Balthazar Jones and the Tower of London Zoo

This is one of the best audiobooks in my collection. Bill Wallis who reads it has been perfectly chosen, as his voice lends quality to the reading. Although a novel, it encompasses within its beautifully unfolding story, a huge amount of history of the Tower of London, so educational as well. The story revolves around Balthazar Jones, of the title, who is a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) at the Tower, he is summoned to the Palace as Her Majesty the Queen (Elizabeth 11) wishes to re-open the Tower menagerie of animals in order to boost flagging visitor numbers. The stock of animals comprise of the animals that have been given to the Queen as gifts from foreign visiting dignitaries, and are usually housed at London Zoo. After many adventures getting them there, housed and settled, we also learn about the various animals too, Her Majesty finally requests they be transported BACK to London Zoo!!. In the meantime, we follow the lives of various members of the Yeomanry encased within the Tower walls which they call home, the landlady of the Tower public house called The Rack and Ruin, and the home ale called Scavengers Daughter!Alongside the hilarious Tower dwellers and history lesson, never has history come so alive as it does in the capable hands of Bill Wallis, but we also hear of Balthazar's Greek wife, Hebe Jones, who works in London Underground Lost Property Office, and the amazing things that get left behind and her and her colleagues attempts to re-unite the objects with their owners.All in all, an absolute delight of a book, brilliantly read. I have had it on cassette tape for many years, and as the tapes are playing a bit 'wobbly' I had to get it on CD so I am never going to be without this gorgeous story.

Unsure what to expect fromt the title, I was immediately gripped by the wonderful Balthazar and his wife who works in the Lost Property dept. of London Transport in Baker Street. The combined stories of bringing animals from Her majesty's collection of animals presented to her from all over the world, and false teeth, cash and all weird and wonderful lost items handed in to the lost property office, makes comic and moving reading in equal prportions. I couldn't put the book down fast moving and original. I guarantee a tear will be shed at the end.Bar.

I really enjoyed this gentle book. It was very English, full of great humour and the characters were very loveable. A nice easy read but a great story.

Good read

Light, charming and funny, this is the literary equivalent of those Sunday night TV dramas like "Wild at Heart" or "HeartBeat"...it takes you out of your life for a brief while, has engaging characters, doesn't shy away from the tragic, and is thoroughly entertaining. You won't regret reading it.But...Just like those Sunday night family dramas it won't change your life, or inspire you or break your heart in two. It won't shock or horrify or disgust or amaze you.It's well done, with a quirky premise.." What if the Tower of London became a zoo for all the animals donated to the Queen?" and you will empathise with the central family, who are charming and likeable. And you will laugh and want to know what happens next...Worth reading. But me, I want more...

Julia Stuart is an incredible author. Her imagination is second to none. Captivating and enchanting. Absolutely adore this.

A really great read

I enjoyed this book. It was very readable and the story flowed. The author made the characters come to life and described the setting well.

I have truly enjoyed reading this book. Certainly had my doubts as I find most ‘funny’ or ‘silly’ books a bore. But this is well written deadpan humor alongside heartfelt tales of love n loss. I took my time - reading just a few pages now n then as a sweet diversion from everything else in life. It may not have been as much fun if I had plowed through it.(58yo/female/American)

Very British, very charming - and I had the impression that I learned a lot about the tower. Cannot wait for Ms. Stuarts next book!

prometteva bene, con la sua ambientazione originale e personaggi dolenti al limite della pazzia. In realtà è una (troppo) lunga galleria di personaggi improbabili in un contesto da guida turistica (dalle guide sono presi anche tutti gli excursus storici) , e soprattutto e un libro senza trama e senza una vera idea. Il tema è: è difficile elaborare un lutto profondo, e Julia poteva cavarsela con un quarto delle pagine.

This is a bit in the style of Alexander McCall Smith. It is a gentle tale of love and losing loved ones. It is also amusing and a bit absurd.I realy enjoyed this and will be buying the author's other books. If you love London and tortoises ( and I am sure I am not the only one) then you will enjoy this book.

This is a great read, very funny with some unusual things going on. But if you have read The Tower, The Zoo and the Tortoise, you have read this book. It was simply republished under a different title and I have to say, I hate it when they do that.