A Drop in the Ocean by Jenni Ogden: book review

World Turtle Day is celebrated annually on 23 May. A Drop in the Ocean (2016) is set on Turtle Island in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia from 2008-2009.

British Anna Ferguson is a neuroscientist working in America and 49 years old when the funding for her research, over the past 15 years, is discontinued. At a crossroad, and unsure of her professional future, she impulsively heads for Australia in response to an advert to rent a cabin on tropical Turtle Island, with conditions – she must stay for one year, and she must look after a small private campsite of five camps. It is minimalist living, with only the basics – solar power, slow satellite broadband, internet at her neighbour’s house, and few residents.

Anna regrets her decision from the moment she lands on the remote island. On the island is 39-year-old Tom, the turtle whisperer (researcher); Basil in his 60s; Bill and Violet; Jack and Ben and Kirsty and Nick; and a handful of others. But for Anna, a loner, there are the animals – the sea birds, the green turtles, the loggerhead turtles, the nesting turtles, and the baby turtles – as well as the beautiful coral reef.

Throughout her stay, the idyllic island life is only a drop in the ocean. In real life, there are family issues and financial issues.

This is a quick read – nothing too intellectual – just a nice island story with a few challenges, second chances, and life lessons – and lots of turtles.

MARTINA NICOLLSis an international aid and development consultant, and the authorof:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom(2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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