UNSPOKEN by Angela Hunt

Oh, boy. Like everyone knows, when you read an Angela Hunt novel, you can expect the unexpected.

Since I usually read novels about human beings, it was a stretch for me to read Unspoken. After all, one of the main characters is a lowland gorilla named Sema. But since I trust Angie, I decided to give it a read.

I can honestly say that this is the first time in decades that I’ve loved a fictional character 100%, but with Sema, what’s not to love? You know, human characters always (and rightfully so) have flaws. But Sema was about as perfect as a gorilla can be. She was fresh, lovable, humorous and entirely real.

Sema and her caretaker Glee Granger enjoyed a loving relationship, so it was stunning when Glee realized that after living her entire life with Glee, Sema would have to go back to the zoo where she was born. When the unthinkable happens, life takes a strange twist for both Sema and Glee.

Trust me, read this book. You’ll be glad you did. Sema is one of those characters who grip your heart and stay with you long after you’ve completed her story. I was at a dinner party last week, and one of dishes had olives in it. Before I could edit myself, I said, “Sema calls olives stinky cat grapes.” I got a few odd looks, but then it gave me the opportunity to tell more friends about Unspoken and Angela Hunt, one of my favorite novelists.