Miss Benson's Beetle

Great characters and writing, and I liked this so much that I then read everything else Rachel Joyce wrote. (But this is still my favorite.) Gave my first copy to someone who needed a pick-me-up and then bought a second copy for myself because it's worth having in my permanent library. The book is about being an independent woman at a time when the culture didn't encourage that, but it's also about friendship. Miss Benson has a bit of a breakdown and ends up in an exotic locale on a sort of treasure hunt for a special beetle. It sounds a bit daft, but the characters are interesting and well written, and I also enjoyed the time period it was set in (and I'm fascinated by Flying Boats now, which I had never heard of going into this).

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are unique and the story line keeps you constantly interested and waiting for what happens next. It is a fabulous adventure that you almost wish you could go on with the characters as they are absolutely on a wonderful journey to true friendship. Do not miss this book, it is a gem. I was sorry to finish it and may well read it again in the future.