Short Synopsis
Few writers have attempted to explore the natural history of a particular animal by adopting the animal's own sensibility. But Verlyn Klinkenborg—with his deeply empathetic relation to the world around him—has done just that, and done it brilliantly, in Timothy; or Notes of an Abject Reptile.

Full Synopsis
Few writers have attempted to explore the natural history of a particular animal by adopting the animal's own sensibility. But Verlyn Klinkenborg—with his deeply empathetic relation to the world around him—has done just that, and done it brilliantly, in Timothy; or Notes of an Abject Reptile.

This is the story of a tortoise whose real life was observed by the eighteenth-century English curate Gilbert White, author of The Natural History of Selborne. For thirteen years, Timothy lived in White's garden—making an occasional appearance in his journals. Now Klinkenborg gives the tortoise an unforgettable voice and powers of observation as keen as those of any bipedal naturalist. The happy result: Timothy regales us with an account of a gracefully paced (no unseemly hurry!) eight-day adventure outside the gate ("How do I escape from that nimble-tongued, fleet-footed race? . . . Walk through the holes in their attention") and entertains us with shrewd observations about the curious habits and habitations of humanity. "To humans," Timothy says with doleful understanding, "in and out are matters of life and death. Not to me. Warm earth waits just beneath me. . . . The humans' own heat keeps them from sensing it."

Wry and wise, unexpectedly moving, and enchanting at every—careful—turn, Timothy will surprise and delight readers of all ages.

"A wholly unexpected and astonishing book." ---Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"Bailey's voice is cultivated, deliberate and a little husky. She conveys Timothy's sense of indignation...as well as her acerbity and refined distaste for human awkwardness and insensitivity." ---The Washington Post

"Klinkenborg's tortoise's-eye view of human striving is hilarious and revealing, his trans-species empathy striking, and his perception of the interconnectedness of life sublime." ---Booklist Starred Review

"Short, lyrical phrases flow like poetry, and there is much to ponder in this delightful little book. Highly recommended." ---Library Journal Starred Review

"Timothy the tortoise is a splendid social critic, a keen-eyed anthropologist who sees far beyond his shell." ---Kirkus Starred Review

"[Bailey's] pronunciation is blameless, her diction excellent." ---ralphmag.org

"There is a special bonus in Timothy that comes for the reader or listener. It is one of envy, for this is a rich and lovely account of life of late eighteenth century rural England, and it makes one jealous." ---The Folio

Publishers Weekly Review

Booklist Review

Library Journal Review

Kirkus Review

Booklist Bestseller