Faux-memoir by Tarzan’s chimp pal Cheeta among contenders for literature’s prestigious Booker

Chimp’s memoir among contenders for Booker Prize

LONDON — The purported autobiography of a movie-star chimpanzee is among the contenders for Britain’s most prestigious literary award.

“Me Cheeta” is one of 13 novels on the Booker Prize longlist. Originally published anonymously, James Lever’s book claims to tell the life story of the chimp who gained 1930s Hollywood stardom in “Tarzan” movies.

Other contenders announced Tuesday are former Booker winners A.S. Byatt and J.M Coetzee, as well as Adam Foulds, Sarah Hall, Samantha Harvey, Hilary Mantel, Simon Mawer, Ed O’Loughlin, James Scudamore, Sarah Waters, William Trevor and Colm Toibin.

The shortlist will be announced Sept. 8 and the winner of the 50,000 pound ($82,000) prize on Oct. 6.

The Booker is open to writers from Britain, Ireland or the Commonwealth.