Miss Benson's Beetle cover art

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 Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking Witty Comedy

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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
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I could have carried on listening to this adventure forever. Such an unlikely and comical friendship and a tale that takes you somewhere you’ve barely even noticed on the globe. Juliet Stephenson reads as expertly as ever.

Utterly Delightful

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Rachel Joyce, one of my fav authors. Liked this for it's unusual settings. Juliet Stevenson impeccable. But Oh...The ending! Joyous and terrible in equal measure.

very much enjoyed

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loved this book with its qwerky characters couldn't put it down from start to finish

brilliant

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This is an delightful book.
Totally different from anything I have read before.
Quirky, funny,poignant and uplifting. I am going to try her other books.

The narration was absolutely brilliant , bringing all these unusual characters to life .

Fabulous

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I thought this would be ok but it's actually much more than that as an experience. there's some excellent descriptive writing that never crosses the line into 'host of golden daffodils' territory and some parts of the book made me laugh out loud. it's a fine balancing act.

really enjoyable

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A book with depth and warmth about how friendship can overcome many of our life’s challenges.

Really surprising.

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This book describes two very different women from two very different backgrounds but describes beautifully how a very special friendship evolves.

An unlikely friendship

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One of my favourite books. A good narrator too. This author is so unusual on style but her narrative captures.

An amazingly good story

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A well read enjoyable story, so full of surprise and laugh out loud moments. The two main characters were so entirely lovable. I had some ‘ shout out loud well done ‘ moments
Completely loved the book.

What a fantastic story

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Really wonderful .. what a story .. I spent days with this book in my head! I felt bereft when it ended.. I wanted to travel the world with them . Who would have known I’d enjoy learning about beetles! The narrator was fabulous and played the parts so well . What more can I say , everyone ought to read this. I went and bought the hardback copy so I could stare at it with affection .

Wonderful

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