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A review by jlewis
The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
An endearing autobiographical account of how a man rescued an oil-damaged penguin which then refused to leave him. Set in Argentina in the 1970s. It is simply but effectively written, with some well-described accounts of South American natural history and reflections on the social history of a messed-up country in economic meltdown and with communities largely untouched by modernity. But it is the penguin, Juan Salvador, that makes the book. In his attitude of sheer joy when meeting humans and his unconditional acceptance of all who make his acquaintance, he has something to say about the human condition.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death