This was a beautiful and fascinating non-fiction read. Ms. Bailing was 34 years old and vacationing in Europe when she caught a virus that would change her life’s trajectory. What seemed like a simple flu led to her being bedridden and unable to move. The impulse of a visiting friend to bring her some violets and a woodland snail to her bedroom’s windowsill, leads the author on a journey of contemplation and companionship of an unlikely creature. Part memoir and part natural history lesson, I highly recommend this novel.

Snails are fascinating. For example did ye know that snails have teeth? Or that the scientific name for a snail, gastropod, means “stomach-foot?” Or that snails “tormented & haunted” Charles Darwin? Or that if it is quiet enough ye CAN hear a wild snail eat?

From poems and quotes from scientific literature, to exquisite reflections from the author, this novel was poetic look into the life of snails in general and one snail in particular. It is a fast and stunning read. I will never again look at snails in the same way. Pick this one up. It’s worth the read.

See me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/