Harold Fry, a recent retiree,
is sitting in his kitchen in England when he receives a letter from Queenie
Hennessey, an old friend and work colleague, telling him she’s dying of cancer.
After sharing the news with his wife, Maureen, Harold pens a response and promptly
heads outside to drop it in the mail. But Harold doesn’t stop there. He decides
that he’s going to walk all the way to Queenie’s bedside — more than 500 miles —
so he can personally thank her for her kindness all those years ago.
Harold’s pilgrimage is as
much an emotional journey as it is a physical one. The reader learns about the joys
and sorrows, successes and failures that have shaped Harold’s life, and the
effect they’ve had on his relationships with Maureen, Queenie and his son,
David. As Harold continues his cross-country trek, sending letters and
postcards beseeching Queenie to “hang in there” until he arrives, he becomes
something of a folk hero, drawing crowds of curious onlookers and well-wishers
as he makes his way toward Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
Rachel Joyce has created a tale
that’s sweet, heartbreaking, quirky and a little bit humbling. I think you’ll
find yourself rooting for Harold and optimistic about what’s next for him once
the journey is complete. Many thanks, Mom, for recommending this little gem!
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