Brazzaville Beach

The compromising of science in close-up, claustrophobic microcosm as determination to preserve reputation, funding, and status battles emerging, inconvenient, horrifying truth. I was gripped by the power struggle between the guru-like head of a chimpanzee research centre and a young uncompromising researcher observing chimp behaviour which does not fit the accepted narrative. It's incredibly specific and also at the same time incarnates something absolutely universal. I will never forget it – it got right into my head and stuck.

An engaging, funny, and poignant read. Its central character engaged in her study of chimpanzees reminded me of some of the PhD students I came across while in Africa. It captures the feel of expat life, separated from local culture, estranged from back home, and feeling like flotsam that the continent will soon shrug off.