Theory of Bastards

2020 Longlist

Life is finally worth living for Francine. After the years stolen by unbearable, undiagnosed pain, a recent surgery has provided a cure. And her subversive scientific discovery, the “Theory of Bastards” which has unseated public figures and past presidents, has rewarded her with a generous grant and a prestigious placement at The Foundation. Now she is beginning further research on a group of remarkable animals, bonobos.

She makes steady progress until storms of dry winds sweep out of the abandoned places, and the scientists retreat to safety. Only a select few stay behind, with Francine and the man she has come to love, to weather the storm and protect their simian research subjects. Through the dusty aftermath, the possibility of a new and better world becomes clear.

About the Author

Audrey Schulman is the author of four previous novels: Three Weeks in December (Europa, 2012), Swimming With Jonah, The Cage, and A House Named Brazil. Her work has been translated into eleven languages. Born in Montreal, she now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she runs HEET.

Librarian’s Comments

From within a cocoon of technology, an evolutionary psychologist studies bonobos, and how their relationships can grant evolutionary advantages to their offspring. When the technology fails, the author explores the blurring of differences between animals and humans, important themes for their times.