Esio Trot ("tortoise" spelled backwards) is another enjoyable book by Roald Dahl. It happens to be rather short, at only 62 pages, and is quick to read.  If  you like Roald Dahl's style, you'll like this book. In this story, "magic," love, and some tortoises go a long way. It is about a man, Mr. Hoppy who is in love with a woman who lives in an apartment below his. She has a pet tortoise named  "Alfie."  She thinks that Alfie is too skinny, and Mr. Hoppy says he knows how to make tortoises grow.  You'll have to read the rest yourself if you want to know what happens.  The plot is interesting and surprisingly well-fit in such a small package. Since I like Roald Dahl, I didn't care about the book's length. This is a fun book to read, and you'll finish it in one sitting.

Winter 2004