Turtle Diary

I love to read for the purpose of being transported to another place, time, or reality. This book did just that and even though it is not always a happy place, or reality, it is always compelling. I was very sorry for it to end. I wanted and still want to know more of William and Neaera!!! You can pick this title up, in hardcover form, for just a penny! It is worth infinitely more!!

I picked this book up on a whim. It was published in 1975 and is structured simply, with alternating diary entries from the whimsical souls of William G and Neara H, bookseller and children's author respectively. These are two people trapped within themselves, depressed and isolated, and so inured to their own routines that they are slowly being choked alive. Until they go to the London aquarium and, separately, become aware of the turtles there, the magnificent turtles that must eventually be set free. Their chance encounter...and growing awareness of one another's intentions...set the stage for a revolutionary act. This is a quiet, often very funny, slow-paced, but very rewarding book that I enjoyed greatly. It's about two peoples' interior world, and how an exterior action frees them from their own inertia. I absolutely loved it. In a world of hysterically touted, often badly written books, this little gem is an absolute keeper. Set in London in a different decade (the 70's), I enjoyed reading about the city and the times as well (particularly hysterical is an evening William G. spends at a party held by a "rebirther"). I was sad to turn the last page. No higher praise can you give a good read.