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  • Miss Benson's Beetle

  • Written by: Rachel Joyce
  • Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
  • Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (127 ratings)

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Miss Benson's Beetle cover art

Miss Benson's Beetle

Written by: Rachel Joyce
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

It is 1950. In a devastating moment of clarity, Margery Benson abandons her dead-end job and advertises for an assistant to accompany her on an expedition. She is going to travel to the other side of the world to search for a beetle that may or may not exist.

Enid Pretty, in her unlikely pink travel suit, is not the companion Margery had in mind. And yet together they will be drawn into an adventure that will exceed every expectation. They will risk everything, break all the rules, and at the top of a red mountain, discover their best selves.

This is a story that is less about what can be found than the belief it might be found; it is an intoxicating adventure story but it is also about what it means to be a woman and a tender exploration of a friendship that defies all boundaries.

©2020 Rachel Joyce (P)2020 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

Unmissable fiction from an award-winning author: an unlikely pair embark on a grand adventure in this glorious novel about second chances, heartfelt friendships and emotional courage. (Eithne Farry)
A girl's own adventure...This is Rachel Joyce's best book yet ...Exciting, moving and full of unexpected turns... surely this is the one that will propel the intrepid Joyce off the long and shortlists into prizewinning territory. (Melissa Katsoulis)
A joy of a novel, with real insight into the lives of women, the value of friendship and the lasting effects of war (Katy Guest)

What listeners say about Miss Benson's Beetle

Average Customer Ratings
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Loved the characters

This is a delightful reàd, a Thelma and Louise type adventure. Insightful, humerous, thought provoking,

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Enduring

A story of friendship and life long bonds. Full of endearing moments, life lessons and life realities that can make or break a person. Healing. It’s a story that is enjoyable and yet the characters have more effect on you that you don’t even realize till the last page is turned.

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Empowering

Such a beautiful story of courage, friendship and emancipation! Gift this to a friend! She uplifting!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic!!

One of the best books I have listened to in ages!! Well written and fantastic narration…I didn’t want it to end!

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Excellent performance of a very worthwhile story

Juliet Stevenson performs all the characters skillfully and with empathy, bringing them to full life. Rachel Joyce has created two women who seem familiar types at first, but who grow into surprising individuals readers will love and root for in their adventurous quest. Highly recommended, especially for women.

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Excellent

A very enjoyable story filled with life lessons. A must for everyone, especially women to read.

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  • Val
  • 2022-11-05

Loved it

A wonderful book that was orated beautifully. the friendship, humor and sense of putpose between the two women was a joy to listen to

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fantastic book

I love this book so very much! such a grand adventure 💗narrator is fantastic! she made the perfect tone of voice for each character. I'll definitely be listening to it once a year 😌

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Miss Benson’s Beetle

I loved this book! It was funny, poignant and endearing. Juliet Stevenson does an excellent job with the narration. I will definitely be looking for more of Rachel Joyce’s books to read.

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New vacation destination

What a great story! I laughed and I cried. I couldn't help but cheer on this unlikely duo in their adventures, tragedies and triumphs. what a ride. and now I am planning a vacation to New Caledonia.

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