Review: The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise
Imagine living in the Tower of London as a Beefeater, a member of the military who has overseen the Tower for centuries. You'd think it would be exotic and exciting, wouldn't you? So, I imagine, did Balthazar and Hebe. However, what they got was much different than they expected. (It always is.) In The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise , author Julia Stuart creates a unique world in which these two people live, with their hurt and anguish, their hopes and dreams — and a tortoise that saw the reign of Queen Victoria. First of all, do not read the book jacket. Don't remove it because the illustration is just fun and lovely to see every time you pick up the book. However, resist the urge to see what the publisher wants you to see on the inside flaps: it will spoil some of the fun. The best part of the novel isn't the story, which is absolutely incredible, intense, surprising and entertaining. For me, it was spending time with Balthazar and Hebe — n...