A review by fazila
Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior

5.0

Check out the full review on my website. CLICK HERE

SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE

FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM

FR REVIEW :

DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Digital for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Away With The Penguins by Hazel Prior fascinated me from the get-go. Something about this book pulled me in. The title and the synopsis hooked me when I read them. I loved the illustrated covers, as well. I was also intrigued by the penguins and how they fit in with the story. When I picked this book up, I had no idea I will be gobbling up the whole story in one sitting. It was that good.

Away With The Penguins is a beautiful book of friendships, family, second-chances, and healing. It tells the story of our two protagonists, a grandmother, and her grandson, who meets for the first time very much later in life. The story unfolds from the dual-perspectives of Veronica and Patrick. Veronica is living a solitary life at her mansion in Ayrshire. A box from the past brings back memories that threaten the unraveling of secrets long buried. A walk through her past life takes Veronica on a journey of discovery. She finds out she has a grandson and decides to make his acquaintance. The initial meeting leaves them both disappointed. Patrick has been living a carefree life free from the stresses of adulthood. He is living life aimlessly, taking one day at a time and in no hurry to change the Status Quo. The two meet and decide that getting to know one another is not a good idea. Veronica is searching for a cause to champion and comes across a documentary on Penguins that will stir up her interest. She wants to leave a legacy that will be worthwhile and accepts that her grandson is not the right candidate to be left with her money. A trip to Antarctica to see the research center for Penguins will change her life in ways she never envisioned. Patrick also finds himself changing, and life will take them on a journey either of them expected.

The setting is beautiful, with the story taking place in different locations, taking us along for the ride. The change of scenery was good, and I enjoyed how each location beautifully complimented the progression of the novel. The pacing was great, and I found myself unable to stop. And the writing is engaging and humorous with a fabulous cast of characters. The story is full of life and warmth that will seep into your soul. Its characters especially, the main characters with their quirkiness and eccentricities, will steal your heart.

The message of this book is also thought-provoking. With a strong emphasis on nature and the environment, Hazel has managed to deliver a story with lots of heart and charm wrapped up in a beautiful package of preservation of our environment. The way everything ties together beautifully helps immensely.

Overall, the story was beautiful, well written, and wonderfully packaged. The readers will leave with their hearts full and a smile on their faces after reading Away With The Penguins. The heartwarming and uplifting story of a grandmother and her grandson reuniting will stay in my heart forever with the backdrop of penguins. Away With The Penguins tells us the story of survival, succeeding against all odds, reuniting with loved ones, and second-chance at life. I gave the book 4.5 - 5 stars. I highly recommend picking this book up, if you want a charming and heart-warming story.