The Tower of London is not just a dusty historical monument housing some flashy crown jewels; it is a bustling castle neighborhood with many residents – single folk, families, and of course the famous ravens. Julia Stuart’s novel tells the stories of a few of these lives as they are transformed by the influx of some very peculiar beasts and birds. Beefeater Balthazar Jones has been appointed keeper of the latest rendition of the Royal Menagerie which has just moved into the Tower. Along with caring for the animals gifted to the Queen from around the world, Balthazar watches helplessly as the love in his marriage fades; both he and his wife Hebe have let their profound sorrow over the death of their young son Milo erect a wall between them. The other Tower residents are delightfully eccentric, with their own poignant, heartfelt stories. Don’t be misled by reviews which describe the book as “whimsical” – it is that, but it also profoundly moving, speaking the truth about love and loss. I cried a little, laughed a lot, and highly recommend this book to adults and young adults.
