45 pages • 1 hour read
Miss Benson's Beetle
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
New Caledonia • 1950s
2020
The Dial Press
Adult
18+ years
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.
Adventurous
Emotional
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
67,099 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
67,099 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Enid Pretty
Enid Pretty
A petite, lively woman in her 20s who wears noticeable makeup and talks often; she escapes a false charge by joining Margery on her expedition and shows unexpected resilience and resourcefulness.
Mundic
Mundic
A tall, gaunt World War II veteran with lingering health issues and trauma, who becomes fixated on being part of Margery's expedition despite being initially rejected for the job.
352
Novel • Fiction
New Caledonia • 1950s
2020
The Dial Press
Adult
18+ years
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