42 pages 1 hour read

Rachel Joyce

Miss Benson's Beetle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce follows Margery Benson, who, after a traumatic childhood event, embarks on a quest to find a rare golden beetle in New Caledonia. Joined by the free-spirited Enid Pretty, the unlikely duo navigates numerous challenges and forms an enduring bond as they pursue their respective vocations. The novel explores themes of friendship, purpose, and liberation. The book includes depictions of post-traumatic stress, stalking, and death by suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce receives overall positive reviews for its engaging blend of humor, heart, and adventure. Critics appreciate the well-developed characters and delightful narrative, although some feel the plot can be predictable at times. Despite minor criticisms, the book is praised for its charm and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Miss Benson's Beetle?

Readers who would enjoy Rachel Joyce's Miss Benson's Beetle are typically fans of heartfelt, character-driven narratives and historical adventures. They likely appreciate the quirky, compassionate storytelling found in books like The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Action / Adventure

Travel Literature

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Identity: Gender

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence