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The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons

By: Tom Michell
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable, audiobook edition of The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell, read by Bill Nighy.

'I was hoping against hope that the penguin would survive because as of that instant he had a name, and with his name came the beginning of a bond which would last a life-time.'

Tom Michell is in his roaring 20's: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays. He even has a motorbike, Che Guevara style. What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin. <\p>

Set against Argentina's turbulent years following the collapse of the corrupt Perónist regime, this is the heart warming story of Juan Salvador the penguin, rescued by Tom from an oil slick in Uruguay just days before a new term. When the bird refuses to leave Tom's side, the young teacher has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - in particular one homesick school boy. And as for Tom, he discovers in Juan Salvador a compadre like no other....

The Penguin Lessons is a unique and moving true story which has captured imaginations around the globe - for all those who dreamed as a child they might one day talk to the animals.

©2015 Tom Michell (P)2015 Penguin Audio
Educators Travel Writing & Commentary South America Feel-Good Argentina
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What listeners say about The Penguin Lessons

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

charming

Just loved this charming gem of a book. Bill Nighy is the perfect narrator. I was so sad to finish and say adios to Juan Salvatore!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Utterly delightful.

An enchanting story ... Heartwarming, touching and most artfully read. A most enjoyable experience. Thoroughly recommended.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Spellbinding and brilliantly read

An utterly magical account of a young mans relationship with a penguin he rescued in South America. Perfectly read by Bill Nighy. I laughed. I cried. .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Delightful

I read this before and was delighted to find there was an audible version. Bill Nighy gives a consumate reading of this charming, fascinating and moving memoir of Tom Michell and his penguin companion.
A wonderful book and fantastic recording.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favourites, a great gift

For anyone who likes animals and penguins especially, obviously. It is at once fun, interesting and escapist.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A heartwarming tale

This is a book I can see myself coming back to. Beautifully written with excellent narration by Bill Nighy, this is the endearing tale of a penguin that accidentally crossed paths with a high school teacher in Argentina.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I just wish it was longer

Such a lovely story, we’ll written and a actually even enjoyed Bill Nighy. Listen, you won’t regret it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful touching story

A book that I will never forget. It touched me so deeply & will make sure I share with others.

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Brilliantly Written

So much in this book, learning about South America and the amazing lengths one man went to help an oil soaked penguin. Still haunted by the image of them all on the beach at the start.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful, entertaining.

Where does The Penguin Lessons rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As an entertaining read, highly. In reminding us of our responsibility to nature, also highly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Penguin Lessons?

When the penguin helps a very lonely young boy.

What about Bill Nighy’s performance did you like?

Not a moments hesitation. Wonderful and lyrical performance. Full emotional force and humour conveyed. A very entertaining and, at times, emotional, listen. Bill Nighy is the best narrator I have come across so far. Amazingly good.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What would you do if you rescued a penguin and it wouldn't go back to the sea?

Any additional comments?

This was a most enjoyable book, based upon a true story. Important to remember that it was the seventies, a very different time in many ways. However, our responsibility, to nature and the environment is just as crucial.

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1 person found this helpful