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ruthmoog's review
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.5
We join Harold on a walk where he reflects on his life and relationships, learns about himself, his love for his wife and son, regret in his past. He meets people along the way who believe in him conpassioantely and open up about their lives.
There's a twist, and I felt good for Harold at the end of the journey, although the end of the story is predictable and a little underwhelming. The neighbour, Rex, was my favourite character.
There's a twist, and I felt good for Harold at the end of the journey, although the end of the story is predictable and a little underwhelming. The neighbour, Rex, was my favourite character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Suicide, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction
Detailed descriptions of food. Normalisation of pesticides.what_heather_loves's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"He had learned that it was the smallness of people that filled him with wonder and tenderness, and the loneliness of that too. The world was made up of people putting one foot in front of the other; and a life might appear ordinary simply because the person living it had done so for a long time. Harold could not longer pass a stranger without acknowledging the truth that everyone was the same, and also unique; and that was the dilemma of being human."
Harold Fry's lonely and sad retirement with struggling and distant wife Maureen is interrupted by the arrival of a letter from Queenie Hennessy. Harold and Queenie worked together at a brewery in Dorset, but haven't seen one another for years, which Harold regrets. Queenie tells him she is dieing. So Harold writes back, but his walk to the post box doesn't stop there; he continues until he decides to walk to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where Queenie is in a hospice. This is despite the huge distance and the fact Harold is wearing impractical yachting shoes and has forgotten his mobile phone. Will Harold make it to Queenie and will Maureen forgive him?
Harold's slow but steady walk up the country is both joyful and full of hardship, as Harold finds himself using the time to recall difficult memories and events, including around his and Maureen's distant grown-up son, David. Harold meets all sorts of people on his travels, stays in B&Bs, sleeps wild, accepting the kindness of strangers, becoming a national hero, meeting those determined to accompany him on his unusual pilgrimage and questioning why he is doing this incredibly difficult journey.
This is a heartwarming and life-affirming read I thoroughly enjoyed. Harold, despite his misgivings, is a good man and his journey helps him, and Maureen, to come to terms with a lot that has happened in their lives. Joyce's writing is elegant and descriptive, engaging and affectionate. This would make a wonderful gift.
Harold Fry's lonely and sad retirement with struggling and distant wife Maureen is interrupted by the arrival of a letter from Queenie Hennessy. Harold and Queenie worked together at a brewery in Dorset, but haven't seen one another for years, which Harold regrets. Queenie tells him she is dieing. So Harold writes back, but his walk to the post box doesn't stop there; he continues until he decides to walk to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where Queenie is in a hospice. This is despite the huge distance and the fact Harold is wearing impractical yachting shoes and has forgotten his mobile phone. Will Harold make it to Queenie and will Maureen forgive him?
Harold's slow but steady walk up the country is both joyful and full of hardship, as Harold finds himself using the time to recall difficult memories and events, including around his and Maureen's distant grown-up son, David. Harold meets all sorts of people on his travels, stays in B&Bs, sleeps wild, accepting the kindness of strangers, becoming a national hero, meeting those determined to accompany him on his unusual pilgrimage and questioning why he is doing this incredibly difficult journey.
This is a heartwarming and life-affirming read I thoroughly enjoyed. Harold, despite his misgivings, is a good man and his journey helps him, and Maureen, to come to terms with a lot that has happened in their lives. Joyce's writing is elegant and descriptive, engaging and affectionate. This would make a wonderful gift.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Terminal illness, and Death
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