SF Signal The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, Volume 2 edited by George Mann and gives it an overall favorable rating.
Mary Robinette Kowal’s “Evil Robot Monkey” is an affecting snapshot in the life of a chimp with an implant in his head that increases his intelligence. Unfortunately for him, that lands him in the “hellish limbo” of being “too smart to be with other chimps, but too much of an animal to be with humans.” He becomes the subject of ridicule of children in what is presumably a school where he spends his time behind a pottery wheel. The interesting premise is delicately overlaid with emotion by having a single human show the chimp some compassion, resulting in a quick-and-dirty sf short story that is both charming and memorable.
I just bought this book a few days ago. Evil Robot Monkey is a great story. I liked the way the monkey was fighting his anger, yet seemed sad at the same time. Besides, with a name like Evil Robot Monkey, how could it be anything but good. 🙂
Thank you! You nailed exactly what I wanted from Sly’s character. Here’s a bit about where the title came from.