Miss Benson's Beetle

 Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce

A rambunctious tale about a reserved, middle-aged school teacher, Miss Margery Benson, who throws it all up one day in an uncharacteristic fit of pique and petty theft, to go searching for a golden beetle she's not entirely sure exists. Her love for beetles began in childhood when her father showed her a book of magical creatures, and when she came to the sketch of a rumoured golden beetle, she felt - she knew - it was her destiny to capture one and prove their existence to the world. After years of teaching girls domestic science, a career her recent actions rendered finished, it felt like time.

When Miss Benson looked for an assistant to travel with her, a most unlikely candidate, Miss Enid Pretty, got the job and off they set. Enid is a flighty, most unreserved young woman with a sketchy background that will come to light later, as will the mis-adventures of another applicant, Mr. Mundic, who refuses to accept that Margery does't need him to lead the expedition.

Through a number of entertaining troubles on the ship taking them to Caledonia in the South Pacific, getting through Customs, socializing with the wives of the Consul, and struggling up a mountain in search of the beetle, Margery and Enid share their personal stories and come to understand one another better, forming a bond of friendship neither expected.

These two women will have ridiculous and frightening adventures, and will both be changed in outlook and attitude beyond what they thought possible. Their comical, heart-warming journey is worth reading.