Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce

1950 London
This story is a delightful hodge-lodge of friendship, quirky characters, intense adventure and a dogged pursuit of living life to the fullest. Margery Benson felt the world was against her but one day she decided to do something for herself and travels to the South Pacific wilds of New Calendonia seaching for the elusive golden beetle. She advertises for an assistant and ends up with Enid Pretty, a free thinking polar opposite of Margery and clearly on the lam. They form an unlikely pair sharing the adventure of a lifetime and form a bond neither thought possible. The story is outlandish and is so much fun as it is a story of bravery and survival in a dangerous part of the world. Each woman will figure out what is really important to them and how important they have become to each other. I wish this book had continued for another 300 pages or more. MISS BENSON'S BEETLE will appeal to readers of historical adventures, female friendships and quirky characters that take over your heart.  5 stars