A Galápagos tortoise, taken from her island home to a California estate, becomes a witness to a century of human lives and events. Through her long journey, she observes the rise and fall of families, shifting cultural landscapes, and the passage of time, all while offering a unique perspective on human history.
"Snatched from her ancestral lands, a giant tortoise finds herself in an exclusive estate in southern California where she becomes an astute observer of societal change. Her journey is one of discovery as she learns to embrace human connection, first through her bond with Takeo, the estate's gardener. Later, the tortoise's mind and heart are further expanded by Lucy, a young girl who names the tortoise Magic; the two share a friendship that transcends species. Together, they witness the estate's transformation into a haven for industry titans, politicians, and rock stars, each leaving their mark on the world and on Magic's heart. Over the course of Magic's lifetime, the estate changes ownership, bringing raucous Hollywood parties and animals both familiar and unexpected. There are also threats, as the estate's idyll is not immune to the ravages of a damaged planet. Through each era, the tortoise remains a refreshingly honest and endearing narrator whose unique vantage point illuminates the transcendent power of compassion, the unexpected connections that shape how we see ourselves and each other, and the wide-reaching effects of choice--or the lack thereof"-- Dust jacket flap.
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