A review by thatokiebird
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce

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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