Recent Books

Gorillas in the Mist

Dian Fossey, translated from English by Choi Jae-chun & Nam Hyun-young; Seungsan: 520 pp., 20,000 won

Although her name is not as widely known here, Dian Fossey was with gorillas what Jane Goodall is with chimpanzees. Only the devoted American zoologist's life was tragically cut short on Dec. 27, 1985, by a brutal murder that took place inside her cabin at the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, which she founded to research a variety of gorilla groups there. The case remains unsolved even to this day. Many, including poachers, were antagonized by her gorilla-first preservation activities.

Fossey, who once worked as children's therapist in her home country, became interested in mountain gorillas in Africa after reading a book, and was eventually picked up by prominent archeologist Louise Leaky on a mission to watch and study the species. This book is part essay, part journal, detailing her observations of gorillas groups she met and her thoughts on issues related with animal preservation.

It is the bureaucratic workings and insensitive meddling of African and European governments, and selfishness of poachers, media people and tourists than sometimes brutal, or inhuman, side of gorillas that are truly disturbing. In fact, despite the occasional somber descriptions of gorillas, gorillas come across as peaceful, thoughtful and even graceful beings. Reading this book will invite readers to ponder on many thought-provoking questions regarding nature, human society, and preservation philosophy, even though it is being introduced in Korean more than two decades after the original publication in English. A warm, delightful and informative read that combines in-depth academic research with human drama.

-Seo Dong-shin

Born on a Blue Day

Daniel Tammet, translated from English by Bae Do-hee; 296 pp., 12,000 won

Remember Dustin Hoffman in the film ``Rain Man?'' Or the best-selling novel from a few years ago, ``The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time?'' These all attempted to portray autistic minds.

Daniel Tammet, a British autist with Savant Syndrome _ which allows extraordinary mental abilities, especially with mathematics and languages _ reveals the true inside workings of the autistic mind in this memoir.

What kind of extraordinary life it could be, if you possess synesthesia and can automatically associate numbers and words with colors or shapes and have an innate ability to calculate massive numbers and learn several languages perfectly? But your ability to empathize or communicate is impaired.

This book tells of Tammet's courgeous venture into the big wide world, how he eventually gains independence in life, as well as tribulations of growing up _ all told in his own words. It makes him probably the only person in the world with the savant syndrome to have done so, and the result is an intriguing read for anyone.