"Humanity is exalted not because we are so far above other living creatures, but because knowing them well elevates the very concept of life."--Edward O. Wilson
A book a dear old lady friend had recommended for me was “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating”. I was neither taken by the story nor dismissive of it. I do appreciate this memoir/informational book and the personal story of Ms. Bailey the author. The book is an unusual memoir and is a help to any living with illness.
This is an intimate story about Elisabeth’s hope and living with the possibility of a possibility. Elisabeth is 34 years old when she is stricken by a pathogen while traveling in Europe causing her the illness she beared with for nearly two decades. .
Elizabeth observes a snail and its biological behaviors while keeping it as companion while she is confined to her bed for a period of time. She has little to no contact with people or the outside world and is literally slowed down to that of a snail holding many similarities to the creature roaming around the terrarium in her bedroom.
A friend who brings it home to her found the snail outside her house in the woods. At first, Elisabeth is annoyed but comes to terms with it. I like the scientific facts in this novel and the quotes opened up at the beginning of each chapter and thought the book was a descent quick read.
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