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portybelle's review
4.0
I enjoyed reading about what happened next for Veronica. She’s such an engaging character, so determined and so sure of herself and yet she is very shaken by some revelations in the book. She makes me laugh at times with her certainty that her recall cannot be faulted and that she is always right!
The story is told again through the perspectives of three of the characters. There’s Veronica, of course, her grandson Patrick, and Terry, one of the scientists at the penguin research station in Antarctica. I thought this worked really well and that the author created very distinct voices for all her characters. Special mention has to be made of young Daisy, such a sweet little girl who has the wisdom and bravery that the other characters sometimes lacked.
The stories of the three main characters play out in very different locations to begin with, before coming together in the Falkland Islands on the aptly named Bolder Island. There are some difficult issues covered in the book, with the characters facing many challenges but there is always a lightness, quite often provided by the penguins.
There’s a strong emphasis on the environment and the inter-connectedness of actions throughout the world, with climate change having an impact even on the penguins in the Antarctic. It seemed very appropriate that I was reading this book while the world leaders were attending COP26 in Glasgow, debating what they could do to limit further damage caused by climate change.
Call of the Penguins is full of quirky and memorable characters and is another engaging and uplifting story from Hazel Prior. I am hoping that there will be further adventures with Veronica, the penguins and all the other characters I have come to know so well.
The story is told again through the perspectives of three of the characters. There’s Veronica, of course, her grandson Patrick, and Terry, one of the scientists at the penguin research station in Antarctica. I thought this worked really well and that the author created very distinct voices for all her characters. Special mention has to be made of young Daisy, such a sweet little girl who has the wisdom and bravery that the other characters sometimes lacked.
The stories of the three main characters play out in very different locations to begin with, before coming together in the Falkland Islands on the aptly named Bolder Island. There are some difficult issues covered in the book, with the characters facing many challenges but there is always a lightness, quite often provided by the penguins.
There’s a strong emphasis on the environment and the inter-connectedness of actions throughout the world, with climate change having an impact even on the penguins in the Antarctic. It seemed very appropriate that I was reading this book while the world leaders were attending COP26 in Glasgow, debating what they could do to limit further damage caused by climate change.
Call of the Penguins is full of quirky and memorable characters and is another engaging and uplifting story from Hazel Prior. I am hoping that there will be further adventures with Veronica, the penguins and all the other characters I have come to know so well.
paulaw1874's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
katy_bee's review
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A fun little read, at times heavy handed on the message, but it's a message I agree with. I carried about the characters and twists and turns along the way- good palate cleanser between heavier books
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Suicide, Death of parent, and Cancer
devinelybookish's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
megswhitaker's review
adventurous
funny
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? No
4.0
danapr's review against another edition
5.0
Veronica McCreedy is back with more penguin adventures, but mostly human dilemmas with penguins as a heartwarming backdrop. Veronica has befriended Daisy, a young girl undergoing cancer treatment who is granted a wish and requests that she be allowed to accompany Veronica as she travels to various penguin habitats to film a documentary. Meanwhile, Veronica’s grandson, Patrick has abruptly broken up with his girlfriend and penguin researcher, Terry so decides that now is the time to do his own research and look for more information about his father who was Veronica’s son. Both Patrick and Veronica are astonished by what Patrick discovers.
This continuation of Veronica’s story is engaging and fun. Daisy adds a refreshing perspective to the adult dilemmas. The author does a great job of describing the penguin habitats and antics and the story is heart wrenching as well as heartwarming at times. I’m giving it 5 stars for just being an enjoyable and cute book and a pleasant read. Nothing to not like!
This continuation of Veronica’s story is engaging and fun. Daisy adds a refreshing perspective to the adult dilemmas. The author does a great job of describing the penguin habitats and antics and the story is heart wrenching as well as heartwarming at times. I’m giving it 5 stars for just being an enjoyable and cute book and a pleasant read. Nothing to not like!
bookbloggerjanine's review
4.0
Call of the Penguins by Hazel Prior
I give this book 4.5 stars
87 year old Veronica McCreedy has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife.
More specifically, a love for penguins!
And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance.
Perhaps it’s never too late….to shine?
This is one of those rare books that has that perfect mix of a beautifully written story and location with equally strong well rounded characters to connect with..For me the narrative was totally absorbing and the uplifting plot warmed my heart with emotion. It also portrays an important message about looking after nature and thinking about packaging.l found the Penguins informative and delightful.
A book ld highly recommend
With thanks to Netgalley,Hazel Prior and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Black Swan for the chance to read and review this book
I give this book 4.5 stars
87 year old Veronica McCreedy has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife.
More specifically, a love for penguins!
And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance.
Perhaps it’s never too late….to shine?
This is one of those rare books that has that perfect mix of a beautifully written story and location with equally strong well rounded characters to connect with..For me the narrative was totally absorbing and the uplifting plot warmed my heart with emotion. It also portrays an important message about looking after nature and thinking about packaging.l found the Penguins informative and delightful.
A book ld highly recommend
With thanks to Netgalley,Hazel Prior and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Black Swan for the chance to read and review this book
sherrybomb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jess_lovesreading's review against another edition
Halfway through the audiobook and incredibly bored. It’s way too long and I don’t feel invested in the story. Best thing about it is quirky Veronica and that the narrator sounds like Julie Andrews.
auntbopp's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25