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  • The Penguin Lessons

  • By: Tom Michell
  • Narrated by: Bill Nighy
  • Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (580 ratings)
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The Penguin Lessons cover art

The Penguin Lessons

By: Tom Michell
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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Summary

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable, audiobook edition of The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell, read by Bill Nighy.

'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 20's: 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. <\p>

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.

©2015 Tom Michell (P)2015 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about The Penguin Lessons

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  • Overall
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Enchanting

This is just a beautiful story and Bill's reading of it is light but intensely moving and entertaining. What a joy.
I would recommend for anyone who loves animals and especially penguins and also anyone who enjoys beautiful language. A gem of a book. Thank you

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

charming

Just loved this charming gem of a book. Bill Nighy is the perfect narrator. I was so sad to finish and say adios to Juan Salvatore!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

absolutely fantastic

I looked at this many times and nearly did not get it. I thought it may be sentimental and kitsch. But not at all. A wonderful book that I found hard to put down. Delightful descriptions of Argentina, the relationship between the school boys and the penguin, and of course his own adventures with his new friend. So well written and so well read. Wholeheartedly recommend this.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Man meets penguin. The End

I’m afraid even the gloriously dulcet tones of Bill Nigh couldn’tsave this dreary tale with it’s endless lists of things dressed with a flowery language. Everyone loves a penguin but it just wasn’t enough to save this thin little tale. Should have been kept as a memoir for grandchildren who may, or may not have been interested in grandad’s youthful friendship.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wonderful

uplifting thoughtful reflections of special relationships, human impacts on the planet and what it was like in argentina 40 years ago. loved it.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Adorable

Beautifully read by Bill Nighy - a delightful story that will gladden your heart and stimulate all of your emotions.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful, entertaining.

Where does The Penguin Lessons rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As an entertaining read, highly. In reminding us of our responsibility to nature, also highly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Penguin Lessons?

When the penguin helps a very lonely young boy.

What about Bill Nighy’s performance did you like?

Not a moments hesitation. Wonderful and lyrical performance. Full emotional force and humour conveyed. A very entertaining and, at times, emotional, listen. Bill Nighy is the best narrator I have come across so far. Amazingly good.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What would you do if you rescued a penguin and it wouldn't go back to the sea?

Any additional comments?

This was a most enjoyable book, based upon a true story. Important to remember that it was the seventies, a very different time in many ways. However, our responsibility, to nature and the environment is just as crucial.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What a delightful Penguin

Listened for my book club. Such a joy. The story is a lovely tale. Bill Nighy’s reading is spot on. Sad the book is over.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Truly Captivating Tale

I can’t believe the author has never written another book before or since! This story is just superb, and kept me hooked right till the last word. Bill Nighy also, is an excellent narrator and gives this fantastic book the voice it deserves. Honestly, I just want to listen to it all again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The relationship and the country….

This is one of my favorite books. I love witnessing the developing relationship between penguin and human, it enchanting how they learn from each other. The authors description of the country is magical.

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