The writing is effortless, it did keep me engrossed but after 200 pages I started getting bored because the main plot was lost and except for the writing there was nothing to make me keep reading. I'll be honest, I skipped a 100 pages and well it didn't really matter because the story had not moved. I really think if the author had reduced the number of pages, and kept the travel journey of Sally Jones short it would have been much better.
The author has done an impeccable job in setting the scenes and I know a lot of people enjoyed this book as it is, but this is just my opinion of it. The illustrations in the book are vivid and beautiful. Pick this book up with the thought process that you are going to read about an ape's journey and you might actually enjoy it.
My Verdict- 3/5
The writing is effortless, it did keep me engrossed but after 200 pages I started getting bored because the main plot was lost and except for the writing there was nothing to make me keep reading. I'll be honest, I skipped a 100 pages and well it didn't really matter because the story had not moved. I really think if the author had reduced the number of pages, and kept the travel journey of Sally Jones short it would have been much better.
The author has done an impeccable job in setting the scenes and I know a lot of people enjoyed this book as it is, but this is just my opinion of it. The illustrations in the book are vivid and beautiful. Pick this book up with the thought process that you are going to read about an ape's journey and you might actually enjoy it.
My Verdict- 3/5
January 23, 2022
"Mama tu privalai perskaityti šią knygą" - tokie buvo dukros žodžiai, kai užvertė paskutinį knygos puslapį. Tas kelias dienas, kol skaitė, aš pamečiau savo vaiką. Vis laisvas laikas buvo skirtas šiam romanui-detektyvui-nuotykių istorijai.
Ar kada matei skaitiančią ir rašančią beždžionę? O taisančią net sudėtingiausią variklį? Tai Salė Džouns, nepaprasta beždžionė, kuri kviečia keliauti laiku. Nukelia mus į XX amžiaus pradžios Lisaboną, Indiją ir vandenynus. Čia ji bando rasti tiesą ir išlaisvinti Šefą, jūreivį, su kuriuo plaukioja. Salė Džouns sutinka daugybę žmonių ir pademonstruoja savo sugebėjimus.
Romanas kiek priminė Žiulio Verno romanuose skaitytus nuotykius ir Tomo Sojerio nerūpestingumą. Tai kelionė, ieškojimas ir faktų dėliojimas. Rašytojas tai pateikia, kad nejučia patiki ypatingosios beždžionėlės egzistavimu. Įvykiai taip įtraukia, kad net pamiršti, kur esi. Sėdi ir jauti sūrų vėją, bangas ir Indijos karštį.
Ir tai romanas ne tik apie paslaptis, bet ir apie draugystę, apie kuklumą ir sąžinę. Džiugu, kad šiuolaikiniuose romanuose puoselėjamos vertybės. Labai patiko veikėjų tarpusavio santykiai - tiek Anos Molinos pasiaukojimas, tiek Šefo ir beždžionėlės draugystė. Mes abi rekomenduojame šį romaną skaitytojams, kurie nori įtraukiančios istorijos. O romano apimtis neturėtų išgąsdinti, nes tai ištisi 500 puslaių skaitymo malonumo.
Ar kada matei skaitiančią ir rašančią beždžionę? O taisančią net sudėtingiausią variklį? Tai Salė Džouns, nepaprasta beždžionė, kuri kviečia keliauti laiku. Nukelia mus į XX amžiaus pradžios Lisaboną, Indiją ir vandenynus. Čia ji bando rasti tiesą ir išlaisvinti Šefą, jūreivį, su kuriuo plaukioja. Salė Džouns sutinka daugybę žmonių ir pademonstruoja savo sugebėjimus.
Romanas kiek priminė Žiulio Verno romanuose skaitytus nuotykius ir Tomo Sojerio nerūpestingumą. Tai kelionė, ieškojimas ir faktų dėliojimas. Rašytojas tai pateikia, kad nejučia patiki ypatingosios beždžionėlės egzistavimu. Įvykiai taip įtraukia, kad net pamiršti, kur esi. Sėdi ir jauti sūrų vėją, bangas ir Indijos karštį.
Ir tai romanas ne tik apie paslaptis, bet ir apie draugystę, apie kuklumą ir sąžinę. Džiugu, kad šiuolaikiniuose romanuose puoselėjamos vertybės. Labai patiko veikėjų tarpusavio santykiai - tiek Anos Molinos pasiaukojimas, tiek Šefo ir beždžionėlės draugystė. Mes abi rekomenduojame šį romaną skaitytojams, kurie nori įtraukiančios istorijos. O romano apimtis neturėtų išgąsdinti, nes tai ištisi 500 puslaių skaitymo malonumo.
February 2, 2019
The Murderer’s Ape, by Jakob Wegelius, is an amazingly well written book about Sally Jones. Sally Jones is a gorilla who has been around humans her entire life. She is an amazing engineer and mechanic, and loves to learn things. When her and her friend Henry Koskela, or “Chief”, are in Lisbon, a man that goes by the name of Morro approaches them and offers them a job to move tiles. It paid very well, but Sally Jones was unsure of Morro. Sally Jones and Chief manned their own boat, the Hudson Queen, but something goes wrong with the shipment. Sally Jones discovers that they are not tiles, but weapons. Everything goes wrong after that, and soon Sally Jones finds herself with Ana Molina, Senor Fidaro, Maharaja, and more kind people going through traumas of their own.
This book is definitely for more experienced readers, but is so worth the read! Wegelius did an amazing job with this book and capturing all of the characters! I love the way that perseverance travels through the book, and Sally Jones stays loyal ‘till the end. She is such a lovable character, and it really is a work of art. I LOVE this book so much, and I totally recommend it!
This book is definitely for more experienced readers, but is so worth the read! Wegelius did an amazing job with this book and capturing all of the characters! I love the way that perseverance travels through the book, and Sally Jones stays loyal ‘till the end. She is such a lovable character, and it really is a work of art. I LOVE this book so much, and I totally recommend it!
January 14, 2022
*syvä huokaus* Jo oli kirja... 🥰
Olin ostanut kirjamessuilta saman kirjailijan kirjan Hudson Queenin ruusu, mutta ystäväni kerkesi lukemaan sen aikaisemmin. Hän kehui sen kirjan maasta taivaaseen ja samalla oli selvittänyt, että sille oli edeltäjä: Merten gorilla.
No hän oli näppäränä plikkana ostanut tuon kirjan ja nopeana lukijana lukenut senkin 😄
Ja jälleen oli hänen mielestään aivan upea kirja.
Teimme sopimuksen: hän lainasi minulta muutaman kirjan ja sain häneltä lainaan Merten Gorillan 😊
Ja pakko se on myöntää: ystäväni tuntee makuni täydellisesti. Tämä oli aivan upea kirja 😍 Kaunis (niin tarinalta ja ulkonäöltä), raastava ajoittain, mutta aina oli toivon kipinä. Tarina rullasi upeasti ja jopa tällainen hidas lukija jaksoi lukea tämän tiiliskiven täysin vaivatta 😅
En voi kuin suositella tätä kaikille, joita seikkailu, fado, Lissabon, dekkarit, suuret tunteet ja ystävyys kiinnostavat ❤️
Olin ostanut kirjamessuilta saman kirjailijan kirjan Hudson Queenin ruusu, mutta ystäväni kerkesi lukemaan sen aikaisemmin. Hän kehui sen kirjan maasta taivaaseen ja samalla oli selvittänyt, että sille oli edeltäjä: Merten gorilla.
No hän oli näppäränä plikkana ostanut tuon kirjan ja nopeana lukijana lukenut senkin 😄
Ja jälleen oli hänen mielestään aivan upea kirja.
Teimme sopimuksen: hän lainasi minulta muutaman kirjan ja sain häneltä lainaan Merten Gorillan 😊
Ja pakko se on myöntää: ystäväni tuntee makuni täydellisesti. Tämä oli aivan upea kirja 😍 Kaunis (niin tarinalta ja ulkonäöltä), raastava ajoittain, mutta aina oli toivon kipinä. Tarina rullasi upeasti ja jopa tällainen hidas lukija jaksoi lukea tämän tiiliskiven täysin vaivatta 😅
En voi kuin suositella tätä kaikille, joita seikkailu, fado, Lissabon, dekkarit, suuret tunteet ja ystävyys kiinnostavat ❤️
July 24, 2022
Sally Jones, I would die for you.
When I picked up this book randomly in a local bookstore I thought it would be a fun mystery.
Instead it wiped me off my feet, broke my heart in two and mended it over and over again. I laughed and I wept like I have never before reading a book.
This is a story of friendship and love in its purest form, but similarly of adventure, depression, deceit, experiencing the unknown and the will to live - all told thru the eyes of Sally Jones, a gorilla and an exceptional engineer.
This was an experience in every sense of the word and if there was one book I could demand everyone to read it would be this. Trust me, it’s worth it.
When I picked up this book randomly in a local bookstore I thought it would be a fun mystery.
Instead it wiped me off my feet, broke my heart in two and mended it over and over again. I laughed and I wept like I have never before reading a book.
This is a story of friendship and love in its purest form, but similarly of adventure, depression, deceit, experiencing the unknown and the will to live - all told thru the eyes of Sally Jones, a gorilla and an exceptional engineer.
This was an experience in every sense of the word and if there was one book I could demand everyone to read it would be this. Trust me, it’s worth it.
May 25, 2018
The charming life story of a very unusual gorilla. Don't expect a fast-paced mystery narrative - this is more like Around the World in 80 Days than Murder on the Orient Express, and whodunit is never really in doubt - but it's gently fun stuff. (12+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
February 27, 2018
Mi-a plăcut foarte mult. Amuzant este că am evitat-o multă vreme din cauza titlului. Aș fi ales cu siguranță un altul fiindcă îi face un deserviciu cărții, mai ales că este destinată copiilor. Dar asta e doar părerea mea, n-aș fi pus „ucigaș” în titlu.
September 18, 2018
Just one of the best books I have read all year!!! I loved this – the story, the characters, the setting, the writing! It is sooooo good. I'll be on the lookout for anything by Wegelius from now on, and, indeed, more European literature for children.
January 1, 2020
What a delightful, twisty-turny story this is! The worldbuilding was so immersive and I thoroughly enjoyed being sucked into all of Sally Jones's adventures and travels.
October 10, 2021
Τι υπέροχο και ξεχωριστό βιβλιαράκι ήταν αυτό;
December 19, 2021
Tik du žodžiai: SALĖ DŽOUNS. <3
July 3, 2018
(Cat.)
500 i pico pàgines llegides, i quan s'hauria d'haver posat d'allò mês interessant, hi perdo l'interés del tot.
massa llarg, es podria haver sol˙lucionat amb moltes menys pgs.
500 i pico pàgines llegides, i quan s'hauria d'haver posat d'allò mês interessant, hi perdo l'interés del tot.
massa llarg, es podria haver sol˙lucionat amb moltes menys pgs.
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