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 flowersand the nuances of human behavior in this spellbinding debut novel. Snatched from her ancestral landsa 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 discoveryas she learns to embrace the music of jazz and the warmth of human connection. The tortoiseΓÇÖs story is enriched by her bond with Takeothe estateΓÇÖs gardenerwho sees her as a being with thoughts and feelingsnot just a creature to be observed. The tortoiseΓÇÖs mind and heart are further expanded by Lucya young girl who names the tortoise Magic and shares a friendship that transcends species. Togetherthey witness the estateΓÇÖs transformation into a haven for industry titanspoliticiansand rock starseach leaving their mark on the world and on MagicΓÇÖs 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 lifetimethe estate changes ownershipbringing raucous Hollywood partiesand animals both familiar and unexpected. There are also threatsas the estateΓÇÖs idyll is not immune to the ravages of a damaged planet. Through each erathe tortoise remains a refreshingly honest and endearing narrator whose unique vantage point illuminates the transcendent power of compassionthe unexpected connections that shape how we see ourselves and each otherand the wide-reaching effects of choiceΓÇöor the lack thereof. The TortoiseΓÇÖs Tale is a whimsical yet profound exploration of humanityΓÇÖs entangled journeya call to recognize the interconnectedness of all lifeand the potential for healing. Kendra CoulterΓÇÖs debut novel is a moving portrait of resilience and hopeperfect for fans of Shelby Van PeltΓÇÖs Remarkably Bright Creatures.