The Penguin Lessons
As seen:
By Tom Michell
avg rating
5 reviews
AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 2 FACT NOT FICTION BOOKCLUB
‘I was hoping against hope that the penguin would survive because as of that instant he had a name, and with his name came the beginning of a bond which would last a life-time’
Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays. He even has a motorbike, Che Guevara style. What he doesn’t need is a pet. What he really doesn’t need is a pet penguin.
Set against Argentina’s turbulent years following the collapse of the corrupt Perónist regime, this is the heart-warming story of Juan Salvador the penguin, rescued by Tom from an oil slick in Uruguay just days before a new term. When the bird refuses to leave Tom’s side, the young teacher has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. Whether it’s as the rugby team’s mascot, the housekeeper’s confidant, the host at Tom’s parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets – in particular one homesick school boy. And as for Tom, he discovers in Juan Salvador a compadre like no other…
The Penguin Lessons is a unique and moving true story which has captured imaginations around the globe – for all those who dreamed as a child they might one day talk to the animals.
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This was an impulse borrow from my son who loves penguins!! It is a heart warming, comforting story about challenges encountered; including crossing borders, smuggling a penguin, living with a penguin...
Totally absorbing.
The author reflects on his adventures as a young man teaching at a boarding school in Argentina. Full of enthusiasm as he explores South America, his life takes a very unexpected turn when he finds a penguin close to death after being swept ashore in an oil spill off the coast of Uruguay.
Tom’s delight at his success in rescuing “Juan Salvador” is tempered by the sudden realisation that by cleaning him he may have ruined the penguin’s waterproofing. There seems to be no other option but to take Juan back to Argentina.
To say that Juan Salvador is a huge hit with everyone at the school – both staff and boys – would be an understatement. A friendly and funny character who seems to empathise whenever someone decides to confide in him, Juan brings happiness to all those you know him.
I loved this true, heart-warming account of life in a fascinating country with an equally fascinating companion!
"I was hoping against hope that the penguin would survive because as of that instant he had a name, and with his name came the beginning of a bond which would last a life-time."
The Penguin Lessons is a true story about a beautiful friendship between a man and a penguin.
I'm currently reading this book now and I'm really enjoying it. It's different to the type of books I usually read but it has 100% hooked me!
This lovely book should be read by everyone, the writing is beautiful, funny and so uplifting. I don't know of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy it. Juan Salvador is my new best friend and I already miss him.
What a lovely little book! Perfect for all penguin fans.
