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suzecluez's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook of Miss Benson's Beetle. There was good writing and character development and I loved seeing the friendship between the two women. I liked the adventure scenes and personal growth of Margery and Enid.
I didn't like the addition of Mundic as the villain. A POW struggling with physical and mental health issues felt forced and also gave me anxiety throughout the book of when he would make his appearance... it tainted moments of the book (Margery finally skinny dipping).
There was a theme around humiliation and shame that I haven't fully worked through. The pacing was off for me in the book, some parts felt very slow in the middle and then the last few chapters felt thrown together and rushed. All that being said I did enjoy the book and wanted to know how it would come together (though I disliked the ending). I think this is a book I will reread in a few years and skip the parts with Mundic.
I didn't like the addition of Mundic as the villain. A POW struggling with physical and mental health issues felt forced and also gave me anxiety throughout the book of when he would make his appearance... it tainted moments of the book (Margery finally skinny dipping).
There was a theme around humiliation and shame that I haven't fully worked through. The pacing was off for me in the book, some parts felt very slow in the middle and then the last few chapters felt thrown together and rushed. All that being said I did enjoy the book and wanted to know how it would come together (though I disliked the ending). I think this is a book I will reread in a few years and skip the parts with Mundic.
isabelmary's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Death
riandi_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
emzeewoolzee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I loved reading this book. Both Margery and Enid are now dear to my heart. The story of these two women going off on an adventure together, supporting each other's dreams, and growing together is just so satisfying. I very much enjoyed the last chapter about Freya. The idea that another woman is inspired to begin her own adventure is such a beautiful way to end this book. "And she was going." Love it!
I do wish Mundic had been excised from the book. He was unnecessary and distracted from the relationship between Margery and Enid, which was more than enough.
I do wish Mundic had been excised from the book. He was unnecessary and distracted from the relationship between Margery and Enid, which was more than enough.
ekcloudy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amyhutchins0n's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
4.0
lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition
5.0
I almost gave this four stars, but I think it really deserves more than that. Particularly because it is actually a unique storyline. I often feel that books are just recycling the same old fables. And it is true that in the end, this is a story of enduring friendship between women. So yeah, Thelma and Louise come to mind. But an entomologist seeking an elusive beetle in New Caledonia in 1950? Well, that’s a different and entertaining backdrop for Marge and Enid to forge their new friendship and find strength in themselves. I think this one will stick with me for a long time.
bryw4nk's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
susan_e's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25