Bonobo
Bonobo Review: Guilt and Second Chances
by You-Jeong Jeong
translated by An Seonjae
ARC Review
Honford Star
UK/Commonwealth publication date: October 13, 2026
U.S. edition published by Creature Publishing: September 1, 2026
Bonobo has one of those premises where you have to be willing to just go with it. There were definitely moments when Freaky Friday crossed my mind, but as the story went on I realized that comparison wasn't really fair.
Jini is a primate researcher who, after a car accident, finds herself sharing the body of a bonobo named Genie. Minjoo happens to be nearby and becomes the only person who understands what has happened. They have very little in common when they are suddenly brought together, and what they don’t know is that they are both living with guilt over choices they made when they could have helped someone and didn't.
Jini and Minjoo
Jini's guilt goes back to her earlier work in Africa and an encounter with a young bonobo she left behind when the situation became dangerous. It stayed with her and is part of why she is questioning whether she wants to continue working in the field.
Minjoo has his own guilt from a time when he ignored someone who may have needed his help. So when he finds himself involved with Jini and Genie, his first instinct is not to take on someone else's problem. He has more than one opportunity to walk away. Without Minjoo, Jini and Genie had no chance.
Jini and Genie
The chapters alternate between Minjoo and Jini, but with Jini sharing a body with Genie, the pace changes depending on who is in control.
When Jini is at the wheel, things tend to move quickly. She knows what she needs to do and is trying to figure out how to accomplish it while trapped in the body of a bonobo.
When Genie takes over, things get much more unpredictable. She is scared, in an environment she doesn't recognize, and has no idea how she got there. Jini cannot communicate directly with her and has no way to soothe her or protect her.
Through their shared space, Jini does experience some of Genie's memories and dreams. There are some very touching moments in those sections, including a memory of the birth of Genie's younger brother that was truly beautiful.
There are mystical elements here, and some of it is a stretch but the guilt, grief, and relationships were enough to ground the story.
An Seonjae's Translation
For the most part, An Seonjae's translation read smoothly for me. Even with the unusual setup of Jini and Genie sharing one body, I never had trouble following what was happening. The shifts between Jini's thoughts, Genie's memories and dreams, and Minjoo's perspective stayed clear throughout.
I think Bonobo will work especially well for readers of Korean speculative fiction, animal-centered stories, and books about guilt and second chances.
Definitely worth the read.
Where to Purchase
Bookshop.org | Amazon | Honford Star
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