Call of the Penguins

Call of the Penguins by Hazel Prior. Random House UK

Veronica McCreedy is 87 years old and can claim the joy of having visited and come to know the adelie penguins when she visited the Antarctic. One might think that would be enough for her but then she is invited to present some segments of a wildlife documentary on penguins by a famous conservationist. This requires travel to both Australia and the Falkland Islands to perform her duties. During the course of this experience, she learns a lot more about humans as she continues to focus on her love of penguins. Along for the ride are grandson Patrick, nine-year-old cancer patient Daisy, and penguin specialist Terry.

I should begin by pointing out this book is a follow-up to Away with the Penguins and the reader would benefit from reading that first. That said, I believe this is quite readable as a standalone too. Veronica McCreedy is still something of a grouchy old woman but she has mellowed a bit since her visit to the Antarctic and takes some pleasure in helping others. Along with the new adventures with penguins, there are storylines around grandson Patrick and his relationship with Terry, the search for information on long-lost son, Enzo, and that of Daisy. Veronica sticks her nose into all of them, trying to help things along for all.

While I definitely enjoyed this book, it wasn’t quite the gem its predecessor was. I suspect that’s always the danger in a follow-up book. On the other hand, there was some unfinished business from the earlier story and this book ties up a few loose ends and seems to close the story on Veronica. While it took a bit more time to get into this book, I soon found myself impatient to find out answers to some of the questions that arose. Anyway, it’s quite well written and is again full of much information about penguins.

Overall this was another lovely read and I give it 3.5 stars. I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK for an advanced reader copy. I provide this review voluntarily.