Miss Benson's Beetle

The bestselling author of The Unilikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry delivers an intoxicating adventure story about female friendship and the belief that the impossible is always possible, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

WOMAN & HOME BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR and A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Shortlisted for the 2021 WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE | BEST PUBLISHED NOVEL.

'The perfect escape novel for our troubled times.' PATRICK GALE

It is 1950. In a devastating moment of clarity, Margery Benson abandons her dead-end job and advertises for an assistant to accompany her on an expedition. She is going to travel to the other side of the world to search for a beetle that may or may not exist.
Enid Pretty, in her unlikely pink travel suit, is not the companion Margery had in mind. And yet together they will be drawn into an adventure that will exceed every expectation. They will risk everything, break all the rules, and at the top of a red mountain, discover their best selves.

This is a story that is less about what can be found than the belief it might be found; it is an intoxicating adventure story but it is also about what it means to be a woman and a tender exploration of a friendship that defies all boundaries.

'A girl's own adventure...This is Rachel Joyce's best book yet ...Exciting, moving and full of unexpected turns.' THE TIMES

'Brilliant and elegant and wise...powerful and moving...I can't recommend it enough.' JOANNA CANNON

'A beautiful portrayal of female friendship in all its frailties, contradictions and strengths.' RAYNOR WINN

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 416 Pages
Imprint: Black Swan
Published: March 2021
ISBN: 9780552779487