120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

🌸 Our Spring Sale is here! Save on Books, Toys, & Puzzles! With overnight NZ-wide delivery 🎉

Miss Benson's Beetle

An uplifting story of female friendship against the odds
By Rachel Joyce
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.08 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 60,168 ratings, 8,602 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce is a poignant tale set in post-war Britain, following Miss Margery Benson, a disgruntled schoolteacher who embarks on an adventurous expedition to the other side of the world. Accompanied by the unpredictable Enid Pretty, they search for a mythical golden beetle in the New Caledonian jungle. Along their journey, they encounter unexpected challenges, forge a unique friendship, and discover the transformative power of stepping outside one's comfort zone.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love stories about unexpected friendships and adventurous journeys. Set in the 1950s, it follows two women on an exotic expedition that tests their limits and reveals hidden strengths. Filled with humour and heart, this novel explores themes of self-discovery and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Regular print version previously published by: Dial Press.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry delivers an intoxicating adventure story about female friendship and having the courage to live your dreams, however unlikely they may be.

WINNER OF THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE | BEST PUBLISHED NOVEL
WOMAN & HOME BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR and A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'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

WOMAN & HOME BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020; DAILY MAIL BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020; BOOKMARK BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020; GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2020

Rachel Joyce's latest novel, The Homemade God is published in April 2025.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce is heralded as an extraordinary adventure novel about unlikely friendships and second chances. Critics praise it for being exciting, moving, and full of unexpected twists, highlighting its rich characterisation reminiscent of Dickens. The story, set in the 1950s, is lauded for its humour and heartfelt exploration of women's lives and the enduring effects of war, described as life-affirming and joyously escapist.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780552779487

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 April 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Black Swan

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 286g

Pages: 416

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction New Zealand's Best Selling Books Penguin Books Rachel Joyce

About the Author

Rachel Joyce is the author of the Sunday Times and international bestsellers The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Perfect, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North, The Music Shop, Miss Benson's Beetle, and a collection of interlinked short stories, A Snow Garden & Other Stories. Rachel's books have been translated into thirty-seven languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. The critically acclaimed film of the novel, for which Rachel also wrote the screenplay, was released in 2023. Miss Benson's Beetle won the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize in 2021. Rachel was awarded the Specsavers National Book Awards New Writer of the Year in December 2012 and was shortlisted for the UK Author of the Year in 2014. In 2024 she was awarded an honorary doctorate by Kingston University. Rachel has written over twenty original afternoon plays and adaptations of the classics for BBC Radio 4. She lives with her family near Stroud.

Also by Rachel Joyce

View all
  • The Homemade God
    Set against the wild backdrop of an intense heatwave in Europe, this is a story about sibling relationships—what holds a family together and what might fracture it forever. Family is everything, even when it falls apart. There is a heatwave across Europe. Goose and his three sisters gather at the family's house by Lake Orta in Piedmont, Italy. Their father,...
    By Rachel Joyce
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry
    The film tie-in edition of the international bestseller, including new interviews with Rachel Joyce and the production team. Soon to be a major film written by Rachel Joyce, award-winning author of the internationally bestselling book. Directed by Hettie Macdonald (Normal People) Starring Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent with Penelope Wilton Harold is an ordinary man who has passed through life, living on...
    By Rachel Joyce
    Paperback
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry
    The critically acclaimed, Sunday Times and international bestseller, long-listed for the Man Booker Prize 2012. 'A magical, moving and uplifting tale about a man's journey across England and into his own heart.' - Deborah Moggach. 'Impossible to put down' - TIMES 'Life-affirming delight. A comic pleasure' - WOMAN AND HOME 'Profoundly moving' - RICHARD MADELEY OVER 6 MILLION COPIES SOLD....
    By Rachel Joyce
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Music Shop
    A story about the triumph of a quiet hero. And how music can bring us back to life. The exquisite and perfectly-pitched new novel from the bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Perfect and The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy. From the author of the world-wide bestseller, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: 'A beautiful novel,...
    By Rachel Joyce
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Homemade God
    Critically acclaimed story about sibling relationships - what holds a family together and what might fracture it forever. A successful gear change from this bestselling author, set against the wild backdrop of an intense heatwave in Europe. Family is everything, even when it falls apart. There is a heatwave across Europe. Goose and his three sisters gather at the family's...
    By Rachel Joyce
    Paperback
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Miss Benson's Beetle
    NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – “A beautifully written, extraordinary quest in which two ordinary, overlooked women embark on an unlikely scientific expedition to the South Seas.” —Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand WINNER OF THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE – From the bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry comes an uplifting, irresistible novel about...
    By Rachel Joyce
    Paperback
    $4900
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy
    Bestselling companion to the 2 million+ copy, worldwide phenomenon, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - an exquisite, funny and heartrending parallel story. From the author of the 2 million+ copy, worldwide bestseller, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, - soon to be a major movie starring Jim Broadbent - an exquisite, funny and heartrending parallel story. When Queenie Hennessy...
    By Rachel Joyce
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from General Fiction

View all
  • The Wedding People
    'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people — but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...
    By Alison Espach
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Fourth Wing
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NUMBER ONE GLOBAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON! DON'T MISS OUT ON THE SERIES THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT: 'This book contains an addictive, drug-like essence that will make you relinquish all responsibility until the very last word. Do not say I didn't warn you' Glamour 'I didn't sleep, I didn't eat, and when I finished, I...
    By Rebecca Yarros
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Iron Flame
    The instant number one Sunday Times bestseller and thrilling sequel to the global phenomenon, Fourth Wing! DON'T BE THE LAST TO DISCOVER THE SERIES THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT: 'Yarros is the true inheritor of Harry Potter and inspires Hunger Games levels of devotion' Guardian 'Fear not, levels of fighting, rebelliousness and all-round sexiness are still sky-high' Daily Mail...
    By Rebecca Yarros
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    Join Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Princess Donut as they fight fantastical creatures and deadly mobs in the second book in the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl series -now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition Now on the third floor, Carl and Donut have to fight harder than ever. They've already proven that a Coast Guard vet and once-and-forever...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Hardback
    $4699
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses
    The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan – Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism – The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Dungeon Crawler Carl
    The apocalypse will be televised! Welcome to the first book in the wildly popular and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman-now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition! You know what's worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what's worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    New Release
    Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    Join Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Princess Donut as they fight fantastical creatures and deadly mobs in the second book in the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl series—now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition. Now on the third floor, Carl and Donut have to fight harder than ever. They've already proven that a Coast Guard vet and once-and-forever feline...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Silver Flames
    The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Kneel Before Me
    New Release
    Kneel Before Me
    Daphne never meant to want him - the monster who could destroy her... and the only one who never would. Now they're both caught between Their duties and their love. Daphne Verus never planned to compete for the prince. Now she's expected to trade the safety of her village for the caves beneath the mountain and be trained by Kronos...
    By Lindsay Straube
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Insatiable
    **THIS PAPERBACK EDITION FEATURES BRAND-NEW EXCLUSIVE CHARACTER ARTWORK, AS WELL AN ICONIC QUOTE ON THE INSIDE COVER!** From USA Today bestselling author and TikTok sensation comes the gripping, steamy dark romance series that everyone is talking about!'Filled with TENSION, HEARTBREAK and ELECTRIC CHEMISTRY. This one will tear your heart right out of your chest before tossing it back in and...
    By Leigh Rivers
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    20% off
    New Release
    The Ballad of Falling Dragons [Special Deluxe edition]
    The No.1 Sunday Times bestselling sensation When the Moon Hatched continues with the second book in The Moonfall Series, The Ballad of Falling Dragons… Raeve’s thirst for vengeance continues to burn, as does her love for Kaan Vaegor – a staunch beacon from a past she’s yet to face. With Rekk’s blood still fresh on her hands, she learns the...
    By Sarah A. Parker
    Hardback
    $4800
    Usually:
    $5999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Daggermouth
    New Release
    Lizzy's Pick Lizzy's Pick
    Daggermouth
    Daggermouth is one of the best dystopian romances I've ever read." Clio Evans, author of Broken Beginnings. He Is Her Ruin. She Is His Rebellion. The first thing you'll learn in New Found Haven is mercy no longer exists. Showing mercy is a weakness, and weakness will get you killed. The second thing is this — the Veyra are always...
    By H. M. Wolfe
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

General Fiction lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all