Review: Miss Benson’s Beetle

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce is a title sent to me by the wonderful people over at Penguin Random House.

I love Rachel Joyce’s books. Of course, it started with The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, which I reread after finishing The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy (have all the tissues on hand for this one). And Perfect – oh my aching soul. Rachel Joyce knows how to tell a story.

Miss Benson’s Beetle

It generally takes me a while to really get into Rachel Joyce’s books, but there’s a point where you just turn the page and you’re swept up and deep in the plotline.

At various parts of the book you will very much like and then dislike Miss Benson. Ultimately, she has a heart of gold hidden behind her rules and lists. Similarly, her assistant Enid Pretty can get under your skin in the best and the worst ways. However, she’s a determined and strong (-willed/-minded as well as physically) young woman who just wants a baby.

Four-and-a-half stars

Because it took me that bit longer to get to the ultimate enjoyment of this book, I couldn’t quite get to five stars. But what a wonderful read. There are so many colourful characters in the second part of the book, once the Marge and Enid hits the island. And of course, you’d be smart to keep some tissues at hand towards the end. I did very much like the end.

Have you read Miss Benson’s Beetle or any of Rachel Joyce’s other books? Tell me what you thought

Miss Benson’s Beetle – digital launch

Exclusive Books is hosting a digital launch of Miss Benson’s Beetle on Thursday 1 October at 18:00, where Rachel Joyce will be in discussion with local author, Paige Nick. Register to attend here.

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