Reviews with content warning for Gore - Miss Benson's Beetle

From the blurb, I was expecting a story of an unlikely female friendship that centered on a topic not often explored in fiction: entomology. And while that is most certainly the main theme of this book it is much more multifaceted than that.

Margery Benson at one time in her life was determined to find a gold beetle that had never been officially catalogued or "discovered". But years pass and her dream remains unfulfilled. When she finally works up the courage to make the trip to the other side of the world she advertises for an assistant which is where Enid Pretty enters the story. From the outset, it seems like this partnership is doomed to fail and that's before we realize there's terrible secrets on both sides. It's like the Odd Couple on steroids.

So really this is a mystery thriller and historical literary fiction all rolled into one. And the incredibly short chapters make you feel like you're barrelling right along with these dynamic ladies. I don't want to say any more because I'd like you to experience it as I did: a rollicking ride with unexpected twists and turns. Get ready!

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce follows the story of Margery Benson as she sets out to do what no one ever thought she would: find the Golden Beetle of New Caledonia. Encountering a new setback in every direction, she is accompanied by Enid Pretty, who, despite her bright personality, has a “pretty” big secret. So will they find the beetle, or was this all just too much for Margery to handle? (TW: suicide, miscarriage, death, stalking & PTSD.)

I was not initially loving this one and it took me a while to get into. However, I ended up really enjoying the overall story because of how it addresses (Western) womanhood — its assumptions and expectations vs its realities and desires, for the most part. This book is populated with different “types” of women and you really feel for most of them, even when they do something horrible. Even the men in this book are affected by this expected role of (British or Western) womanhood, and the story shows how men are done a disservice by expected gender roles, especially in the wake of a traumatic world war.

It’s not the best book I’ve ever read but it is totally different from what I expected and different from other things I’ve been reading lately. It’s a love story between self and others, as well as a story about women learning to love other women, forgiving their transgressions and the strength women have to move forward (maybe juxtaposed against men who are stuck in the past? I don’t know, that may be too analytical).

If you’re looking for something different that’s also a bit of a woman empowerment book, this might be for you! I think this is probably also a great book for book clubs, as there’s lots to discuss. Miss Benson’s Beetle out November 3rd (but it’ll still be there post-election)!

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