53 pages 1 hour read

Thomas King

The Back of the Turtle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Modern Classic Fiction

Canadian Literature

Themes

Natural World: Environment

Values/Ideas: Fate

Society: Community