- Date Published:
2020, original title was Away With the Penguins - Length:
368 pages—Listening Time: 10 hr 44 minutes - Genre:
Fiction, Family, Historical Fiction - Setting:
May 2012 to March 2013, with flashbacks to 1940-1943; Ayrshire, Scotland; Bolton, Lancashire, England; Locket Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica - Awards:
Audie Award Finalist, Multi-Voiced Performance 2021; AudioFile Earphones Award 2021, Richard and Judy Book Club Pick (UK) - Language:
English - Sensitive Aspects:
Trauma and loss, teenage pregnancy, forced adoption, drug use, abandonment, foster care - Movie:
There are no publicly announced movie deals for a film adaptation of How the Penguins Saved Veronica (also known as Away with the Penguins) - Recommend for Book Club:
YES, everybody loves penguins!
Be not deceived by this book's "cartoony" cover of How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior. It is an extraordinary, inspiring, and heartfelt read, a bit like going on a roller coaster at a theme park. At first you're apprehensive but end up totally absorbed in the exhilaration and excitement it provides. The author captivated me from the very beginning to the very end.
I love it when an older character takes center stage as the protagonist of a book. Veronica McCreedy, an 85-year-old woman, may have a touch of Asperger Syndrome. Consider Olivia Oliphant, Olive Kitteridge, or even the female version of Ove. In the book, Prior refers to her as "curmudgeonly." She is not someone you would want to visit for coffee or invite around for supper. She has one of those personalities that, due to her age, everyone just tolerates.
You will never forget Veronica. Hazel Prio will ensure you remember this book, as it is the first in her "penguin" series, which also includes the sequels Call of the Penguins and Gone With the Penguins. I I have not yet read the whole series, but I look forward to doing so..
This is a perfect summer book for all RWW readers. Firstly, the weather forecasts predict a scorching summer worldwide. At least your mind will cool off on the tundra of Antarctica. Secondly, this novel offers a lovely escape from the unstable politics, war threats, and economic angst that we face every day. Give yourself a break; it's a wonderful book.
How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior is a heartwarming novel centered on Veronica McCreedy, an 85-year-old, wealthy, and rather curmudgeonly woman who feels isolated and estranged from her family. With no close relatives except for her housekeeper Eileen—whom she doesn’t particularly like—Veronica is searching for a worthy cause to leave her fortune to. Her life takes a turn when she discovers she has a grandson, Patrick, but their initial meeting is disappointing and does not provide the connection she hoped for.
Feeling unfulfilled, Veronica becomes captivated by a documentary about Adélie penguins and the scientists researching them in Antarctica. Determined to see the penguins and evaluate whether their conservation is worth supporting, Veronica contacts the research station and offers a large donation in exchange for a three-week visit. Despite the scientists’ attempts to dissuade her, Veronica is resolute and travels to the remote Locket Island.
The research team initially meets Veronica's presence in Antarctica with skepticism and resistance. She struggles with the harsh environment and her own feelings of being unwelcome, but her determination never wavers. A pivotal moment arises when she convinces the scientists to save an orphaned penguin chick, defying their strict policy of non-intervention. The act of saving the chick becomes a catalyst for change: Veronica’s once-closed heart begins to open, and she forges unexpected bonds with both the scientists and the penguins.
Meanwhile, Patrick, her estranged grandson, eventually joins her in Antarctica, seeking a second chance to connect. Through their shared experiences with the penguins and the research team, both Veronica and Patrick confront their personal traumas and disappointments, gradually learning about love, forgiveness, and the importance of family and community.
Veronica’s journey shows it’s never too late to change or to find purpose. The penguins and the Antarctic landscape play a vital role in helping all the characters heal and connect. Both Veronica and Patrick discover the value of relationships and the possibility of reconciliation.
By the end of the novel, Veronica’s adventure not only saves a vulnerable penguin but also helps her—and those around her—rediscover hope, compassion, and the meaning of family.
You should consider reading How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior if you’re looking for a novel that is both heartwarming and uplifting, with a unique blend of humor, emotional depth, and charming characters—both human and penguin.
Here are the main reasons why this book stands out:
A Story of Transformation and Second Chances
The novel centers on Veronica McCreedy, an 85-year-old woman who is estranged from her family and searching for meaning late in life. Her journey to Antarctica and her interactions with a penguin colony—and especially an orphaned chick named Pip—spark a profound change in her outlook, proving that it’s never too late to heal, grow, and reconnect with the world.
Rich, Relatable Themes
The book explores family, forgiveness, and the power of unexpected connections. Veronica’s relationship with her estranged grandson, Patrick, and the scientists at the research station provides a touching narrative about mending broken relationships and finding purpose in unlikely places.
Lovable Characters and Witty Prose
Veronica is depicted as a feisty, sharp-witted, and stubborn protagonist whose personality brings both humor and poignancy to the story. Her transformation from a prickly recluse to someone open to love and connection is both believable and moving. The writing is often described as charming, witty, and elegantly crafted, making for an enjoyable reading experience.
Atmospheric Antarctic Setting
The novel transports readers to the icy plains of Antarctica, offering vivid descriptions of the landscape and the daily life of penguin researchers. The penguins themselves add a delightful, endearing element to the story, and the environmental themes are woven in without overwhelming the narrative.
Emotional Resonance and Uplifting Tone
While the book deals with loss, trauma, and loneliness, its overall tone is hopeful and affirming. Many readers describe feeling “hugged” by the story, and it’s recommended for anyone who enjoys tales of personal growth and found family.
For Fans of Character-Driven, Feel-Good Fiction
If you liked books such as A Man Called Ove, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, or Where’d You Go, Bernadette, you’ll likely enjoy this novel’s blend of quirky characters, humor, and emotional depth.
Audiobook Excellence
If you let your ears do your reading, you will love the audiobook version of this book. Helen Lloyd, Andrew Fallaize, and Mandy Williams deliver standout performances narrating this book.
Potential Drawbacks
Some reviewers highlight the plot's occasional predictability and suggest that certain secondary characters, such as the scientists, could have benefited from further development. However, these are generally considered minor compared to the book’s many strengths.
Get Hazel Prior Books
Totally delightful. The perfect summer read.
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If you loved How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior, you’ll likely enjoy other novels that blend heartwarming storytelling, quirky protagonists (often older or outcast), themes of self-discovery, intergenerational relationships, and a touch of humor or adventure. Here are some top recommendations :
- Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick
This novel centers on a lonely jeweler whose life is upended when his teenage niece arrives unexpectedly. Like Veronica, Benedict is forced out of his comfort zone and into a journey of self-discovery and renewed family connection. The story is filled with warmth, gentle humor, and a focus on personal growth. - Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
This adventure follows an eccentric, middle-aged woman who sets off to the other side of the world in search of a mythical golden beetle. The book explores unlikely friendships, resilience, and the healing power of adventure—much like Veronica’s Antarctic quest. - Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
If you enjoyed the curmudgeonly charm of Veronica, Britt-Marie will feel familiar. This novel features an older woman who, after a life of routine, finds herself in a small town, learning about community, purpose, and second chances. - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Another grumpy but lovable protagonist, Ove sees his closed-off world transformed by unexpected relationships and a persistent community. The blend of humor, heartache, and redemption mirrors the tone and themes of Hazel Prior’s novel. - Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
While Eleanor is younger than Veronica, both characters are isolated, set in their ways, and slowly open up to the world through new friendships and challenges. The novel is witty, touching, and ultimately uplifting. - Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
This book shares the quirky, adventurous spirit of How the Penguins Saved Veronica, featuring an unconventional older woman who disappears, prompting a journey of discovery for her family. Both novels are praised for their humor, warmth, and memorable protagonists. - Call of the Penguins and Gone with the Penguins by Hazel Prior
If you want more of Veronica and her penguin adventures, Hazel Prior has written sequels that continue her story, offering the same blend of charm, humor, and emotional depth. - Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior
Prior’s debut novel features gentle, quirky characters and explores themes of connection, healing, and finding joy in unexpected places—perfect for fans of her style.
Other Authors to Explore:
Readers who enjoy Hazel Prior’s works also gravitate toward Cecelia Ahern (P.S. I Love You), John Boyne (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas), and Niall Williams (This Is Happiness), whose books often feature emotional journeys, richly drawn characters, and themes of hope and renewal.
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