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The Tortoise's Tale
A century of American history unfolds through the eyes of a giant tortoise with a heightened awareness for live music, the location of edible flowers, and the nuances of human behavior in this spellbinding debut novel.
Snatched from her ancestral lands, a giant tortoise finds herself in an exclusive estate in southern California where she becomes an astute observer of societal change. Her journey is one of discovery, as she learns to embrace the music of jazz and the warmth of human connection.
The tortoise’s story is enriched by her bond with Takeo, the estate’s gardener, who sees her as a being with thoughts and feelings, not just a creature to be observed. The tortoise’s mind and heart are further expanded by Lucy, a young girl who names the tortoise Magic and shares a friendship that transcends species. Together, they witness the estate’s transformation into a haven for industry titans, politicians, and rock stars, each leaving their mark on the world and on Magic’s heart.
The tortoise embraces her role as a muse with gusto and witnesses how diverse human harmonies and the mighty winds of social change both uplift people and tear them apart. Over the course of her lifetime, the estate changes ownership, bringing raucous Hollywood parties, and animals both familiar and unexpected. There are also threats, as the estate’s idyll is not immune to the ravages of a damaged planet. Through each era, the tortoise remains a refreshingly honest and endearing narrator whose unique vantage point illuminates the transcendent power of compassion, the unexpected connections that shape how we see ourselves and each other, and the wide-reaching effects of choice—or the lack thereof.
The Tortoise’s Tale is a whimsical yet profound exploration of humanity’s entangled journey, a call to recognize the interconnectedness of all life, and the potential for healing. Kendra Coulter’s debut novel is a moving portrait of resilience and hope, perfect for fans of Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Snatched from her ancestral lands, a giant tortoise finds herself in an exclusive estate in southern California where she becomes an astute observer of societal change. Her journey is one of discovery, as she learns to embrace the music of jazz and the warmth of human connection.
The tortoise’s story is enriched by her bond with Takeo, the estate’s gardener, who sees her as a being with thoughts and feelings, not just a creature to be observed. The tortoise’s mind and heart are further expanded by Lucy, a young girl who names the tortoise Magic and shares a friendship that transcends species. Together, they witness the estate’s transformation into a haven for industry titans, politicians, and rock stars, each leaving their mark on the world and on Magic’s heart.
The tortoise embraces her role as a muse with gusto and witnesses how diverse human harmonies and the mighty winds of social change both uplift people and tear them apart. Over the course of her lifetime, the estate changes ownership, bringing raucous Hollywood parties, and animals both familiar and unexpected. There are also threats, as the estate’s idyll is not immune to the ravages of a damaged planet. Through each era, the tortoise remains a refreshingly honest and endearing narrator whose unique vantage point illuminates the transcendent power of compassion, the unexpected connections that shape how we see ourselves and each other, and the wide-reaching effects of choice—or the lack thereof.
The Tortoise’s Tale is a whimsical yet profound exploration of humanity’s entangled journey, a call to recognize the interconnectedness of all life, and the potential for healing. Kendra Coulter’s debut novel is a moving portrait of resilience and hope, perfect for fans of Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures.
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First published November 4, 2025
194 people are currently reading
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About the author
Kendra Coulter
10 books113 followersKendra Coulter's fiction debut, The Tortoise's Tale, was selected as a best of 2025 by Library Journal and Eco Lit Books. She is a Professor at Huron University College at Western University where she leads the world’s first major in animal ethics and sustainability leadership. She is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in England and the author of Defending Animals: Finding Hope on the Front Lines of Animal Protection (The MIT Press).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
October 11, 2025
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OMGosh!
This is a unique and compelling story with an equally captivating narrator. It’s like a memoir written from the point of view of a long-living tortoise; think historical fiction blended with a biography. I most enjoyed the way the book portrayed the relationship between humans and nature, especially animals. Everyone should be as compassionate as this tortoise is.
This book tackles heavy topical matters, including animal welfare and environmental issues. This made me think about my own actions and impact on the world. I learned a lot from the tortoise’s perspective. The story warmed my heart, and as beautiful and powerful as it is, I didn’t feel like the message was being forced on me or shoved down my throat. It made me feel compassion. It felt both personal and universal in equal measure and will resonate with people of all ages. It’s more than a story about a long-living tortoise; it’s about being kind and thinking of others. It is a gentle reminder of the responsibility we all share to protect our world and the animals we share it with.
I found this book very inspiring and hopeful. It left me with a renewed respect for Planet Earth, the creatures we share it with, and nature in general. I am not a big nature or animal lover, but I found this book simply beautiful, emotional, and very educational. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
OMGosh!
This is a unique and compelling story with an equally captivating narrator. It’s like a memoir written from the point of view of a long-living tortoise; think historical fiction blended with a biography. I most enjoyed the way the book portrayed the relationship between humans and nature, especially animals. Everyone should be as compassionate as this tortoise is.
This book tackles heavy topical matters, including animal welfare and environmental issues. This made me think about my own actions and impact on the world. I learned a lot from the tortoise’s perspective. The story warmed my heart, and as beautiful and powerful as it is, I didn’t feel like the message was being forced on me or shoved down my throat. It made me feel compassion. It felt both personal and universal in equal measure and will resonate with people of all ages. It’s more than a story about a long-living tortoise; it’s about being kind and thinking of others. It is a gentle reminder of the responsibility we all share to protect our world and the animals we share it with.
I found this book very inspiring and hopeful. It left me with a renewed respect for Planet Earth, the creatures we share it with, and nature in general. I am not a big nature or animal lover, but I found this book simply beautiful, emotional, and very educational. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 29, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up
This sweet debut looks at the changes in American life over one hundred years, as seen from the perspective of a tortoise living on an estate in Southern California. Anthropomorphism can be a hard act to get right. Too much can come off as cheesy. Coulter does a good job of walking the line. This tortoise (who over the course of time has multiple names) can comprehend language but not verbally communicate with humans. She also has an appreciation of music, art and later, movies.
Since a tortoise has no concept of what year it is, Cousler wisely provides a feel by citing the popular music of the day. The tortoise befriends first a Japanese gardener and then a young girl. Because her lifespan is so long, she lives with multiple generations of the first family and then other owners. Grief is a constant as her friends, human and animal, pass away.
Through her eyes, we see glimpses of different aspects of American society through the years. It doesn’t try to cover everything but focuses on specific issues. The pace of the book is uneven and I can’t say I was equally invested in each section. Parts were beautiful and imaginative, other parts just felt flat.
Coulter is a Professor of animal ethics and sustainability. Those two issues are front and center in the story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.
This sweet debut looks at the changes in American life over one hundred years, as seen from the perspective of a tortoise living on an estate in Southern California. Anthropomorphism can be a hard act to get right. Too much can come off as cheesy. Coulter does a good job of walking the line. This tortoise (who over the course of time has multiple names) can comprehend language but not verbally communicate with humans. She also has an appreciation of music, art and later, movies.
Since a tortoise has no concept of what year it is, Cousler wisely provides a feel by citing the popular music of the day. The tortoise befriends first a Japanese gardener and then a young girl. Because her lifespan is so long, she lives with multiple generations of the first family and then other owners. Grief is a constant as her friends, human and animal, pass away.
Through her eyes, we see glimpses of different aspects of American society through the years. It doesn’t try to cover everything but focuses on specific issues. The pace of the book is uneven and I can’t say I was equally invested in each section. Parts were beautiful and imaginative, other parts just felt flat.
Coulter is a Professor of animal ethics and sustainability. Those two issues are front and center in the story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.
January 2, 2026
"A century of American history unfolds through the eyes of a giant tortoise with a heightened awareness for live music, the location of edible flowers, and the nuances of human behavior in this spellbinding debut novel."
I think we have all looked at animals and wondered what they see in us and how they categorize us into their life. This book reminds us of the ever-changing roles as humans vs animals. What an emotional story told through a tortoise's perspective. As he was lifted from his birth land and transported to his current home in a grand estate in California, we see his observance of humans for a century. He creates a very perceptive look at music, culture, other animals and humans with decades of changes in social norms and human-animal relations. Even as a nonhuman character, it was character driven and reflective. There are such sweet scenes between the love he has for Takeo, the gardener, and Lucy, a young girl that names him Magic. The scenes are very reflective as loss and love are a big part of the things he sees. One of the realistic moments seems to stay with me when he stays on the concrete too long and Takeo recognizes his pain and waters him down. He then digs himself into the mud to cool off. It reminds me of The Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, where an octopus is the narrator. There are some scenes where he wanted to be seen and times when he knew to hide. Very creative way to deliver. This is not for everyone, but it was definitely for me.
Thank you Simon & Shuster and NetGalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I think we have all looked at animals and wondered what they see in us and how they categorize us into their life. This book reminds us of the ever-changing roles as humans vs animals. What an emotional story told through a tortoise's perspective. As he was lifted from his birth land and transported to his current home in a grand estate in California, we see his observance of humans for a century. He creates a very perceptive look at music, culture, other animals and humans with decades of changes in social norms and human-animal relations. Even as a nonhuman character, it was character driven and reflective. There are such sweet scenes between the love he has for Takeo, the gardener, and Lucy, a young girl that names him Magic. The scenes are very reflective as loss and love are a big part of the things he sees. One of the realistic moments seems to stay with me when he stays on the concrete too long and Takeo recognizes his pain and waters him down. He then digs himself into the mud to cool off. It reminds me of The Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, where an octopus is the narrator. There are some scenes where he wanted to be seen and times when he knew to hide. Very creative way to deliver. This is not for everyone, but it was definitely for me.
Thank you Simon & Shuster and NetGalley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 29, 2025
Fantastic!!!🐢
No one could remember how the tortoise came to be here—only that it was long before anyone else’s time. The first name she’d been given—by Lucy, the small child who visited each summer—was “Magic”. Later on, the Japanese gardener, Takeo, gave her the name “Daisuke”, which he said meant “great assistant”, and she was!
From the very beginning—or as far back as she could remember—she was fascinated by human behaviour. She wanted to learn all she could about it, and became a scholarly observer—an ethnographer of sorts—studying the well-heeled residents and visitors she regularly came into contact with at the house. And, oh, the things she saw!!!😮
Magic-Daisuke saw more during her years with humans than she could possibly attempt to describe—the most beautiful, the ugliest, the kindest, the most reprehensible, the most generous and the most miserly. She’d seen it all but, still, she relished every moment of her life there and never tired of meeting new humans. She absorbed every single drop of knowledge she could, always wanting to know more, more, more! There was simply no end to her desire for enlightenment!
Whenever people came into the yard, she’d position herself as close as possible, hoping for any and every morsel of gossip or news. She absolutely drank it up! The intel she gleaned from these high-fliers was no ordinary gossip! Oh no!! Her home was perhaps the poshest, most expensive, and certainly the most opulent in all of California. The manor residents and visitors included movie and TV celebrities, award-winning musicians, famous politicians, even Olympians! Frequent get-togethers were hosted, including album release parties, charity events, travelling symphony performances, and parties to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and weddings. Thanks to all the live music she was able to experience, she came to adore music of all kinds!!🥰 She considered herself something of a musical connoisseur, with a special fondness for jazz, pop and disco. She prided herself on knowing several talented artists personally, and a few considered her a cherished muse. Of all the music she loved to hear, Beyoncé was her favourite!
Modesty may not have been her forté, but clearly, she knew what she knew, and she knew an enormous amount! The Tortoise's Tale is a very unique debut novel. She developed close relationships with several humans, and each one enriched her life immensely. These very special individuals lived on in her heart even after they left and, because she lived to be nearly twice the age of most humans, many did leave.🙁 That she would outlive so many became a source of great sadness for her.😢
There’s so much more to the story than the little I’ve written here, but I want you to read it to see for yourself how incredibly good it is! You might think it’s a silly rom-com type novel, but you’d be very wrong. The novel is so well-written, and so deeply-considered that, for all but the first few moments, the fact that a tortoise was narrating the novel didn’t cross my mind at all! It’s an astounding story! And I highly recommend it to all my animal-loving friends and followers! I just know you’re going to love it!🤗❤️🐾
* Aside from how much I loved it, this novel is even more special to me because it was lovingly written by Dr. Kendra Coulter—a professor of animal ethics at The University of Western Ontario, where I spent the majority of my career and where my heart still resides. * Please note, however, that I do NOT know the author, nor have I ever met her.
5 “Some–people–make–the–world–special–just–by–being–in–it” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No one could remember how the tortoise came to be here—only that it was long before anyone else’s time. The first name she’d been given—by Lucy, the small child who visited each summer—was “Magic”. Later on, the Japanese gardener, Takeo, gave her the name “Daisuke”, which he said meant “great assistant”, and she was!
From the very beginning—or as far back as she could remember—she was fascinated by human behaviour. She wanted to learn all she could about it, and became a scholarly observer—an ethnographer of sorts—studying the well-heeled residents and visitors she regularly came into contact with at the house. And, oh, the things she saw!!!😮
Magic-Daisuke saw more during her years with humans than she could possibly attempt to describe—the most beautiful, the ugliest, the kindest, the most reprehensible, the most generous and the most miserly. She’d seen it all but, still, she relished every moment of her life there and never tired of meeting new humans. She absorbed every single drop of knowledge she could, always wanting to know more, more, more! There was simply no end to her desire for enlightenment!
Whenever people came into the yard, she’d position herself as close as possible, hoping for any and every morsel of gossip or news. She absolutely drank it up! The intel she gleaned from these high-fliers was no ordinary gossip! Oh no!! Her home was perhaps the poshest, most expensive, and certainly the most opulent in all of California. The manor residents and visitors included movie and TV celebrities, award-winning musicians, famous politicians, even Olympians! Frequent get-togethers were hosted, including album release parties, charity events, travelling symphony performances, and parties to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and weddings. Thanks to all the live music she was able to experience, she came to adore music of all kinds!!🥰 She considered herself something of a musical connoisseur, with a special fondness for jazz, pop and disco. She prided herself on knowing several talented artists personally, and a few considered her a cherished muse. Of all the music she loved to hear, Beyoncé was her favourite!
Modesty may not have been her forté, but clearly, she knew what she knew, and she knew an enormous amount! The Tortoise's Tale is a very unique debut novel. She developed close relationships with several humans, and each one enriched her life immensely. These very special individuals lived on in her heart even after they left and, because she lived to be nearly twice the age of most humans, many did leave.🙁 That she would outlive so many became a source of great sadness for her.😢
There’s so much more to the story than the little I’ve written here, but I want you to read it to see for yourself how incredibly good it is! You might think it’s a silly rom-com type novel, but you’d be very wrong. The novel is so well-written, and so deeply-considered that, for all but the first few moments, the fact that a tortoise was narrating the novel didn’t cross my mind at all! It’s an astounding story! And I highly recommend it to all my animal-loving friends and followers! I just know you’re going to love it!🤗❤️🐾
* Aside from how much I loved it, this novel is even more special to me because it was lovingly written by Dr. Kendra Coulter—a professor of animal ethics at The University of Western Ontario, where I spent the majority of my career and where my heart still resides. * Please note, however, that I do NOT know the author, nor have I ever met her.
5 “Some–people–make–the–world–special–just–by–being–in–it” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 18, 2025
Pre-Read Notes:
I love animals but I'm nuts about turtles. Michael and I rescued a baby aquatic turtle that had gotten displaced during a hurricane when we lived in Florida. She was the size of a quarter when we scooped her off the pavement and ran with all our animals from an impending hurricane! We've had a lot of adventures with this little girl, who is no longer little, but a 14 pound pond cooter living in a giant indoor pond in our basement! So, you see why I needed this book 🐢!
"“Ay, ay, amor.” Clara turned her arm to study the bird, and they looked right into each other’s eyes. Then Preciosa hopped off Clara’s arm and onto her shoulder. Clara stood in silence, seemingly stunned. “Maybe there is magic here,” Michio said." p69
"“Day by day,” Doug sang. I felt moved. It was like a theme song, something that captured my essence. Was this how I approached life? Was I becoming stronger, not only physically but also emotionally? I was." p152
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I loved this book because it is the story of a real tortoise and all the people whose lives he made richer. Better. Animals make human lives better and this story clearly illustrate that absolute fact.
Probably my favorite aspect about this book was possible because of my least favorite element lol. Because the tortoise narrates this story, it's span becomes magnificent, more significant than the average human life span. We get to see over a hundred years of this character's life. A life that long has so many opportunities to impact the lives of the humans and animals that pass through it. Those people get to touch eternity in a way, and reach back to the beginnings of time. I'm amazed at the importance of time in this story, and how important time is to every living thing.
Even so, I struggled with the anthropomorphism here; that's a treatment I almost never enjoy, except in fantasy or science fiction where an explanation can be provided. I don't think this book really counts as magical realism either; it doesn't have any of the trademark elements except animals that understands human language and narrate their experiences. It's just realism (based on a true story) with one weird magical element.
This doesn't bother a lot of people like it does me, so considering that, and the other things I liked about it, it's a strong book. It's s a sweet and moving story about the love and relationships animals and humans share, and it's a powerful story about time. The time all living things have to change their worlds. I heartily recommend it, especially for YA aged readers and animal people.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "Captivity imposes an overwhelming feeling of loneliness and angst , something I wish on very few individuals, not even the discourteous, selfish, and mocking, whom I detest. As a youngster, I understood nothing of time, so all I can say is that the duration of this indignity remains unknowable." p10 Turtles are the most trafficked animals in the world and they endure horrific conditions once they are captured.
✔️ "Lucy’s face turned a delicate shade of pink. I believe embarrassment is a distinctly human feeling and am certain I have experienced nothing of the sort. Though I have also observed people who should feel embarrassed yet do not." p37 I'm not always a fan of anthropomorphic animals, especially as the lead of the whole book. But, I think Coulter is doing some creative and fresh things with it, and she's not getting humg-up on the illogic of an animals who speaks human.
✔️ "I would have said: “Please do not worry, my beloved Lucy. I shall return promptly once the sky has been returned to peace. I will miss you dearly. Keep studying as much as you can before the ghastly event.” ... Concluding with: “My impending sense of doom notwithstanding, I am confident that we will be reunited and able to learn together again in due course.”" p38 This is darling. But more importantly than that, it expresses how difficult the barriers between humans and animals make all our lives. The only choice is to persist in mutual respect.
✔️ "“Although I am by no means an expert on little girls, I know something of what it is like to not easily belong. ... Miss Lucy, even if you know every answer, do not offer them all. ... Do answer, yes, do answer, and make sure the teacher calls on you. ...” He paused. “Sometimes people do not want girls to know as much as they do.”" p46 This book takes on the whole world and it's a bit magnificent.
Notes: cruelty to animals, animal confinement, animal trafficking, animal injury, death of a friend, grief
Thank you to Kendra Coulter, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE TORTOISE'S TALE. All views are mine.
I love animals but I'm nuts about turtles. Michael and I rescued a baby aquatic turtle that had gotten displaced during a hurricane when we lived in Florida. She was the size of a quarter when we scooped her off the pavement and ran with all our animals from an impending hurricane! We've had a lot of adventures with this little girl, who is no longer little, but a 14 pound pond cooter living in a giant indoor pond in our basement! So, you see why I needed this book 🐢!
"“Ay, ay, amor.” Clara turned her arm to study the bird, and they looked right into each other’s eyes. Then Preciosa hopped off Clara’s arm and onto her shoulder. Clara stood in silence, seemingly stunned. “Maybe there is magic here,” Michio said." p69
"“Day by day,” Doug sang. I felt moved. It was like a theme song, something that captured my essence. Was this how I approached life? Was I becoming stronger, not only physically but also emotionally? I was." p152
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I loved this book because it is the story of a real tortoise and all the people whose lives he made richer. Better. Animals make human lives better and this story clearly illustrate that absolute fact.
Probably my favorite aspect about this book was possible because of my least favorite element lol. Because the tortoise narrates this story, it's span becomes magnificent, more significant than the average human life span. We get to see over a hundred years of this character's life. A life that long has so many opportunities to impact the lives of the humans and animals that pass through it. Those people get to touch eternity in a way, and reach back to the beginnings of time. I'm amazed at the importance of time in this story, and how important time is to every living thing.
Even so, I struggled with the anthropomorphism here; that's a treatment I almost never enjoy, except in fantasy or science fiction where an explanation can be provided. I don't think this book really counts as magical realism either; it doesn't have any of the trademark elements except animals that understands human language and narrate their experiences. It's just realism (based on a true story) with one weird magical element.
This doesn't bother a lot of people like it does me, so considering that, and the other things I liked about it, it's a strong book. It's s a sweet and moving story about the love and relationships animals and humans share, and it's a powerful story about time. The time all living things have to change their worlds. I heartily recommend it, especially for YA aged readers and animal people.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "Captivity imposes an overwhelming feeling of loneliness and angst , something I wish on very few individuals, not even the discourteous, selfish, and mocking, whom I detest. As a youngster, I understood nothing of time, so all I can say is that the duration of this indignity remains unknowable." p10 Turtles are the most trafficked animals in the world and they endure horrific conditions once they are captured.
✔️ "Lucy’s face turned a delicate shade of pink. I believe embarrassment is a distinctly human feeling and am certain I have experienced nothing of the sort. Though I have also observed people who should feel embarrassed yet do not." p37 I'm not always a fan of anthropomorphic animals, especially as the lead of the whole book. But, I think Coulter is doing some creative and fresh things with it, and she's not getting humg-up on the illogic of an animals who speaks human.
✔️ "I would have said: “Please do not worry, my beloved Lucy. I shall return promptly once the sky has been returned to peace. I will miss you dearly. Keep studying as much as you can before the ghastly event.” ... Concluding with: “My impending sense of doom notwithstanding, I am confident that we will be reunited and able to learn together again in due course.”" p38 This is darling. But more importantly than that, it expresses how difficult the barriers between humans and animals make all our lives. The only choice is to persist in mutual respect.
✔️ "“Although I am by no means an expert on little girls, I know something of what it is like to not easily belong. ... Miss Lucy, even if you know every answer, do not offer them all. ... Do answer, yes, do answer, and make sure the teacher calls on you. ...” He paused. “Sometimes people do not want girls to know as much as they do.”" p46 This book takes on the whole world and it's a bit magnificent.
Notes: cruelty to animals, animal confinement, animal trafficking, animal injury, death of a friend, grief
Thank you to Kendra Coulter, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE TORTOISE'S TALE. All views are mine.
November 2, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to review this ARC! I ended up buying & reading the published paperback.
4.5 ✨
« They say time heals. I am unsure. I have a unique relationship with time. I have considered this question from every angle. I remain uncertain. »
This beautiful tale follows a tortoise as time passes. It’s a heartfelt story that depicts themes such as animal cruelty (I cried a few times, if I’m being honest), sorrows, death & loss, the friendships we gain and lose along the way, the passage of time, etc.
« Emotional management is an intricate skill, and despite the plethora of practice I have had, this does not mean I never waver. »
We follow life as the Tortoise, and see life as she perceives it. There’s historical aspects in this novel, and things such as violence against women, abusive relationships, misogyny, homophobia, etc… are depicted as seen through the Tortoise’s eyes. The Tortoise was just so sweet and I loved being in her head.
I think everyone should read this. It’s definitely eye opening and it’s a fast and heartfelt read. As someone who gives to organisms to save animals… it deeply touched me.
« Some love may be too strong, too deep. There is no preparation sufficient for losing love that transcendent. »
4.5 ✨
« They say time heals. I am unsure. I have a unique relationship with time. I have considered this question from every angle. I remain uncertain. »
This beautiful tale follows a tortoise as time passes. It’s a heartfelt story that depicts themes such as animal cruelty (I cried a few times, if I’m being honest), sorrows, death & loss, the friendships we gain and lose along the way, the passage of time, etc.
« Emotional management is an intricate skill, and despite the plethora of practice I have had, this does not mean I never waver. »
We follow life as the Tortoise, and see life as she perceives it. There’s historical aspects in this novel, and things such as violence against women, abusive relationships, misogyny, homophobia, etc… are depicted as seen through the Tortoise’s eyes. The Tortoise was just so sweet and I loved being in her head.
I think everyone should read this. It’s definitely eye opening and it’s a fast and heartfelt read. As someone who gives to organisms to save animals… it deeply touched me.
« Some love may be too strong, too deep. There is no preparation sufficient for losing love that transcendent. »
May 12, 2025
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter is a memoir-style story as narrated by a large, sentient tortoise. The tortoise, whose name changes depending on which character is present, is intelligent, perceptive, and dignified. Living at a stately home in California that undergoes many iterations as a family home, wellness center, hotel and music production studio, the tortoise is exposed to a family over generations and many of the socially important elements of the 20th century.
Like the majestic tortoise, this book dawdles and plods. The storyline is very arms-distance, and the plot line is relatively low stakes. Even when tragedies befall the family, the events are always told with a sense of remove. While this makes sense, narratively, as the tortoise isn’t exactly at the center of say, RFK’s assassination, it does create a very slow and somewhat placid plot.
I think that the pacing throughout is somewhat uneven. Certain sections span chapters, despite not being all that interesting, and other rather large moments or decades seem to get a passing glance. It’s hard to tell what has weight in this story, or even how time is progressing. In other stories, this inconsistent spacing could create a sense of disorientation or inconsistency for effect. This seems unintentional, and at times gives the narrative the feeling of being stuck in an accordion.
The thing that I think is best about this story is that the author manages to make the narrator very charming and loveable. For people who like gentle, feel good stories, this would be an excellent read.
For me, this was a somewhat flat read. The story very easily could have had more depth, whimsy, or history, but didn’t really deliver. The story was at times placid and shallow. The tortoise serves as a sort of arms distance narrator, but never fully delves into anything with real fervor.
I’m raging this a 3.25/5, with the reservation that I know people who would rate this much higher. The gentle storytelling and slower pace could be very nice for those seeking a unique and cozy read.
The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter is a memoir-style story as narrated by a large, sentient tortoise. The tortoise, whose name changes depending on which character is present, is intelligent, perceptive, and dignified. Living at a stately home in California that undergoes many iterations as a family home, wellness center, hotel and music production studio, the tortoise is exposed to a family over generations and many of the socially important elements of the 20th century.
Like the majestic tortoise, this book dawdles and plods. The storyline is very arms-distance, and the plot line is relatively low stakes. Even when tragedies befall the family, the events are always told with a sense of remove. While this makes sense, narratively, as the tortoise isn’t exactly at the center of say, RFK’s assassination, it does create a very slow and somewhat placid plot.
I think that the pacing throughout is somewhat uneven. Certain sections span chapters, despite not being all that interesting, and other rather large moments or decades seem to get a passing glance. It’s hard to tell what has weight in this story, or even how time is progressing. In other stories, this inconsistent spacing could create a sense of disorientation or inconsistency for effect. This seems unintentional, and at times gives the narrative the feeling of being stuck in an accordion.
The thing that I think is best about this story is that the author manages to make the narrator very charming and loveable. For people who like gentle, feel good stories, this would be an excellent read.
For me, this was a somewhat flat read. The story very easily could have had more depth, whimsy, or history, but didn’t really deliver. The story was at times placid and shallow. The tortoise serves as a sort of arms distance narrator, but never fully delves into anything with real fervor.
I’m raging this a 3.25/5, with the reservation that I know people who would rate this much higher. The gentle storytelling and slower pace could be very nice for those seeking a unique and cozy read.
August 2, 2025
This book is going to make a lot of people happy. It is really a five-star premise- the book is the internal dialogue of a tortoise who lives around 150 years. It is an essential imagining of how nature views humanity. The themes are seeing how quickly human culture changes, how we communicate with nature, and is a warning against capitalism-driven climate change. The tortoise outlives every human she interacts with, and makes interesting observations about human behavior.
Clearly the author was definitely trying to emulate the Octopus narrator portions of Remarkably Bright Creatures or the Pony narrator portions of Pony Confidential. Those chapters I found to be polarizing- some people found them cheesy- really hated them and other really found them endearing. The narrative, as you can imagine, is slow paced and deliberate as you would imagine a tortoise's thoughts to be. She says things like "I slept by the large rock for 300 suns" and then we can tell that the time period has jumped.
I found it rather clever that she would make references to music that the humans were playing or singing, so this would be your clue as to what the time period is. The humans were unnecessary to her survival and yet she had a connection and passing interest in them.
I liked it, I didn't love it. I really wanted to love it, based on the great premise. But in execution, it was a bit... slow. (lol)
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC. Book to be published November 4, 2025.
Clearly the author was definitely trying to emulate the Octopus narrator portions of Remarkably Bright Creatures or the Pony narrator portions of Pony Confidential. Those chapters I found to be polarizing- some people found them cheesy- really hated them and other really found them endearing. The narrative, as you can imagine, is slow paced and deliberate as you would imagine a tortoise's thoughts to be. She says things like "I slept by the large rock for 300 suns" and then we can tell that the time period has jumped.
I found it rather clever that she would make references to music that the humans were playing or singing, so this would be your clue as to what the time period is. The humans were unnecessary to her survival and yet she had a connection and passing interest in them.
I liked it, I didn't love it. I really wanted to love it, based on the great premise. But in execution, it was a bit... slow. (lol)
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC. Book to be published November 4, 2025.
May 17, 2025
Let me start by saying: the description I first read of this novel does not do it justice. What unfolds within these pages is something far deeper, more luminous, and quietly more powerful than I ever expected.
This novel is written not only with lyrical grace, but also with wisdom and intellectual depth. There’s a certain sparkle threaded throughout; the kind that quietly glimmers in the connections between characters, in their personal growth, and most extraordinarily, through the eyes of the great tortoise, Magic.
Words fall short when it comes to describing how fully my heart melded into this story. I devoured every page. With every moment of joy, I felt lifted. And with every inevitable loss, every brush with grief, I was right there, aching too.
I especially appreciated the clever nods to Hollywood celebrity life as it added a fun and sharp layer of commentary. But what struck me most was the novel’s message. As someone who already cares deeply for all animals and makes it a life priority to do so, I found myself deeply moved and full of hope. Hope that others, perhaps those not already so connected, might be changed, awakened, or made better by reading this story.
And many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC. It was truly rejuvenating.
This novel is written not only with lyrical grace, but also with wisdom and intellectual depth. There’s a certain sparkle threaded throughout; the kind that quietly glimmers in the connections between characters, in their personal growth, and most extraordinarily, through the eyes of the great tortoise, Magic.
Words fall short when it comes to describing how fully my heart melded into this story. I devoured every page. With every moment of joy, I felt lifted. And with every inevitable loss, every brush with grief, I was right there, aching too.
I especially appreciated the clever nods to Hollywood celebrity life as it added a fun and sharp layer of commentary. But what struck me most was the novel’s message. As someone who already cares deeply for all animals and makes it a life priority to do so, I found myself deeply moved and full of hope. Hope that others, perhaps those not already so connected, might be changed, awakened, or made better by reading this story.
And many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC. It was truly rejuvenating.
December 28, 2025
What a wonderful book to have read as the final book in my 2025 reading year.
A tortoise, given the names "Daisuke" and "Magic" and in the end, "Fern", is the narrator of this story. Now that I'm finished, I'm quite sad to no longer be with Magic. She was very special. Like a tortoise, this book is quiet and slow-paced. Situating the many decades inside are tiny mentions of major political or cultural moments and the music from its time. Blended well into the story are also threads of climate crisis and social, political and cultural changes. This is also a very female-centric novel. It dawns on you slowly, again like the pace of a tortoise, but it really had a great impact, creating great enjoyment for me. It is the women in this story that have the closest bonds with Magic and the women that show the most compassion and care throughout. It also touches upon the rights and freedom of women and animals of course. I'm absolutely not going to be able to properly explain everything this book holds, but it is a special one with many special moments. I'm sitting here feeling sadness that I won't be with Magic any longer.
A tortoise, given the names "Daisuke" and "Magic" and in the end, "Fern", is the narrator of this story. Now that I'm finished, I'm quite sad to no longer be with Magic. She was very special. Like a tortoise, this book is quiet and slow-paced. Situating the many decades inside are tiny mentions of major political or cultural moments and the music from its time. Blended well into the story are also threads of climate crisis and social, political and cultural changes. This is also a very female-centric novel. It dawns on you slowly, again like the pace of a tortoise, but it really had a great impact, creating great enjoyment for me. It is the women in this story that have the closest bonds with Magic and the women that show the most compassion and care throughout. It also touches upon the rights and freedom of women and animals of course. I'm absolutely not going to be able to properly explain everything this book holds, but it is a special one with many special moments. I'm sitting here feeling sadness that I won't be with Magic any longer.
August 17, 2025
A memoir by a 110year old tortoise? What a lovely story. Identity, aging, love and and animal welfare are woven into the story of a beautiful family compound in Los Angeles. What begins as a story about a place filled with exotic animals that are simply background for the wealthy owner evolves into a more nuanced story about love and respect for all living beings.
There is history, LA is part of the story. Music, wealth and the movie industry have a roll in the novel.
The book is reflective, There are parts that feel lighthearted, but as can be imagined, living a very long life can also be tinged with sorrow.
The Tortoise's tale is well written, and although the author's interest in animal activism is in the forefront the book never feels heavy handed.
This is a wonderful book for the thoughtful animal lover.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.
There is history, LA is part of the story. Music, wealth and the movie industry have a roll in the novel.
The book is reflective, There are parts that feel lighthearted, but as can be imagined, living a very long life can also be tinged with sorrow.
The Tortoise's tale is well written, and although the author's interest in animal activism is in the forefront the book never feels heavy handed.
This is a wonderful book for the thoughtful animal lover.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.
May 23, 2025
This novel about a Giant tortoise named Magic (among other names throughout her 150 year life span) living in captivity in California, far from her native home, has left me at a loss for words. We experience humans through Magic’s eyes and so many times what I saw brought me to tears. But it will also make you smile and make you think. The wisdom imparted by Magic through the author is almost transcendent. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. If you liked Remarkably Bright Creatures you will probably love this one.
**thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review **
**thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review **
December 27, 2025
3.5 Novels from the perspectives of non human characters are often fascinating to read, and it’s always interesting to glimpse humanity from the point of view of an animal or inanimate objects. In the case of this book, we see lives and events over the course of a century from the eyes of a tortoise.
As such, there are beautiful moments mixed in with those of loss and sadness. The tortoise, who lives on the grounds of a wealthy and influential family, witnesses the best and worst of humanity. Beautiful music is made, relationships blossom, kids grow up… but marriages also dissolve, violence erupts, and the self-centeredness of humans often rears its ugly head. This was a deeply introspective book, with the tortoise pondering the activity she sees.
I did feel that the pacing needed some work, as some of the chapters plodded on with great length and others with bigger events were shorter and quicker. It was hard to gauge which events were more important to the plot because of this. It also felt, at times, that the author used much more erudite language than was necessary. While I understood what was being said, the formal and advanced writing sometimes took me out of the story.
Overall I enjoyed the book! Glimpsing life in California over this long span of time from the eyes of the tortoise and with a good amount of attention placed on the animals was quite interesting, and while I expected a bit more whimsy to the story, I was invested
As such, there are beautiful moments mixed in with those of loss and sadness. The tortoise, who lives on the grounds of a wealthy and influential family, witnesses the best and worst of humanity. Beautiful music is made, relationships blossom, kids grow up… but marriages also dissolve, violence erupts, and the self-centeredness of humans often rears its ugly head. This was a deeply introspective book, with the tortoise pondering the activity she sees.
I did feel that the pacing needed some work, as some of the chapters plodded on with great length and others with bigger events were shorter and quicker. It was hard to gauge which events were more important to the plot because of this. It also felt, at times, that the author used much more erudite language than was necessary. While I understood what was being said, the formal and advanced writing sometimes took me out of the story.
Overall I enjoyed the book! Glimpsing life in California over this long span of time from the eyes of the tortoise and with a good amount of attention placed on the animals was quite interesting, and while I expected a bit more whimsy to the story, I was invested
January 4, 2026
Kendra Coulter's
The Tortoise's Tale
is a charming read, full of history, and the reimagined experience of a long-lived Aldabra Giant tortoise captured a century and a half earlier in Madagascar or Seychelles. She goes through many names (one is Magic), loves many people, is not treated well by a few. The author personifies her in a relatable way, but I had to suspend my disbelief fairly often (but did so willingly). Magic kept track of celebrities, not just the folks that brought good treats, and she got a little judgey now and then.
All that said, this was an engaging read, especially as I have a grandson who is crazy about all things and beings 'turtle.' That's how this book landed on my shelves.
*A sincere thank you to Kendra Coulter, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 25|52:22f
All that said, this was an engaging read, especially as I have a grandson who is crazy about all things and beings 'turtle.' That's how this book landed on my shelves.
*A sincere thank you to Kendra Coulter, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 25|52:22f
January 29, 2026
I am so happy that I was able to start this book in 2025 and carry it with me into the new year. I will continue to say it but I love this little tortoise and seeing the world and relationships and connections through her eyes was so heart warming. I don’t normally write reviews on the books I read but I feel like everyone could use a little tortoise wisdom in their lives.
August 18, 2025
The Tortoise’s Tale was very well written, but unfortunately there wasn’t much of a story to be told. In fact, it seemed there was NO point to the story, but then I may have just missed the message or moral. I found it depressing. It told stories of families and groups coming and going over the lifetime of this tortoise, but most of the time the ‘going’ included many members and creatures dying. There was too much death. Other reviews compared it to Remarkably Bright Creatures. I disagree. It doesn’t hold a candle to that book. There is no comparison other than the narrator is not human.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Tortoise’s Tale.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Tortoise’s Tale.
November 27, 2025
I came across this book from another book reader and right now i have no words when it comes to describing how fully my heart melted into this story. I devoured every page. With every moment of joy, I felt lifted. And with every inevitable loss, every brush with grief, I was right there with this beautiful tortoise called Magic
A moving story and one i completely recommend.
A moving story and one i completely recommend.
December 10, 2025
The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter is a truly special novel that stands out as one of the most emotionally resonant and imaginative books I’ve read this year. At its core, this is a deeply moving story about life, loss, and the power of perspective. However, what makes it shine so brightly is Coulter’s daring and incredibly successful decision to tell the story entirely through the eyes of a tortoise. And not just any tortoise, but one with an emotional and intellectual depth that is utterly believable, without ever becoming cartoonish or overly sentimental.
The brilliance of the book lies in how seamlessly Coulter bridges the gap between animal and human experiences. The tortoise protagonist is fully realized, with her own unique worldview, emotional range, and sensory understanding of the world. Coulter gives her a voice that feels authentic and grounded, never once slipping into cutesiness or anthropomorphism that might feel better suited to a children’s story. Instead, the tortoise’s thoughts and feelings are conveyed with a quiet elegance that is both profound and deeply relatable. You genuinely feel the highs and lows of her life, the moments of joy, connection, confusion, and sorrow, as if they were your own.
What elevates The Tortoise’s Tale even further is how Coulter captures the historical context of the story through the tortoise’s lens. She doesn’t rely on traditional exposition to tell us where or when we are; instead, she drops subtle clues through the tortoise’s reactions to music, fashion, human customs, and shifts in the environment. These observations are clever and often poignant, offering glimpses of a changing world that contrast beautifully with the slow, contemplative rhythm of the tortoise’s life.
The emotional depth of the novel is remarkable. There are moments of such raw grief and radiant joy that they completely snuck up on me. The tortoise’s enduring spirit, her capacity for love and memory, and the bittersweet nature of her relationships create a quiet, yet powerful narrative arc that lingers long after the last page is turned. It reminded me of the same emotional layering and depth I found in books like Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, novels that take an unusual perspective and use it to explore the very human themes of connection, resilience, and identity.
This book isn’t just good, it’s exceptional! It manages to be both original and timeless, imaginative and grounded, simple in premise yet rich in execution. Coulter’s writing is lyrical without being flowery, intelligent without being distant, and filled with heart. The Tortoise’s Tale is a quiet triumph, and it deserves to be widely read and celebrated. It has firmly earned a place on my list of favorite books of 2025!
The brilliance of the book lies in how seamlessly Coulter bridges the gap between animal and human experiences. The tortoise protagonist is fully realized, with her own unique worldview, emotional range, and sensory understanding of the world. Coulter gives her a voice that feels authentic and grounded, never once slipping into cutesiness or anthropomorphism that might feel better suited to a children’s story. Instead, the tortoise’s thoughts and feelings are conveyed with a quiet elegance that is both profound and deeply relatable. You genuinely feel the highs and lows of her life, the moments of joy, connection, confusion, and sorrow, as if they were your own.
What elevates The Tortoise’s Tale even further is how Coulter captures the historical context of the story through the tortoise’s lens. She doesn’t rely on traditional exposition to tell us where or when we are; instead, she drops subtle clues through the tortoise’s reactions to music, fashion, human customs, and shifts in the environment. These observations are clever and often poignant, offering glimpses of a changing world that contrast beautifully with the slow, contemplative rhythm of the tortoise’s life.
The emotional depth of the novel is remarkable. There are moments of such raw grief and radiant joy that they completely snuck up on me. The tortoise’s enduring spirit, her capacity for love and memory, and the bittersweet nature of her relationships create a quiet, yet powerful narrative arc that lingers long after the last page is turned. It reminded me of the same emotional layering and depth I found in books like Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, novels that take an unusual perspective and use it to explore the very human themes of connection, resilience, and identity.
This book isn’t just good, it’s exceptional! It manages to be both original and timeless, imaginative and grounded, simple in premise yet rich in execution. Coulter’s writing is lyrical without being flowery, intelligent without being distant, and filled with heart. The Tortoise’s Tale is a quiet triumph, and it deserves to be widely read and celebrated. It has firmly earned a place on my list of favorite books of 2025!
April 28, 2025
This is the story of a giant tortoise named Daisuke, Magic, Shelley, or Fernandita.
Daisuke has lived a very long time and is an observer of history. She also loves music, people, and animals. She has met many famous people and politicians while living on her large California estate.
Over time, the estate changes ownership. Sometimes it is a family home, sometimes it is a party house, and sometimes it is a retreat. Daisuke is there for every reinvention learning everything she can. She is also loving and caring for her people and the other animals..
Daisuke gives the reader an honest assessment of life as she sees it. She is kind, humble, and always gentle.
This is a story about love, life, learning, and perseverance.
This is a beautiful book and a spectacular debut novel!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this preview copy!
Daisuke has lived a very long time and is an observer of history. She also loves music, people, and animals. She has met many famous people and politicians while living on her large California estate.
Over time, the estate changes ownership. Sometimes it is a family home, sometimes it is a party house, and sometimes it is a retreat. Daisuke is there for every reinvention learning everything she can. She is also loving and caring for her people and the other animals..
Daisuke gives the reader an honest assessment of life as she sees it. She is kind, humble, and always gentle.
This is a story about love, life, learning, and perseverance.
This is a beautiful book and a spectacular debut novel!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this preview copy!
April 30, 2025
There’s something about talking animals and animal sidekicks in books that I just absolutely love. Get ready to fall in love with tortoises.
A giant tortoise is brought to an estate in California in the early 1900’s, She is the only constant in her ever changing world. Our tortoise friend observes all the people, their descendants, their problems/joys, life events and tragedies. We see human life on this estate unfolding through the tortoises eyes.
Her inner dialogue was fun and sometimes witty, but oh so lovable.
A moving story about a captivating little (or giant) soul.
4.5 stars
Thank you so much NetGalley for this arc. Magic Daisuke the tortoise won my heart.
A giant tortoise is brought to an estate in California in the early 1900’s, She is the only constant in her ever changing world. Our tortoise friend observes all the people, their descendants, their problems/joys, life events and tragedies. We see human life on this estate unfolding through the tortoises eyes.
Her inner dialogue was fun and sometimes witty, but oh so lovable.
A moving story about a captivating little (or giant) soul.
4.5 stars
Thank you so much NetGalley for this arc. Magic Daisuke the tortoise won my heart.
November 18, 2025
The Tortoise’s Tale by Kendra Coulter is a lyrical story that features a giant tortoise who finds herself on a sprawling estate in California. As she gains knowledge of the world and people around her, she makes what I thought were profound observations. The reader sees the passage of time across decades through her observations and growing love of music. She witnesses discrimination, sexism, abuse, and devastating loss.
I found the story to be quietly moving. There’s something especially touching about an animal witnessing human behavior and thinking why would they do that?! It’s a unique commentary on societal change, friendship, motherhood, and man’s place in the environment.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mieko Gavia. She does a wonderful job of capturing the wisdom, wonder, and emotion of the tortoise. But I think this is a book that you might want to read with your eyeballs so you can highlight all of that wisdom. 3.75/5⭐️
I found the story to be quietly moving. There’s something especially touching about an animal witnessing human behavior and thinking why would they do that?! It’s a unique commentary on societal change, friendship, motherhood, and man’s place in the environment.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mieko Gavia. She does a wonderful job of capturing the wisdom, wonder, and emotion of the tortoise. But I think this is a book that you might want to read with your eyeballs so you can highlight all of that wisdom. 3.75/5⭐️
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December 26, 2025Is anyone surprised that I’ve been charmed by a sweet 100+ year old tortoise???
January 25, 2026
A novel told completely from the POV of a tortoise. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and the result was a really beautiful, wholesome, heartwarming, heartbreaking, story.
The novel spans a century, with Magic’s observations, and you watch through her eyes the changes in people, the climate, trends, from the estate where she’s kept in California. The ending was hard, seeing her note on the change in the climate and the actions of the people taking a turn for the worst, and her outliving everyone and everything she’s ever loved or cared about.
This novel was so well written, and I was near tears through so much of it. If you loved the sections of Lessons in Chemistry from the dog’s POV, or Remarkably Bright Creatures, or I was even thinking of Lily and the Octopus at some points, I think you’d love this one. Be ready with some tissues and some tears.
Thank you @netgalley and @simonandschuster for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The novel spans a century, with Magic’s observations, and you watch through her eyes the changes in people, the climate, trends, from the estate where she’s kept in California. The ending was hard, seeing her note on the change in the climate and the actions of the people taking a turn for the worst, and her outliving everyone and everything she’s ever loved or cared about.
This novel was so well written, and I was near tears through so much of it. If you loved the sections of Lessons in Chemistry from the dog’s POV, or Remarkably Bright Creatures, or I was even thinking of Lily and the Octopus at some points, I think you’d love this one. Be ready with some tissues and some tears.
Thank you @netgalley and @simonandschuster for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2026
If you want those lovely warm feelings that you got from reading Remarkably Bright Creatures, you must read this book. It is honestly such a beautiful, moving read that totally caught me off guard. I was blown away by the ability of the author to provide such character development to an animal main character. Anthropomorphizing at its best, I felt like I truly understood her every thought of Diasuke/Magic/Fernandita. Seeing her go through love and loss just like we do was heartbreaking and magnificent all at once. Even though the pace drags a little bit in the middle, the emotional connection you build with her makes it impossible to put down. It makes you ponder whether grief and affection are "just" human traits.
August 2, 2025
This beautiful and emotional story is told through the voice of a tortoise. She is taken from her homeland and brought to an estate in southern California, which is also the home to various other animal species. Through her narration, the reader experiences generations of human and animal life on the estate. Our tortoise (who is given many names by different people over the years) is an observer of the human world around her. She watches as the people on the estate experience all human emotions from joy to tragedy. She becomes very close to (and loved by) several people, but any human’s time at the estate is limited (by life and choice), while the tortoise lives through many people and changes.
Our tortoise has emotions as well - - of course animals have emotions! - - and we see her happiness, fear and love. However, she narrates the behavior of the humans (from very loving to very ugly) and their emotions without judgment, which I found to be a beautiful perspective. She loves music, and the music listened to, and played by, the human inhabitants of the estate constituted a lovely theme (and history lesson) in itself. The people who interact with the turtle on the estate also reflect changing life in the United States, from the late 1940’s to the present day.
There are many animals resident at the estate, and the tortoise’s emotional and practical relationships with them, and her observations of them, are outstanding.
This is a story about animals and their interactions with humans – but told from the perspective of the animals. It is also a story about the passage of time. If the idea of a novel narrated by a tortoise doesn’t seem appealing to you, you just might want to consider it again!
Our tortoise has emotions as well - - of course animals have emotions! - - and we see her happiness, fear and love. However, she narrates the behavior of the humans (from very loving to very ugly) and their emotions without judgment, which I found to be a beautiful perspective. She loves music, and the music listened to, and played by, the human inhabitants of the estate constituted a lovely theme (and history lesson) in itself. The people who interact with the turtle on the estate also reflect changing life in the United States, from the late 1940’s to the present day.
There are many animals resident at the estate, and the tortoise’s emotional and practical relationships with them, and her observations of them, are outstanding.
This is a story about animals and their interactions with humans – but told from the perspective of the animals. It is also a story about the passage of time. If the idea of a novel narrated by a tortoise doesn’t seem appealing to you, you just might want to consider it again!
November 28, 2025
I really wanted to like this book just based on the quirky perspective of a giant tortoise living on a funky California estate but something just didn’t vibe. This should not be marketed for fans of remarkably bright creatures simply because it’s from the perspective of an animal. Not the same.
Not sure if it’s because I wouldn’t consider a tortoise a particularly intelligent creature (as opposed to the octopus in remarkably bright creatures), but the narrative voice just bothered the heck out of me. The tortoise seems strangely conceited and just frankly annoying?? Not sure how or why I even finished this to be honest.
The storyline itself leaves so much to be desired because all we get is fragments from this terrible tortoise, so a lot of meaning is lost. The pacing is bizarre and the ending is anticlimactic to say the least. The marketing on this book is awesome because it’s really pretty bad.
Not sure if it’s because I wouldn’t consider a tortoise a particularly intelligent creature (as opposed to the octopus in remarkably bright creatures), but the narrative voice just bothered the heck out of me. The tortoise seems strangely conceited and just frankly annoying?? Not sure how or why I even finished this to be honest.
The storyline itself leaves so much to be desired because all we get is fragments from this terrible tortoise, so a lot of meaning is lost. The pacing is bizarre and the ending is anticlimactic to say the least. The marketing on this book is awesome because it’s really pretty bad.
November 3, 2025
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I enjoyed this book from a tortoise's POV very much. I was hoping to know more about the historical events that unfurled during the tortoise's time, but realized I was limited in much the same way that she was to only the bits and pieces that the humans mentioned in her presence. I thought the characterization of the variety of humans that interacted her was a good swath of the human experience. I would have hoped that her last family of humans would have done more to find her a safe place to live.
February 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
A sweet, reflective story about time and the people who drift in and out of our lives. It follows 150 years at a Southern California estate through the eyes of a tortoise. Lighthearted and tender, but quietly sad too. I enjoyed most of it, but the ending didn’t quite work for me, which kept it from being a higher rating.
A sweet, reflective story about time and the people who drift in and out of our lives. It follows 150 years at a Southern California estate through the eyes of a tortoise. Lighthearted and tender, but quietly sad too. I enjoyed most of it, but the ending didn’t quite work for me, which kept it from being a higher rating.
February 7, 2026
This sweet tortoise. Loved that the story was told from the tortoise’s perspective. She will stick with me for a long time. Would’ve been 5 stars but there was a child death (major trigger warning) that didn’t seem necessary to the story at all and I was really not expecting. Also ending was kind of bleak…wish there was a little more hope?
November 2, 2025
This was my first experience with a story told entirely through an animal’s POV, and I think Kendra Coulter did a great job creating a tortoise’s voice. The contemplative thoughts for every action have a meditative quality, which sums up the experience of reading the book. Sadly the lack of driving plot did not make me want to pick up the book very often and I struggled with finishing. I think this book is great for someone who wants a low-stakes, relaxing look at American life through the eyes of a slow-moving tortoise.
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