{"product_id":"the-tortoises-tale-9781668068625","title":"The Tortoise's Tale","description":"\u003cb\u003eA 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. \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eSnatched 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe 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\u003cb\u003e--\u003c\/b\u003eor the lack thereof. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Tortoise's Tale \u003c\/i\u003eis 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 \u003ci\u003eRemarkably Bright Creatures.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKendra Coulter earned her PhD at the University of Toronto and 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 \u003ci\u003eDefending Animals: Finding Hope on the Front Lines of Animal Protection\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003ci\u003eThe Tortoise's Tale\u003c\/i\u003e is her first novel.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51690851139858,"sku":"9781668068625","price":20.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e974e93b-1361-4f63-b5f4-aa694bf98f28.jpg?v=1761749841","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-tortoises-tale-9781668068625","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}