Jack Clayton, the son of Tarzan and Jane, is drawn to the trained ape Akut and eventually escapes with him to Africa. Growing up in the jungle as Korak the Killer, he rescues and befriends Meriem, and their relationship develops while enemies, traders and rival claimants repeatedly threaten their freedom.
Jack's journey carries him from Edwardian and pre-war Europe into colonial-era Africa, where ivory trading, travel routes and expatriate communities surround the more fantastic elements of the story. His life as Korak becomes both an escape from inherited privilege and a coming-of-age struggle over identity, love and belonging.
