Title: The Penguin Lessons
Author: Tom Michell
First published November 1, 2015
229 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780718181635 (ISBN10: 0718181638)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
With a heart full of hope, Tom Michell rescued a penguin named Juan Salvador from the clutches of an oil slick. Little did he know that this would be the beginning of a lifelong bond.
Set in the tumultuous years of Argentina after the fall of the Peronist regime, Tom’s journey with Juan Salvador is a testament to the power of love and hope against all odds. Follow their heartwarming story in The Penguin Lessons.
Editoral Review
Book Review: The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell
Tom Michell’s The Penguin Lessons is a heartwarming memoir that captures the reader’s attention from the first page to the last. Published in November 2015, this book tells the story of how Michell found love, friendship, and purpose in an unexpected place.
The memoir is set in the 1970s and follows the author’s journey as a young Englishman teaching at a boarding school in Argentina. One day, Michell stumbled upon a group of penguins stranded on the beach after an oil spill.
Without thinking twice, he scooped up one of the helpless creatures and brought it back to the school where he was working. Thus begins what Michell calls his “Penguin Lesson”—a journey of discovery and friendship, all centered around an unusual bond between a man and a penguin.
Through his adventures and misadventures with the penguin, which he named Juan Salvado, Michell learns to appreciate the beauty of life and the importance of following one’s heart. The book is written in an engaging and straightforward style that makes it accessible to a wide audience.
Almost every chapter is a new and exciting story about Michell and Juan Salvado, and readers will find it hard not to root for the two protagonists. One of the strengths of the book is Michell’s ability to bring to life the different characters he encounters during his adventures.
From the eccentric school staff to the friendly locals, he portrays each person with a keen eye for detail and an ear for dialogue that reflects their personalities. Moreover, the author’s love for nature and animals shines throughout the book, making it a perfect read for animal lovers.
Michell’s descriptions of the landscapes and wildlife of Argentina are vivid and immersive, transporting the reader to a different time and place. Despite its many strengths, The Penguin Lessons does have a few weaknesses.
At times, the writing feels a little repetitive, especially with regard to Michell’s emotional descriptions of his bond with Juan Salvado. Additionally, the memoir does not delve very deeply into the political and social upheaval of Argentina at the time, which could have added more depth to the book.
Despite these minor drawbacks, readers are likely to find this book an uplifting and enjoyable read. Michell’s storytelling is engaging, and his love for Juan Salvado is evident on every page.
The book is an excellent reminder of the importance of following one’s passions and finding joy in the unexpected. In conclusion, The Penguin Lessons is an excellent read for anyone looking for a heartwarming story that celebrates the beauty of life and the bonds we form with those around us.
This book is both educational and inspiring, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves animals or is looking for a compelling memoir. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
