31 October 2011

Review: The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey book cover
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is author Elisabeth Tova Bailey's own personal account which begins with her return from a European holiday, when she was struck down by a mysterious illness and confined to her bed.

A caring and thoughtful friend paying a visit to Elisabeth, potted some wild violets and brought them in to place on the author's bedside table, and, noticing a wild woodland snail nearby, places it in the pot with the violets to keep Elisabeth company.

Elisabeth writes that she could hear the snail munching on the petals of the violets, and that it sounded like munching on celery, and the snail quickly becomes her treasured companion.  She becomes mesmerised by the snail's night-time adventures and enjoys watching the snail explore, eat, drink and sleep.

Elisabeth is motivated to learn more about her new friend, and the book is peppered with fascinating information about snails which is surprisingly engaging and interesting.

This is an uplifting and inspiring account of compassion and companionship and is a wonderful little read.  (And no, you won't need a handkerchief at the end).  I would highly recommend The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating to readers of all ages.

My rating = *****

Carpe Librum!

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