Memoir of a Snail

In 1970s Melbourne, Australia, young Grace Pudel grows up with her twin brother Gilbert and their French father, Percy. She experiences support from Gilbert, who protects her from school bullies that mock her cleft lip caused by premature birth.

Grace and Gilbert's lives take a tragic turn when their father Percy dies in his sleep. This unexpected loss results in the twins being separated into different foster homes across the country.

Grace is sent to Canberra where she lives with Ian and Narelle. They prove to be kind guardians but are often absent due to their lifestyle as swingers, leaving Grace feeling neglected and alone.

Meanwhile, Gilbert is sent to a farming family in Perth led by a cruel matriarch named Ruth. He experiences severe abuse while developing a bond with the youngest son, Ben, who admires his rebellious spirit.

Amidst his struggles, Gilbert writes letters to Grace, promising to reunite when he grows up. These letters offer Grace hope and solace in her otherwise lonely life of hoarding snail-themed collectibles.

As a teenager, Grace finds friendship with Pinky, an eccentric elderly woman. Pinky becomes a guiding light in Grace's life, offering support and lessons in resilience through her own life's misfortunes.

Entering adulthood, Grace meets Ken, a kind-hearted microwave repairman, and they fall in love. Their relationship blossoms quickly, culminating in Ken's proposal, bringing hope for Grace's future.

On her wedding day, Grace receives heartbreaking news from Ruth that Gilbert has died in a fire. The tragic circumstances of his death, sparked by a brutal punishment from their foster family, shatter Grace.

In the wake of Gilbert's death, Grace sinks deeper into depression, exacerbated by discovering Ken's unsettling fetish and manipulative behavior. This realization leads her to divorce him, feeling betrayed and alone.

Grace's life takes another turn as Pinky is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Taking on the role of caretaker, Grace finds herself navigating the emotional challenges that come with Pinky's decline.

Pinky eventually passes away, leaving Grace devastated and confused. In her final moments, Pinky speaks of potatoes, leaving Grace with a lasting impression of their bond and the wisdom she imparted.

Overwhelmed by loss and loneliness, Grace contemplates suicide by poison. However, an unexpected discovery of Pinky's savings box helps her find the strength to reconsider her life choices.

After reading Pinky's encouraging letter, Grace begins a journey of self-discovery. She decides to let go of her old harmful habits, including her extensive snail collection, and focuses on her passion for animation.

A year later, at a screening of her short film, Grace experiences an emotional reunion with Gilbert, who survived the fire. Their tearful encounter marks the beginning of a new chapter together.

To honor their father's memory, Grace and Gilbert scatter Percy's ashes on a rollercoaster at Luna Park, a place filled with childhood memories. Their reunion solidifies their bond, now stronger than ever.