What is the author's tone in A Primate's Memoir by Robert M. Sapolsky?

The major elements in the tone consist of funny jokes, wry observations, and the kind of risk-taking that would make an adult shake her head in grief. In many of the chapters, Sapolsky will combine his general lighthearted tone with other elements, such as the frustration and annoyance that come from mean baboons in the clan. In other parts, Sapolsky will bring out a tone more appropriate for an adventure, such as when Sapolsky gets himself into trouble by taking excessive risks.

In contrast, the light-hearted tone will, from time to time, evaporate. In some cases, Sapolsky has gotten himself into so much trouble that he is scared for his life, so the light-hearted tone will evaporate. In other cases, some serious event like a coup or war is occurring, in which case the tone becomes much more seriously. Sadly, the tale ends as a tragedy when bovine tuberculosis kills nearly all of Sapolsky's baboons, which adds a note of sorrow to what was almost a purely comedic memoir. The end becomes increasingly somber as it progresses and ends with a wistful tone that is regretful but looks forward to the future.