How the Penguins Saved Veronica

Marvelously original story that makes you feel good. Quirky and lovable characters. Tells a story that speaks to the heart

This is a sweet story much like A Man Called Ove. An easy read with a good message. My book club enjoyed it.

Love the story line. It kept me entertained and was a fast read.

I bought this book by mistake, before I saw that the price was more than I ever pay for my books. These days I buy only discounted or free books from a few sites. I thought about it and decided to keep it because the idea of the story was intriguing. I was right to keep How The Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior. The most important lesson learned for the reader is that it's never too late to make the changes in your life to find the happiness you so desperately need to be whole again.This is a story that is preposterous but at the same time very real right down to your soul. A story so strange, moving and leaves a mark that you'll carry with you. It's a lesson not to waste your life for that was what Veronica was doing before she discovered the penguins.Veronica is 86, walks with a cane and lives in a large house in Scotland that needs repairs with only a daily housekeeper named Eileen. She is unmotivated to live her true life until she decides to confront her past and asks Eileen to use her computer to search to see if she has any relatives.Veronica finds that she does have a grandson named Patrick. She goes to visit him and is totally dissatisfied with him. Patrick has also had a very difficult childhood and lived most of his life alone. These two are destined to find they are kindred spirits but how do they get there?Thus the story unfolds about Veronica's sad past as she pines over her locket with one hair of each of her lost loved ones. Hers is a sad story but she finally decides to move on when she gets enthralled with a documentary about scientists studying the lives of penguins in Antarctica.It doesn't seem possible but Veronica has an iron will and even though the 3 scientists in the primitive shack in Antarctica don't want her there, she stays, refusing to be thrown out. A woman who has lived most of her adult life without friends begins to see she has connections to people as well as the penguins. Veronica learns that she can still care about people and that they can care about her very much.I won't give away any more of this story but I do urge you to read this book. You will feel better for it.

This is the US version of ""Away with the Penguins" published in the UK.

I loved escaping into this story and getting to know all the characters. It was just what I needed. I look forward to reading more from the author.

Four starts for the first half, two stars for the second. Patrick the human was an annoying and unbelievable character.

Characters are developed honestly, without pretense but truth. You are pulled into the story by gravity in caring for these efforting people. Young, old we all need connection, respect and to be seen, is such a gift. Lovers this precious story, its richness unfolds on every page.

Lovely story

It's a light reading but that brings interesting topics to reflect such as aging alone and having a purpose in life.I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it if you are looking for a light, fast and moving read

This was a fast read but a good one too. More and more books are being written with an older person being the central character and I’m enjoying them. The Spoon Stealer and Benediction come to mind too.

Mesmo abordando algumas questões difíceis no livro, a autora o faz de forma muito leve, deixando a experiência de leitura gostosa, com toques de humor na medida.

On my list of favourite books.