Beefeater Balthazar Jones was struggling along living in the Tower of London with his wife while working as a Yeoman Warder in the Queen's service. Since the untimely death of their son, he and his wife, Hebe, have drifted through life and further apart. When he is offered the newly recreated position of "Keeper of the Wild Menagerie," - caretaker of the various animals that have been gifted to the queen over time - he reluctantly agrees despite the fact his only qualification for the job is the fact that he is the most recent caretaker for an ancient tortoise named Mrs. Cook.
As the animals are moved in, Balthazar learns to care for and understand them, and they bring him comfort (particularly the bearded pig,)as his personal life continues to disintegrate. Along the way the reader becomes acquainted with the other cast of characters that reside within the tower walls, in addition to those who Hebe encounters on a daily basis.
This is a quietly sweet and funny tale - there is heartbreak, joy, mirth, triumph and even ghosts. Anyone who enjoys British history or quirky characters will enjoy this unusual book.
As the animals are moved in, Balthazar learns to care for and understand them, and they bring him comfort (particularly the bearded pig,)as his personal life continues to disintegrate. Along the way the reader becomes acquainted with the other cast of characters that reside within the tower walls, in addition to those who Hebe encounters on a daily basis.
This is a quietly sweet and funny tale - there is heartbreak, joy, mirth, triumph and even ghosts. Anyone who enjoys British history or quirky characters will enjoy this unusual book.
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