How the Penguins Saved Veronica

A curmudgeonly but charming old woman, her estranged grandson, and a colony of penguins proves it's never too late to be the person you want to be in this rich, heartwarming story from the acclaimed author of Ellie and the Harpmaker.

Eighty-five-year-old Veronica McCreedy is estranged from her family and wants to find a worthwhile cause to leave her fortune to. When she sees a documentary about penguins being studied in Antarctica, she tells the scientists she's coming to visit--and won't take no for an answer. Shortly after arriving, she convinces the reluctant team to rescue an orphaned baby penguin. He becomes part of life at the base, and Veronica's closed heart starts to open.

Her grandson, Patrick, comes to Antarctica to make one last attempt to get to know his grandmother. Together, Veronica, Patrick, and even the scientists learn what family, love, and connection are all about.

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368 pages

Average rating: 7.88

56 RATINGS

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2 REVIEWS

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Community Reviews

Kira Jane
Mar 08, 2024
7/10 stars
Very sweet story, I enjoyed how the stories from WWII era were woven in. The ending...rather predictable but enjoyable none the less
DesignsByMeghen
May 04, 2023
7/10 stars
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book. It was a little cheesy at first, but after a few chapters, I grew fond of the characters, especially Veronica. This story makes you reflect on what’s essential in your life and what legacy you want to leave after dying. One line that resonated with me was, “She had found someone to care for.”

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