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The abrasive 86-year-old millionaire occupant of stately seaside mansion the Ballahays, Aryshire, Scotland, is a woman of stentorianly articulated firm opinions who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to say what she thinks. I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Edelweiss and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions included herein are my own. Alone in the world after the death of her husband many years earlier and with no family to speak of and with only her assistant Eileen for company, Veronica is a woman who has fallen into some rather pronounced life habits than she is loathe to break.
Away with the Penguins - Penguin Books UK
When she watches a television programme about Amelie Penguins, Veronica decides that she must make a journey to Antarctica to see them for herself. The book was selected with the help of a panel of library staff from across the UK. Our readers loved Away with the Penguins – here are some of their comments: A note for animal lovers: There is one brief scene of bird-on-penguin violence that may be disturbing. After all, Veronica is almost eighty-six, and has to consider the dispersion of her considerable wealth after she departs this life. Not that there’s any sign of that happening: Veronica is hale and healthy, with an excellent memory, she continues to assure everyone (even if they know otherwise): “My memory is faultless. I can recall dozens of lines of Hamlet from my schooldays.” Flashing like the neon displays in Piccadilly Circus, they couldn’t have advertised things more clearly.The Source marries universal truths with scientific rigor for a persuasive, important exploration of The Law of Attraction." – Deepak Chopra MD She shows up, and we are treated to a delightful story about an old woman who still has a few things to learn, a grandson she had just recently learned about, three scientists who also have a few things to learn, and an orphaned penguin named Pip, in addition to his entire colony of Adelie penguins. I know! I know! A pet penguin named Petunia is not very realistic. (Perfect name, right?) But hey, a girl can dream.
Penguins: The new heartwarming story from the No Call of the Penguins: The new heartwarming story from the No
The book starts by introducing the main character Veronica McCreedy, 86 y.o who lives in a mansion by the sea in Aryshire, Scotland. This is a difficult time for would-be Antarctic adventurers, with expeditions to the continent in the south being cancelled on a regular basis due to Covid-19 and the government’s regulations for ships that have an outbreak. Our trip was cancelled just two days before we were due to embark – read more on that here– but we made the decision to travel to Ushuaia regardless and we didn’t regret it. We are always delighted to hear from authors. We are currently open for review requests and we are happy to review a wide variety of genres. Please submit your information below and we will be in touch asap. Furthermore, the book touches upon significant themes such as anti-religious sentiments, climate change, pollution, animal extinction, drug abuse, marriage, prisoners of war during World War II, orphaned children, and the pervasive loneliness experienced, particularly in old age.And the writing, itself, is to die for. The novel is elegantly written; Prior’s prose is gorgeous. Every word is a joy to read. A quote from the book: "There are three types of people in the world: those who make the world worse, those who make no difference, and those who make the world better." When she sees a documentary about penguins being studied in Antarctica, she decided to embark on a journey that will change her. "This year's Eleanor Oliphant . . .Funny, bittersweet and wholly original ". - Daily Express "A warm and witty journey of self-discovery. Prior proves that it's never too late to become the person you were meant to be." - Wendy Wax, bestselling author of MY EX-BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING This story will warm your heart. If you didn’t love penguins already, you will after this sweet story. I adored Veronica and the growth I saw in her once she opened up. I think Hazel Prior has written a glorious account of how one can heal at any age, or that it’s never too late to mend fences. And one more: animals can be the catalyst for positive change, just because I have to mention the penguins again!
Away With the Penguins by Hazel Prior Book review: Away With the Penguins by Hazel Prior
If you need a break from violence, give this one a chance. It’s very engaging, funny and with an unforgettable character. And yes, there is some drama. Veronica McCreedy, at age 85, spends her days mostly alone, in her mansion in Scotland by the sea. She has no family. No friends. The only human interaction Veronica has in her life is with her personal assistant, Eileen, and a gardener who tends to the grounds of her mansion. She is the quintessential lonely, grumpy curmudgeon. I absolutely LOVED the way Hazel Prior included the penguin facts throughout - it was so much fun to learn about the little guys.Without a doubt the most delightful, joyous and uplifting book I've read so far this year . . . be prepared to fall in love.' *****
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