How the Penguins Saved Veronica

Hazel Prior — 2020

A curmudgeonly but charming old woman, her estranged grandson, and a colony of penguins proves it's never too late to be the person you want to be in this rich, heartwarming story from the acclaimed author of Ellie and the Harpmaker. Eighty-five-year-old Veronica McCreedy is estranged from her family and wants to find a worthwhile cause to leave her fortune to. When she sees a documentary about penguins being studied in Antarctica, she tells the scientists she's coming to visit--and won't take no for an answer. Shortly after arriving, she convinces the reluctant team to rescue an orphaned baby penguin. He becomes part of life at the base, and Veronica's closed heart starts to open. Her grandson, Patrick, comes to Antarctica to make one last attempt to get to know his grandmother. Together, Veronica, Patrick, and even the scientists learn what family, love, and connection are all about.

Reviews

Jordan Heustis@mylifeasjordanreads

Nov 27, 2021

This was a really nice book! I must say I enjoyed it way more than I thought I was going to. I loved the characters. I enjoyed following an elderly main character instead of characters mostly my age. I loved the fun facts about penguins, I loved the epilogue, and I mostly loved the advocacy for the environment! I’m also very picky about books that switch POVs. I have no complaints from this one!

Megan Leprich@rescues_and_reads

Oct 20, 2021

*Thanks so much to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy for my honest review* This story was absolutely adorable, I honestly expected that but not to this extent. It was heartwarming, joyous, and inspirational. If you're looking for one of the best feel-good books ever, definitely pick this up. The writing style kept me sucked in the entire time and I loved Veronica's character, I kept wanting to reach into the book and just squeeze her. Even though she comes across as a sullen, feisty woman, she pulls so much affection for the reader, you can't help but love her.