The Penguin Lessons (book)
| Author | Tom Michell |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Memoir, nature writing |
| Publisher | Ballantine Books (US), Penguin Books (UK) |
Publication date | October 27, 2015 (US); June 16, 2016 (UK) |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Pages | 240 |
The Penguin Lessons is a 2015 memoir by British author Tom Michell. The book recounts Michell's experiences in 1975, when he rescued a Magellanic penguin from an oil spill in Uruguay and brought it back to a boarding school in Argentina, where he was teaching.
The penguin, named Juan Salvador, became a beloved figure among the students and staff, symbolizing resilience, compassion, and hope amid Argentina's turbulent political climate.
Background
[edit]In 1975, Tom Michell, then a 23-year-old Englishman, was working as a teacher at a prestigious boys' boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During a weekend trip to Punta del Este, Uruguay, he came across a beach strewn with dead Magellanic penguins affected by an oil spill. Among the corpses, Michell found one surviving penguin. He cleaned the bird and attempted to return it to the sea, but it refused to leave his side.[1][2]
Michell subsequently smuggled the penguin across the Argentine border and into the school where he worked. The penguin, later named Juan Salvador, was adopted by the school community and became a cherished companion.[2][3]
Synopsis
[edit]The memoir describes the development of the relationship between Michell and Juan Salvador. The penguin becomes an integral part of the school, serving as the rugby team's mascot and even joining Michell during swimming sessions. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Argentina's economic and political instability in the 1970s, providing a poignant contrast between national unrest and the simple comfort the penguin brings.
Michell eventually faces the emotional decision of releasing Juan Salvador back into the wild, marking a bittersweet conclusion to their time together.
Reception
[edit]The Penguin Lessons received positive reviews. Publishers Weekly described it as a "lively and endearing memoir" with a heartwarming narrative.[4] The Guardian called it “heartwarmingly eccentric” and praised its humor and charm.[1] It was endorsed by notable figures, including Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington Bear.[5]
Film adaptation
[edit]In 2024, the memoir was adapted into a feature film titled The Penguin Lessons, directed by Peter Cattaneo and written by Jeff Pope. Steve Coogan starred as Tom Michell. The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was released theatrically in early 2025. Reviews highlighted the film's emotional tone and creative liberties taken with the original story.[6][7]
Editions
[edit]| Edition | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| US hardcover | October 27, 2015 | 978–1101967416 |
| UK paperback | June 16, 2016 | 978–1405921800 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Flood, Alison (2016-06-26). "The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell review – heartwarmingly eccentric". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
- ^ a b "BBC Radio 2 - The Radio 2 Arts Show with Anneka Rice - The Penguin Lessons". BBC. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
- ^ BookBrief. "The Penguin Lessons Summary". BookBrief. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
- ^ "The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird by Tom Michell". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
- ^ "The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell | Waterstones". www.waterstones.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
- ^ "The Penguin Lessons: Cornish author's book made into film". BBC News. 2025-02-08. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
- ^ Scheck, Frank (2025-03-25). "'The Penguin Lessons' Review: Steve Coogan Makes a Feathered Friend in Sweet British Buddy Dramedy". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-06-23.