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Miss Benson's Beetle

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Miss Benson's Beetle

By: Rachel Joyce
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

©2020 Rachel Joyce (P)2020 Penguin Audio Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Feel-Good Funny Heartfelt Witty Comedy

Critic Reviews

Unmissable fiction from an award-winning author: an unlikely pair embark on a grand adventure in this glorious novel about second chances, heartfelt friendships and emotional courage. (Eithne Farry)
A girl's own adventure...This is Rachel Joyce's best book yet ...Exciting, moving and full of unexpected turns... surely this is the one that will propel the intrepid Joyce off the long and shortlists into prizewinning territory. (Melissa Katsoulis)
A joy of a novel, with real insight into the lives of women, the value of friendship and the lasting effects of war (Katy Guest)
All stars
Most relevant  
I first saw this title in a book store when I was browsing through. It looked interesting so when I saw it as an audio book and I had a long journey to drive, I put it on my list. I never ended up listening to anything else. I loved the narration which bought the story to life. It was so clever that at times had me laughing out loud. It was obviously fiction but not over the top and was thoroughly entertaining. I could see this as a movie and if it does become one it will definitely be on my watching list.
If you are after a gritty true to life story then this may not be the book for you, but if you just like to be entertained by witty characters and fun adventures then I definitely recommend.

Fun, easy to listen to and entertaining

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Such an awesome book! It has everything from action, adventure, love, sadness and hope. It is a very unique novel and not one you can easily describe into any genre. The narration and accents were marvellous! I finished it with a smile on my face. Read it today!!!

Highly recommended!

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It took me awhile to get into the story but so worth it. A beautiful portrayal of two very different women whose life events had shaped them one way but their adventures together brought them close together. Highly recommend.

A slow burn

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This was a book for book club and I assumed it wouldn’t be of particular interest. Early into the novel their was a surprising turn of events, and I was hooked from that point for the remainder. It was a really enjoyable listen.

Surprisingly impressed

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A wonderful story, beautifully narrated. I adore this book, it will stay with me for a very long time.

Wonderful

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Loved this! Very invited up yet uplifting and at times hilarious. a beautiful tale of friendship.

A gorgeous story

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One of Rachel Joyce’s best books. I couldn’t stop listening. This adaptation was perfect-the people who read Miss Benson and Enid really added to the story

Fabulous Story

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Not at all what I expected, but I loved it. Reminded me of The Signature of All Things. The narration is extraordinary.

Magical

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I couldn’t stop listening to this book. The storyline is captivating and the narrator’s performance was a joy to listen to. I thoroughly recommend!

Fantastic story, excellent narration.

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Delightful tale of the getting of wisdom. By learning the true meaning of friendship and her own self-worth, Miss Benson set herself free. She was able to relinquish her past to follow her true life’s purpose. Very enjoyable read.

Strength and courage and the unliked friendships

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