Name: Miss Benson's Beetle
ISBN: 9781643588636

Rachel Joyce

Miss Benson's Beetle

"It is 1950. London is still reeling from World War II, and Margery Benson--a sensible schoolmarm and lonely spinster--is just trying to get through life. But one day, she reaches her breaking point, abandoning her job and her tidy, circumscribed life, to set out on an expedition to the other side of the world in search of an insect that may or may not exist: the golden beetle of New Caledonia, Margery's childhood obsession ever since her father gave her a book on cryptozoology right before he killed himself. The assistant Margery hires to accompany her, Enid Pretty, in her pink hat and pompom sandals, is not the companion she had in mind. But together they will find themselves drawn into an adventure that exceeds all expectations: a cross-ocean voyage to a remote island covered with dense jungle--the last place two proper British ladies would expect to find themselves. They must risk everything and break all the rules, but at the top of a mountain deep in the South Pacific they will discover their best selves. This is a charming, uplifting story about the power of belief in all its forms; it is an intoxicating adventure that explores what it means to be a woman; and it is a tender exploration of the transformative power of friendship"--

This was a book club read so not one I would have typically chosen but so glad I read it.  It was well written and had all the feels from humor, sentiment and sorrow.  It’s a must read!

Margery is a middle aged women in post war England stuck in a job she does not enjoy surrounded by cruel people.  One day she snaps, does something completely out of character and rushes out.  She is then forced to evaluate her life and the direction she wants it to go.  Ultimately, she wants to fulfill her lifelong dream.  To do that, she must sell everything, pack up and travel across the world.  To do so, she needs an assistant.  Enters Miss Pretty.  Their relationship is one of humor, growth and eventually friendship.  Their journey has a touch of “Thelma and Louise.”

Trigger warnings:  war crimes, PTSD, violence, animal abuse, some crude language.

Barbara Williford

This was a book club read so not one I would have typically chosen but so glad I read it.  It was well written and had all the feels from humor, sentiment and sorrow.  It’s a must read!

Margery is a middle aged women in post war England stuck in a job she does not enjoy surrounded by cruel people.  One day she snaps, does something completely out of character and rushes out.  She is then forced to evaluate her life and the direction she wants it to go.  Ultimately, she wants to fulfill her lifelong dream.  To do that, she must sell everything, pack up and travel across the world.  To do so, she needs an assistant.  Enters Miss Pretty.  Their relationship is one of humor, growth and eventually friendship.  Their journey has a touch of “Thelma and Louise.”

Trigger warnings:  war crimes, PTSD, violence, animal abuse, some crude language.

Cindy Lieberman

A lovely novel of two women who must move beyond the confining boxes set out for them in 1950s England. Margery and Enid couldn’t be less alike at the outset, and the author does a nice job of connecting them (and us) to their high-stakes journey to New Caledonia in search of the mythic golden beetle. There’s travel and adventure as well as an unpeeling of layers as the women struggle to complete their mission.

Nadine 

One of those fictional books that you wish were true - in fact the author could probably make the life of anyone sound interesting. She also has the amazing ability to get the sense of time just spot on. 
Excellent narration on the audiobook.

It is 1950. In a devastating moment of clarity, Margery Benson abandons her dead-end job and advertises for an assistant to accompany her on an expedition. She is going to travel to the other side of the world to search for a beetle that may or may not exist. Enid Pretty, in her unlikely pink travel suit, is not the companion Margery had in mind. And yet together they will be drawn into an adventure that will exceed every expectation. They will risk everything, break all the rules, and at the top of a red mountain, discover their best selves. This is a story that is less about what can be found than the belief it might be found; it is an intoxicating adventure story but it is also about what it means to be a woman and a tender exploration of a friendship that defies all boundaries.

Judy McClure

3 1/2 stars

Quirky. Slapstick at times, poignant at others. I expected an "oppressed woman finds herself" story but did not expect the careening through other themes as well. Ultimately I tore through the story not knowing what to expect next.

Jordan Heustis

I’d give this a high 3. I enjoyed the relationship between Margery and Enid, but I didn’t care as much for the storyline.

Margery Benson's life ended the day her father walked out of his study and never came back. Forty years later, abandoning a dull job, she advertises for an assistant. The successful candidate is to accompany Margery on an expedition to the other side of the world to search for a beetle that may or may not exist. Enid Pretty is not who she had in mind. But together they will find themselves drawn into an adventure that exceeds all Margery's expectations, eventually finding new life at the top of a red mountain. This is a story that is less about what can be found than the belief it might be found; it is an intoxicating adventure story and it is also a tender exploration of a friendship between two unforgettable women that defies all boundaries.

Sarah

Lisa

Clare

Caitlin Hooker

Kaytlin Heisterman

Jamie Stephenson 

Katrina

makenna rush

Jessica Takacs

Kathy Rodger 

WOMAN & HOME BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR and A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 'The perfect escape novel for our troubled times.' PATRICK GALE It is 1950. In a devastating moment of clarity, Margery Benson abandons her dead-end job and advertises for an assistant to accompany her on an expedition. She is going to travel to the other side of the world to search for a beetle that may or may not exist. Enid Pretty, in her unlikely pink travel suit, is not the companion Margery had in mind. And yet together they will be drawn into an adventure that will exceed every expectation. They will risk everything, break all the rules, and at the top of a red mountain, discover their best selves. This is a story that is less about what can be found than the belief it might be found; it is an intoxicating adventure story but it is also about what it means to be a woman and a tender exploration of a friendship that defies all boundaries. 'A girl's own adventure...This is Rachel Joyce's best book yet ...Exciting, moving and full of unexpected turns.' THE TIMES 'Brilliant and elegant and wise...powerful and moving...I can't recommend it enough.' JOANNA CANNON 'A beautiful portrayal of female friendship in all its frailties, contradictions and strengths.' RAYNOR WINN WOMAN & HOME BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020; DAILY MAIL BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020; BOOKMARK BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020; GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020

Miss Benson's Beetle

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