The Tower, The Zoo, And The Tortoise

I just finished reading The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise, a quirky, somewhat odd book by Julia Stuart. The story revolves around Balthazar Jones, a Beefeater, and his wife Hebe, who live in the Tower of London. As the story progresses, Balthazar is charged with overseeing the reestablishment of a menagerie of exotic animals (including a monkey who bears an uncanny resemblance to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York) that have been gifted to the Queen by dignitaries from around the globe. Balthazar’s love for the animals and sense of responsibility for their well-being offers an everyday escape from the unbearable sadness caused by the death of his young son, as well as a marriage that continues to deteriorate with each passing day.

Stuart has created some of the most colorful characters I’ve come across in a long time. I especially loved Rev. Septimus Drew and his penchant for penning erotica, as well as Valerie Jennings, Hebe’s kindhearted, full-figured co-worker at London Underground’s Lost Property Office. OK, so the whimsical cover illustration also made this book irresistible. However, the story tends to meander along, often leaving me wondering when things are going to come together. While the premise is clever and original, the story was lacking something I can’t quite put my finger on. Overall grade: B-.