The Penguin Lessons BOOK REVIEW

• Date Published:
  2015
• Length:
  240 pages—Listening Time: 6 hr 2 minutes
• Genre:
  NonFiction, Biography, Memoir, Travel
• Setting:
  1976; Argentina, Uruguay
• Awards:
  Although this novel has not won any major writing awards, the film did win notoriety at several film festivals.
• Languages:
  Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Latin, Portuguese, 
  Spanish, Swedish
• Sensitive Aspects:
  War/coup backdrop (Argentina during the 1970s), environmental hazards to wildlife
  ***In October 2025, shocking allegations surfaced against the author, Mike Thompson (pen name Tom Michell), which have significantly affected the reputation of the memoir and its cinematic adaptation. Michell has denied the claims.
• Movie:
  The Penguin Lessons was made into a movie that was released in 2024. The movie stars Steve Coogan as Tom Michell and Jonathan Pryce as Headmaster Timothy Buckle.
• Recommended for Book Club:
  Yes.

There are times you pick up a book because you need a distraction… and then there are times you pick up a book because you need healing. For me, The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell was the latter. It’s the kind of story that restores your faith in small acts of kindness and reminds you that not everything in this world is cruel, complicated, or digital. Sometimes, it’s just a man, a penguin, and a wildly improbable friendship that ends up saying more about humanity than most memoirs ever could.

Here’s the setup: a young British teacher, living in 1970s Argentina, rescues an oil-slicked penguin from the aftermath of an environmental disaster. He cleans it, names it Juan Salvador, and returns it to his boarding school, since what other course of action is there once a penguin has chosen to stay by your side? What unfolds after that is one of those rare, quietly hopeful stories that makes you laugh, ache, and maybe even Google “how to adopt a penguin” at 2 a.m.

What struck me most, though, wasn’t just the absurd charm of having a house penguin (though, honestly, who wouldn’t love that?). It was how Tom Michell captured that tender middle ground between chaos and calm—the same space most of us live in right now. The world feels noisy and fractured, but here’s this gentle story saying, Look, you can still choose connection. You can still care, even when it’s inconvenient or messy.

Reading The Penguin Lessons felt like a deep exhale after months of holding my breath. It’s not preachy or grand—it’s simply human. And in times like these, that might be the most comforting thing of all.

Tom Michell’s memoir, The Penguin Lessons, offers a blend of heartwarming adventure, environmental awareness, and cultural exploration, making it an exceptional pick for book club readers seeking inspiration, laughter, and meaningful discussion.

Set in the politically volatile Argentina of the 1970s, Michell, a young British teacher yearning for purpose and discovery, finds himself swept up in an extraordinary journey after rescuing a lone Magellanic penguin from an oil spill during a holiday in Uruguay. This seemingly whimsical act of compassion forms the book’s core: as Michell smuggles the penguin back to his boys’ boarding school near Buenos Aires, the newly named Juan Salvador quickly charms students and teachers alike, becoming a school mascot and an unlikely sage.

The real-life narrative unfolds in a turbulent setting of economic chaos, where bartered goods replace currency and political drama seeps into everyday routines. Yet through this backdrop, the penguin’s presence becomes a bridge between divided communities—facilitating unlikely friendships, breaking down emotional walls, and sparking a deep sense of wonder, joy, and curiosity. Juan Salvador’s gentle wisdom, quiet listening, and ability to unite people across social and generational divides offer touching lessons in empathy and companionship, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections and communal bonds.

Throughout Michell’s adventures—whether navigating border crossings laced with comic mishaps or confronting larger environmental crises—the book delivers giggle-inducing anecdotes and poignant moments alike. Readers will grapple with themes of resilience, responsible stewardship, and the impact humans have on the natural world, as Michell juxtaposes his passion for animals with insights on Argentina’s fractured political landscape.

Perfect for book clubs, The Penguin Lessons encourages lively conversation around:

• The power of cross-species friendships
• The importance of active listening and empathy within groups
• Humor as a vehicle for healing and connection
• Environmental responsibility and animal welfare
• The cultural challenges of adapting to a new place

This uplifting memoir invites readers to consider how unexpected encounters—with people and animals alike—can transform a community, making it a feel-good, discussion-rich choice for any book club.

Followers of Readers With Wrinkles should consider reading The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell for its heartwarming blend of adventure, humor, life lessons, and unforgettable animal friendship. This uplifting memoir offers much more than just a charming penguin tale—it delivers a rich reading experience that resonates with book lovers of all ages.

Unique Human–Animal Bond

The book beautifully explores the unusual yet profound bond formed between Tom Michell and Juan Salvador, the Magellanic penguin he rescues. Their relationship is at the heart of the narrative, illustrating how compassion and empathy can bridge even the widest species gap.

Unexpected Humor and Adventure

Michell’s story is peppered with laugh-out-loud moments, from smuggling a penguin across international borders to mishaps in school dorms. These adventures not only entertain but highlight the joys of spontaneity and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

Touching Themes of Care and Transformation

Readers witness firsthand the transformative impact Juan Salvador has on both Michell and the boys at the boarding school. The penguin brings comfort, inspires empathy, and helps a struggling student come out of his shell, demonstrating the healing power of kindness and connection.

Subtle Social and Environmental Commentary

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Argentina during political and economic turmoil, the memoir skillfully contrasts human society’s chaos with the purity of human–animal connection. It also addresses environmental issues—the oil spill that nearly killed Juan Salvador is a poignant call for conservation and respect for wildlife.

Uplifting, Feel-Good Reading for Book Clubs

This memoir is perfect for book clubs thanks to its blend of humor, emotional depth, and uplifting moments. The story culminates in a bittersweet farewell, affirming the value of love, letting go, and making a difference, leaving readers both smiling and inspired. Who doesn't love penguins?

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