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 tortoiseās story is enriched by her bond with Takeo, the estateās gardener, who sees her as a being with thoughts and feelings, not just a creature to be observed. The tortoiseās 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 estateās transformation into a haven for industry titans, politicians, and rock stars, each leaving their mark on the world and on Magicās 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 estateās 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 choiceāor the lack thereof. The Tortoiseās Tale is a whimsical yet profound exploration of humanityās entangled journey, a call to recognize the interconnectedness of all life, and the potential for healing. Kendra Coulterās debut novel is a moving portrait of resilience and hope, perfect for fans of Shelby Van Peltās Remarkably Bright Creatures.