Chester Parsons is Not a Gorilla by Martyn Ford

I was a little skeptical about the title and the blurb on the back, and was worried that it might be another book which is trying to be funny and ‘down with the kids’. However, after the initial part of the book introduces you to the different characters it actually becomes quite deep, and complex. The stories and characters strengthened and start to interweave with each other. I especially like the shock and horror that a few particular moments produce – almost Tarantino like! The relationship between Chester and his sister is also explored more deeply. It could be a useful book for children dealing with the loss of a parent as Chester is scarred by the loss of his dad, even though he doesn’t really recognise that at first. With its body swapping and brain taker overs it is in a similar vein to Bzrk by Michael Grant, and could be too much for Lower Key Stage Two children. However, it is an easy read and keeps you really engaged the whole way through, wondering, just wondering if Chester will ever escape the gorilla!