The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating

by Elisabeth Tova Bailey

While an illness keeps her bedridden, Elisabeth Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence in a terrarium alongside her bed. She enters the rhythm of life of this mysterious creature, and comes to a greater understanding of her own confined place in the world. In a work that beautifully demonstrates the rewards of closely observing nature, she shares the inspiring and intimate story of her close encounter with Neohelix albolabris - a common woodland snail.

Intrigued by the snail's world - from its strange anatomy to its mysterious courtship activities - she becomes a fascinated and amused observer of the snail's curious life. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is an affirmation of the healing power of nature, revealing how much of the world we miss in our busy daily lives, and how truly magical it is.

A remarkable journey of survival and resilience, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating shows how a small part of the natural world can illuminate our own human existence and deepen our appreciation of what it means to be fully alive.

• ISBN10: 1565126068
• ISBN13: 9781565126060
• Publish Date: 24 August 2010 (first published 31 December 1969)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 17 June 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Algonquin Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 190
• Language: English

Reviews

[Beth C.]

Snails are not usually a creature one would think of as a good pet. But in this case, as the author struggled to learn a new sense of self, all expectations went out the window.

I had heard about this book, and being the curious sort I am, thought I would give it a try. It's a quick read, and interesting - snails are far more complex than most people give them credit for. The juxtaposition of the snail's slow-but-steady life and the author's forced stillness was a unique way to share the story of both. I'm not sure that I would say this will be a favorite, however the writing was beautiful in its simplicity, and it was certainly worth reading.