Miss Benson’s Beetle

A warm hug, much laughter, and a chance to shed some tears. Thats what reading this book offers. A woman whos had a rough go of life. From childhood on and one day, while teaching a class, something happens that just breaks her. People are resilient, yes, but they can only take so much.

Margery Benson is a middle aged, single, teacher living in London. Teaching a classroom full of ungrateful children and her heart just isnt in it. One day, just a few years after World War II has ended, she decides to chuck it all and pursue her lifelong dream to find a yet undiscovered golden beetle on the island of New Caledonia, perhaps to bring her back to a moment from her early childhood that holds a precious memory. Of a time when she felt loved. Noticed. By her dear father.

Miss Benson will need an assistant to join her on this journey because it is not just any old trip, rather it’s a scientific expedition. After settling on hiring a woman who is not her first choice and could be described as her opposite, a relationship develops, which is a surprise to both women. Both with pasts that they are not yet willing to reveal that include heartache and longing for companionship they didnt know was possible.

MISS BENSONS BEETLE is much more than a trip halfway around the world to locate an elusive beetle. It is a discovery of finding yourself and uncovering the ability to trust. The book depicts the dark side of humanity as well as the tenderness that we are capable of and offers a lesson that what you think you are looking for is not always what you end up finding. A beautiful, emotional story of friendship and strength that will tug at your heart.

This really is a good read, as described uplifting and redemptive. How could two women from such disparate worlds come together and eventually understand that their combined strengths would enable them to overcome anything. Descriptive writing, kept me guessing, fast-paced at times.

3.5

This is a British-ish romp with a heart and intrigue. Its like Enchanted April meets Thelma and Louise. It has all the cutesy and dry humor we expect from a mismatched pairing, as well as the deeper dramas of personal awakening and change. Even birth and death. And I must warn you, as a sensitive dog lover, that the dog does die (on page 235). If you dont like stories where the dog dies (I certainly prefer not to read them), then you may want to skip this one.

And the book also has some issues with disjointedness… but it is rich in symbolism, with lots to discuss. Subjects included: identity, damage, mans world vs nature, … and fruition.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye brought me to this book by the same author. Like that book was a story of a man going for a walk, this book is a story of a woman looking for a beetle- and so very much more. This is a story of people who have hit breaking points. Margery Benson and Enid Pretty have nothing obvious in common but they each have reached their limits and they each decide to keep going. No whining, no self-pity- just forging ahead with their days. The destination is defined, but the destination is not as important as the journey. It is a story of adventure, tenacity, growth, and friendship laced with humor, grace, forgiveness, and generosity of spirit. The story is set in 1950 when rationing was still in effect in Britain and travel took more effort- in this case a long ocean voyage. Margery has left her teaching job. She makes plans to head to New Caledonia to search for a golden beetle. She is truly knowledgeable about insects and beetles, but not about expeditions or adventure. She is not even particularly good with people. Enid Pretty knows nothing about insects, beetles, or expeditions but she has some skills in manipulating people and she needs to leave London. They are followed by Mundic, a WWII veteran whose grip on reality is tenuous and whose residual PTSD from his days as a POW held by the Japanese during the war is crippling at times. The story is well-written and engaging. The pacing is brisk, and the pages turn quickly because the reader wants to know what will happen to Margery and Enid. Enids backstory is treated as a mystery for much of the book and that also adds to the interest. These were not people that I could recognize, but they were people that I could believe and care about. The book is far removed from the pandemic and todays politics so it an excellent escape from the issues facing all of us. I cannot remark about my quarrel with elements of the ending without spoilers, so I will not. In any event the ending is always the prerogative of the author. Still- did you have to?

I read and read all afternoon and only stopped when I realized Id finished the last perfect page. A gem of a book

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member