Suzanne lives alone on a remote hill farm, reveling in her solitary worldview. Into this hermetic existence wanders a donkey, whom she names Gertrude. This spare, beautiful novel charts the blossoming friendship between the two creatures, as Suzanne shares with Gertrude the wonder-filled memories and melancholy disappointments of her life thus far, finding comfort and solace in her gentle companion. Profound and poignant, this lyrical tale offers a thought-provoking meditation on identity, impermanence, relationships, and life itself. (AG)