Reviews with content warning for Animal death - Miss Benson's Beetle

This was essentially a female version of the odd couple adventure story which is, disappointingly, a rarity. The (platonic) relationship between the two main characters is really at the heart of this book and both of them were so well realised as were some of the secondary characters like Mrs Poe. While the plot was a bit farfetched, it was fun and engaging. I laughed, I cried, I had a great time devouring this book.

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backpackingbookworm's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Turns out this isn't a story about a woman and her VW Beetle as initially expected, but an adventurous and heartwarming/breaking tale of two brave and inspiring women who travel to the other side of the world in the hunt for an elusive gold beetle - an insect Margery has been fascinated with ever since her father pointed it out in a book of wondrous creatures when she was a child. Margery and her free-spirited assistant, Enid, form an unlikely friendship after experiencing a stomach-churning boat ride, a mild police chase in a foreign country, a naked swim up a mountain, and a ravaging storm (also up a mountain).

The pair complement one another perfectly, with Enid bringing endless optimism and rash/illegal decision-making, while Margery is stoic, rational and practical. While I expected this to be a light, quirky, and witty read, I was surprised to find it took quite a toll on my emotions. While it was action-packed and hilarious in parts, it was also distressing and sad, exploring themes of PTSD, abuse, and neglect. It was character-driven but also had a really strong plotline that, from the outset might sound a little bland (who really cares about beetles? - you will after reading this), but turned out to be fascinating and engaging. It is Margery's vocation to find the beetle and you find yourself rooting for her to achieve her life goal that she, at 46, felt so sure was unattainable.

Female friendship is the biggest theme in this book and I was absolutely here for it. It's one of my favourite themes, even more so if it's an unlikely friendship of two polar opposite personalities. I was even more enamoured by the story and characters after reading the author's note about how this book came to be - definitely stick around for that part as it's so worth reading.

This is the second book I've read by Rachel Joyce and sure won't be my last. As with Harold, there were unforgettable characters, hilarious one-liners, and one big adventure.

Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.5
Writing style/readability - 4.6
Characters - 4.6
Diverse themes - 4.5
Ending - 4.6
Overall - 4.6

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louise010's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

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nicole_k's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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aargot1's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

4.75

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cassielaj's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is delightful. There’s so much more to the story than the blurb suggested — nuanced characters and universal themes wrapped up in a wildly entertaining story. Loved it.

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