Miss Benson’s Beetle was the first book that I read in August. I had attended an author event via Zoom with the author Rachel Joyce and a signed copy was part of the ticket price. The Zoom event really whetted my appetite for the book, and I started it as soon as I could, reading alongside my sister who had attended the same event. I finished the book first, fairly flying through it – finding I really couldn’t put it down.
I think Rachel Joyce is probably well known for writing stories of an uplifting nature, portraying heart-warming characters we come to care for immediately. Miss Benson’s Beetle is no exception – although here there is a definitely darker edge to this story – and in the back stories of her characters. This isn’t all warm fuzzies – though there are plenty of moments to make you cheer too. That darker edge is definitely what makes this my favourite of the Rachel Joyce books I have read to date.
Women are at the heart of this wonderful story – and we see the different ways the two world wars have impacted on two women of different generations. The novel opens in 1914 with the child Margery learning about beetles from her father. In 1950 a middle aged Margery Benson is teaching home economics not very successfully to girls she is really rather afraid of. One very bad day is all it takes for Miss Benson to walk out of her horrible job and take up again the great passion instilled in her by her father, beetles, and more particularly The Golden Beetle of New Caledonia – a beetle which may or may not exist.
“Years ago, Margery had collected things that reminded her of what she loved, and kept her true. A beetle necklace, a map of New Caledonia, an illustrated pocket guide to the islands by the Reverend Horace Blake. She’d made important discoveries about the beetle: its possible size, shape and habitat. She’d made plans. But suddenly she’d stopped. Or rather, life had. Life had stopped.”
Margery Benson is forty-six – the First World War took her older brothers; she was surrounded by aunts as a child whose chances of marriage had ended with that conflict. She is also haunted by something that she never really understood which happened in 1914. Now she is determined to set out on an expedition to the other side of the world, to find the Golden Beetle of New Caledonia in memory of her beloved father. She advertises in the newspaper for an assistant to accompany her on her expedition.
There aren’t many applicants – and when those who at first appear to be the most suitable are either revealed as not being or let her down at the last minute – the only one left is Enid Pretty. Enid Pretty is anything but suitable.
“…the short woman tottered across the concourse, her luggage so heavy she could only wave at Margery with her foot. Her hair was a stiff puff with the perky hat pinned on top: about as useful in terms of sun protection as a beer mat on her head. She wore a bright pink two-piece travel suit that accentuated her round bust and hips, tiny sandals with a pompom at the toe, and her nails were painted like juicy sweets. A blonde bombshell, twenty-five is she was a day, and Margery was old enough to be, if not her mother, then at least her maiden aunt.”
Enid Pretty is an attractive, blonde twenty-something in a bright pink travel suit with a lot of unwieldy luggage. She talks nineteen to the dozen about anything and everything is unceasingly optimistic, love babies and is enormously kind-hearted. She is definitely not the kind of assistant Margery has envisioned. She also thinks nothing of bribing her way on to the ship when her passport can’t be found. It’s all a rather inauspicious start for two women who couldn’t be more different and who will be spending months together in the rainforest of New Caledonia.
The journey is long and gruelling, and Margery is horribly seasick, Enid cheerfully takes care of her. During these long days at sea, Enid encourages Margery to tell her about the beetle – she is like a child asking for a favourite story over and over – eager to learn and proud of their quest. Sometimes though, Enid has the distinct impression that someone is watching her. The relationship between the two women is an uneasy one for the majority of their journey – Margery hardly knows a thing about Enid Pretty – but once they land in Australia Margery begins to realise that she rather likes having Enid around. The final leg of their journey takes them from Australia to the island of New Caledonia – but their adventures have really only just begun.
I am trying not to say very much about the main plot of the book – and so I think I shall leave it there. Alongside Margery and Enid who are wonderfully memorable characters we instantly become thoroughly involved with – we encounter a group of spiteful ex-pats and a sinister, war veteran traumatised by his treatment in a Japanese POW camp.
Gradually we learn more about Margery and Enid as the book goes on. Two unremarkable, forgotten women, who working together, taking risks and breaking rules discover real friendship while they each pursue their own very special dream. Rachel Joyce has a real understanding of small, sad lives of what it might be like to step outside them. She understands loss and heartache and portrays those disappointments that are encountered in a way that is always relatable. There is so much in this novel that is exhilarating and joyful – it somehow captures that wide eyed wonder we all maybe had in childhood for something magical or simply breath-takingly fascinating. It is a celebration of the strength of female friendship and the pursuit of a dream – it is also deeply poignant, beautifully written, and instantly memorable.
I have a copy of this but couldn’t get on with The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry at all. Your mention of a darker edge makes me think I should try it.
Yes, Harold Fry is more cosy and sentimental, I liked it, but I think this one is better.
This sounds like it has all the elements of a great read — a character driven story (always a favorite with me), exotic setting and a bit of a dark edge (I think the only Joyce novel I’ve read was “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry,” which I found a bit sentimental). New Caledonia is a fascinating place, full of rare things (I’ve actually traveled there to see a very rare bird species, the Kagu); the setting alone makes it a “must check out” for me.
With your experience of New Caledonia you would probably find this interesting. This is less overtly sentimental than Harold Fry, and I think better for it.
This sounds super – will be adding it to my list. I enjoyed both Harold Fry and The Music Shop – in the latter, her writing about the music was particularly good.
Great, The Music Shop is the one Rachel Joyce I haven’t read, my sister rated it highly though so I should probably get hold of it too.
I was on the same or a similar call and am keen to start reading the book for the same reasons as you. Even more so, in fact, now I’ve read your review. As it happens, I’m currently reading her earlier book, The Music Shop, which has been in my TBR for ages – ever since I heard her talk about it at Henley Literary Festival a few years ago. I may be doing back-to-back Rachel Joyce I think…
I hope you’re enjoying The Music Shop, I haven’t read that one. So, if you do go on to this one I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This certainly sounds like an unusual premise for a book, and I think those should always be celebrated. I’m glad this is less sentimental than her first one, which I was a bit put off by.
Yes, much less sentimental than Harold Fry and a really good read. I thought the premise particularly good, and the story worked really well.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this novel, Ali, particularly given Rachel’s description of it during the event. It sounds like a compelling spin on the ‘unlikely couple’ narrative, with two fully fleshed-out characters with plenty of depth. Quite a range of emotions too, which you’ve captured so well in your closing comments. I love your comment about Joyce’s understanding of small, sad lives of what it might be like to step outside of them – that’s beautifully put!
Absolutely, the characters are really well explored here and there is quite a bit of depth within the story,whike it is still a very readable novel.
I thought this one was unusual and well-crafted. Rachel Joyce is a talented writer.
Yes I agree, a well crafted narrative indeed. I think Rachel Joyce is a good writer.
Sounds absolutely lovely, Ali. I like a book with a little edge to it and the premise for this one sounds great! 😀
Yes, I did enjoy her more sentimental books, though I need to be in the right mood. However, I do prefer a narrative with a darker edge too.
You make this book sound quite joyful. You have made the two female characters sound quite quirky,
Great stuff.
Both characters are brilliant, well explored and very memorable.
I’ve just read one Rachel Joyce and it was on the fluffier side, but this sounds rather intriguing with the mismatched personalities and far-off quest.
Yes, I loved the personalities of the two women in this one.
Lovely review Ali. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the book. I knew it was one that would suit you well.
Yes, it did suit me well. It also seemed to perfectly fit my reading mood that week too.
I LOVED this book. I did an interview with Rachel Joyce on my blog, and she sent me (international mail) a signed uncorrected proof copy of the book. I’m a HUGE fan of Joyce, so… Over the Moon!
How lovely, I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.
Just a few minutes before reading your review I was saying to someone how much I enjoy friendship stories of mismatched people – this sounds just the ticket!
Yes I love stories of unexpected friendships. This was done so well too, characters I instantly cared about.
[…] Miss Benson’s Beetle – Rachel Joyce (2020) – “Women are at the heart of this of this wonderful story”, says Ali Hope of Heavenali. The author, she finds, “has a real understanding of small, sad lives” and “portrays […] disappointments […] in a way that is always relatable.” The book is “deeply poignant” and “beautifully written”. […]