I purchased the print copy for my personal collection.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: November 4, 2025
Summary:
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, humble, 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.
My thoughts:
I’m not sure how I missed this when it came out back in November, but thanks to Chris Bucci (@cbucci_bookman) for putting it on my radar — it’s exactly the type of book I love and just the book I needed.
I loved that this book is narrated from the tortoise’s point of view. I have not read Remarkably Bright Creatures yet, so I cannot make any comparisons to that, but because I loved this one, I’m more eager to pick that one up! I think with me being such an animal lover, and having just lost my sweet Chloe, this book found me at the right time. It is filled with hope, heart & a whole lot of love.
This is a love letter to both animals and life in general. It’s a quietly powerful read, one that sneaks up on you because while it is the tortoise’s memoir of sorts, it also tackles some heavy topics. But what I loved most is that it makes you think of your actions, your impact on the world around you.
I cannot recommend this book enough…and the best part–it’s not even 300 pages!!
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