53 pages • 1 hour read
The Back of the Turtle
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Book Brief
528
Novel • Fiction
British Columbia • Contemporary
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Back of the Turtle by Thomas King follows Gabriel Quinn, a First Nations scientist who returns to Samaritan Bay to confront the devastation caused by a bacterium he helped create, which killed much of the community, including his family. As Gabriel reckons with his guilt, he forms new bonds and helps the town recover. The novel interweaves Indigenous mythology, themes of rebirth, and critiques of corporate environmental destruction. The novel depicts suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,679 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thomas King's novel, The Back of the Turtle, is praised for its vivid storytelling and deeply engaging narrative, drawing readers into its richly woven tapestry of environmental and indigenous themes. Critics commend King's poignant exploration of cultural identity and resilience, though some feel its pacing lags in parts. Overall, it’s a compelling read with a powerful message.
Who Should Read The Back of the Turtle?
A reader who enjoys The Back of the Turtle by Thomas King would likely appreciate richly layered environmental fiction and indigenous cultural narratives. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behavior or Louise Erdrich's The Round House will find this novel’s exploration of contemporary issues within Native communities engaging.
3,679 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
528
Novel • Fiction
British Columbia • Contemporary
2014
Adult
18+ years
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