Turtle Diary

By Russell Hoban,

Book cover of Turtle Diary

Book description

Two lonely Londoners bond over a plan to free the sea turtles at the city zoo in this touching novel from a cult-favorite author who has drawn comparisons to J.D. Salinger and Kurt Vonnegut.

A wise and touching classic that “crackles with witty detail, mordant intelligence and self-deprecating irony,” from…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Turtle Diary as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Turtle Diary is one of my all-time favorite books. The intimate tone pulls the reader in immediately. Hoban alternates point of view between William and Neera, two lonely Londoners who accomplish a heroic feat and manage to rescue themselves in the process. The writing is spare and beautiful, peppered with delightful asides and observations: “She had a theatre programme in her hand, fresh air and perfume had come in with her. Her blonde hair and leopardskin coat looked as if they’d go out even if she stayed at home.”

From Jean's list on the ways that animals redeem us.

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Interested in bookstores, turtles, and London?

Bookstores 33 books
Turtles 16 books
London 872 books