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

This was an absolutely charming book, captivating and funny, with compelling characters and a very serious undertone to the humor. I enjoyed this book SO much and I’m grateful to a friend for suggesting it.

At first both women are caricatures, both completely wacky in their own, very different ways. As we learn more of the back story of Margery and Enid, they become sympathetic characters, each having desperation and tragedy in their lives. Their friendship forms gradually as each comes to rely on the other, and they see the real person beneath each other’s shell.

This novel blends madcap adventure with a love story of friendship, and I loved it. One caveat: I felt the subplot of Mr Mundic was a distraction from the real story of Margery and Enid. He deserves a book all to himself.

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hrob76's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

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emallovesreading's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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thatokiebird's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Miss Benson's Beetle is a historical fiction novel by Rachel Joyce which follows the adventure of two polar-opposite women, Miss Benson and Miss Pretty, who find themselves together traveling "halfway across the world" in search of a golden beetle that does not yet exist. I enjoy Rachel Joyce's writing immensely, and this book is high up there in her strongest works.

Throughout the book, we delve into the world of entomology, 1950's London and post-war culture, stalking and crime, and above all the friendship between two women. The fact that this book was not a love story but instead based its main relationship on a friendship makes it so intriguing and strong. We listened to the audiobook version narrated by Juliet Stevenson and she did a stellar job at really embodying each individual character - just as well as Rachel Joyce did at writing their individual voices.

Personally I could have done without the subplot of the POW character dealing with all-consuming inner demons while stalking Miss Benson to her destination. It all just seemed like a fairly unnecessary way to add a thriller element to the journey. Especially considering how the ending transpired.

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izwit's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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sarahlovesbooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Quirky, funny, heartfelt story about a curmudgeon and unlikely friendships.

It took a little while for me to feel connected to the characters and get into the story.

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saphirabloom's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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