COME, THOU TORTOISE by Jessica Grant

I will state this up front: this is one of the coolest novels I have read and I am about to gush.

I will state this up front: this is one of the coolest novels I have read and I am about to gush.

Come, Thou Tortoise is the 2009 debut (and as far as I can tell, only) novel by Canadian writer Jessica Grant.

This story is about Audrey Flowers, nicknamed Oddly, and her journey from Oregon back to Newfoundland, Canada after an accident involving her father.

The novel jumps around between the present day, memories of Audrey’s childhood and chapters told from the perspective of her tortoise, Winnifred.

The novel is stylised in nature, foregoing the use of quotation marks as characters speak. This is a style I don’t always enjoy but was used beautifully in this story, just adding to the quirkiness of the experience that is Come, Thou Tortoise. At times heart wrenching, this story is laugh out loud funny in parts too and I don’t exaggerate when I say Audrey Flowers has become one of my favourite fictional characters of all time.

Whilst in Canada, I must have picked up and put down this book five times, only to decide that I should just purchase and read it. I am so glad I did so - this is a story I will cherish and recommend widely (if you can get a copy!).

This is easily a five star book. It is a triumph and a joyful way to start the new year.