The Baboon King
By Anton Quintana
Translated by John Niuwenhuizen
Published by Allen & Unwin
Price £5.50
Age 12+

When a leopard starts to prey on their cattle and tribespeople, the Kikuyu herdsmen of Africa reluctantly request the help of the Morengaru - a half-Masai, living as a hunter on the outskirts of the tribe.

However, the glory of Morengaru's leopard-killing is fleeting, as a cruel twist of fate (some might blame human nature) subsequently results in the accidental death of a young tribesman. Morengaru, seemingly destined to remain the outsider, finds himself banished from the tribe, with only a troupe of baboons for company.

Whilst there is nothing too controversial or complex about this book, it is essentially a young adult read and its wildlife "battle" scenes are suitably graphic. Originally published in Dutch in 1982, it's a remarkably expressive and flowing translation. The real beauty of the book comes with its fascinating study of the baboon colony as Morengaru masters their communication systems, personalities and codes of behaviour, and in doing so also discovers much about himself.

A highly original and rewarding book, which stands out from the crowd of teenage reading matter.