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books_i_love2000's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Different to what I usually read but notheless was a gripping read.
There was a lot of characters to get to grips with but there was a handy list at the beginning of the book and as I got into it I found that most were fleshed out enough that I could remember them as individuals anyway.
The story was quite relaxing in a way, it was relatively medium to fast paced but the stakes were never that high and it was enjoyable to read. The mystery element really added to the story and I found myself wondering more and more as the story went on.
As good as it was however, I feel the ending was slightly rushed. It seems to go at a good pace to suddenly there's a word limit and the epilogue needed to be put in.
It's not that it was a bad ending, I just felt that more could have been expanded upon for a more well-rounded appeal.
That being said, the ending had tears in my eyes and really did well to round off the book.
Overall, a great summery read that brings to life a vibrant community with lots going on.
Favourite Quote - 'Welcome to glorious Tuga, Dr Walker.'
Favourite Character - Levi
There was a lot of characters to get to grips with but there was a handy list at the beginning of the book and as I got into it I found that most were fleshed out enough that I could remember them as individuals anyway.
The story was quite relaxing in a way, it was relatively medium to fast paced but the stakes were never that high and it was enjoyable to read. The mystery element really added to the story and I found myself wondering more and more as the story went on.
As good as it was however, I feel the ending was slightly rushed. It seems to go at a good pace to suddenly there's a word limit and the epilogue needed to be put in.
It's not that it was a bad ending, I just felt that more could have been expanded upon for a more well-rounded appeal.
That being said, the ending had tears in my eyes and really did well to round off the book.
Overall, a great summery read that brings to life a vibrant community with lots going on.
Favourite Quote - 'Welcome to glorious Tuga, Dr Walker.'
Favourite Character - Levi
shelbydong's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Ecco Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!
I really enjoyed this book! The cover is what made me intrigued originally. I loved everything about the setting, being on a very remote island makes for life being so interesting. I loved having to think about being in the shoes of the people of Tuga de Oro, what a unique lifestyle they live. The characters were all lovable, diverse and interesting. I liked that there was a bit of mystery and romance in the book. It’s a very relationship heavy novel that can sometimes get overwhelming with all of the different characters but I really enjoyed that and the multiple POVs.
I’m excited for this book to release, a perfect summer read!
I really enjoyed this book! The cover is what made me intrigued originally. I loved everything about the setting, being on a very remote island makes for life being so interesting. I loved having to think about being in the shoes of the people of Tuga de Oro, what a unique lifestyle they live. The characters were all lovable, diverse and interesting. I liked that there was a bit of mystery and romance in the book. It’s a very relationship heavy novel that can sometimes get overwhelming with all of the different characters but I really enjoyed that and the multiple POVs.
I’m excited for this book to release, a perfect summer read!
travelsalongmybookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book really was GLORIOUS! It sees academic vet, Charlotte Walker travel to the isolated island of Tuga to study the rare Gold Coin tortoises and hopefully save a species. But her reasons for her visit turn out to be more complex and her connections deeper than she expected.
I simply adored this book! From the start I was drawn in, to not only Charlotte’s story but that of the island of Tuga and its inhabitants. They get under your skin, make you laugh, uplift you, make you cry and give you joy. Francesca has created a vivid picture of Tuga, so you can really see it and feel it in all its glory! She has really done her research, there is so much detail to take in and the veterinary detail feels accurate.
The characters are the absolute winners for me, Charlotte, Dan and Levi and their love triangle are, sure, fantastic but it’s everyone else too that are just joyful; Taxi, Moz, Grand Mary, Martha the tortoise, Sweet sweet Joan and Annie and Alex particularly all just sang for me!
But I think the island of Tuga itself comes top of the pile, it really is glorious.
Get yourself a copy, you won’t regret it AND it’s the start of a trilogy so we get to return to this wonderful place and spend more time with its people - a true joy!
adventuresinwellbeing's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.75
alireuter's review against another edition
4.0
what a great book to start the warm weather with! this story has absolutely got me ready for the summer months & i’m so excited to bask in the sun. this was such a fun read that explores the community of tuga from an outsider’s perspective, learning the culture, history & drama of it all. at the start, there’s a character list which is so helpful to keep track of them as there’s a lot of people in the story. speaking of, i loved how the book doesn’t just focus on the protagonist, but explores the stories of key locals & dedicates chapters to learning about their lives. the story explores the feeling of just trying to find your place & people in the world, which i think is shown both through charlotte & the other residents. it also has a range of genres that get you hooked, such as drama, a subtle but addictive & realistic love triangle & a low key mystery that keeps you questioning throughout, along with great plot twists that left me with my mouth hanging open on a train. i liked charlotte not being the complete focus of the story, but i would’ve loved to see more of her work on the turtles & learn a bit more. a great summer read that is coming out soon, but i already want a sequel!
lorrared's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“Zoologist Charlotte Walker has taken up a fellowship on the tiny, remote island of Tuga de Oro to study the endangered gold coin tortoises in the jungle interior. She can claim the best of reasons for this year in paradise - what better motivation than to save a species? - but the reality is more complex. For Charlotte has a secret that connects her to the island and has finally determined to solve the mystery ...”
I cannot say how much I needed the escapism that this book provided on a rainy miserable bank holiday in Cumbria - it hit all the spots for me.
The community of Tuga is cut off for many months each year and island life is very different from the one Charlotte has came from. There are a mixed bag of charming characters and I just loved discovering each one of their stories. There are friendships, love, drama, secrets and I was there for it all.
It’s a fun, quick and charming read and I very much enjoyed it. Hoping another book will follow quickly, as I would love to delve into the island characters even more.
Welcome to Glorious Tuga is out on 6 June, so get ready to set sail!
Thank you so much to @VintageBooks and @francescasegal for this gorgeous book.
bookishsamsch's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Tuga is a fictional island, British, but in a tropical location. It's so remote that access is limited, it gets closed off during hurricane season. Charlotte is a vet, due to be stationed on the island for a year to study the local turtles and their impact on the island. She's a no nonsense person, planning to keep to herself and get on with her work. However, the locals aren't having that and she quickly gets drawn into island life.
An easy page turner, perfect for a holiday read. I read this surrounded by the turquoise Atlantic Ocean, which really added to the feel. Interesting characters, a mystery, some romance, a tropical island and some island turtles. Francesca Segal is a great writer and this is a witty, entertaining, lighthearted read, and I'll definitely be reading more of her work.
Thanks to Penguin for my advance copy, much appreciated!
An easy page turner, perfect for a holiday read. I read this surrounded by the turquoise Atlantic Ocean, which really added to the feel. Interesting characters, a mystery, some romance, a tropical island and some island turtles. Francesca Segal is a great writer and this is a witty, entertaining, lighthearted read, and I'll definitely be reading more of her work.
Thanks to Penguin for my advance copy, much appreciated!
thebooktrail88's review against another edition
4.0
First of all, I was gutted to find out that Tuga is a fictional island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Ok, so I thought it was having never heard of it despite being pretty good at maps 😉 The author has created such a magical and inviting place to go, it’s a shame this is only possible in a book. The book is very good and very atmospheric though so it feels VERY realistic.
I started googling lots about this novel pretty much after starting to read it. Now that’s when you know you’re on to a good thing. The island and the life on it the author has created is wonderful. I was right there with the animals and those gorgeous tortoises. David Attenborough was reading the text in my head as I was taking it all in. Maybe an idea for an audio special?
You might come to this novel, as I did, for the turtles and the sand, but it’s so much more than this. There’s romance, a Dr Dolittle vice, Durrells kind of drama and a setting to die for.
It’s the start of a trilogy! Yippee!!!
I started googling lots about this novel pretty much after starting to read it. Now that’s when you know you’re on to a good thing. The island and the life on it the author has created is wonderful. I was right there with the animals and those gorgeous tortoises. David Attenborough was reading the text in my head as I was taking it all in. Maybe an idea for an audio special?
You might come to this novel, as I did, for the turtles and the sand, but it’s so much more than this. There’s romance, a Dr Dolittle vice, Durrells kind of drama and a setting to die for.
It’s the start of a trilogy! Yippee!!!
abooknbrew2's review against another edition
Not my kind of book. I found it a bit clumsy, I couldn't follow it or make head nor tail of it really. But I did only read to chapter 8 and decided it wasn't for me.