The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Just for the record (and this isn’t a spoiler) Harold is very devoted and in love with Maureen. Harold remembers particular events in his life- the losses, mistakes, regrets, passion, love and wonderful times. This is not an action book to be sure, it’s a study in human nature our insecurities, hopes and resolution. A six hundred mile walk from Kingsbridge to the hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed. This is the start of his unlikely pilgrimage. Eventually he decides he must deliver his message to Queenie in person. But a strange thing happens…he finds he cannot mail it, the response is inadequate and so, he decides to walk to another letter box and ponder memories of Queenie, his previous work, Maureen and his estranged son David. While Maureen nibbles at a cold piece of toast, Harold writes out a quick note to Queenie then starts out for a morning walk to mail his reply. Queenie Hennessy writes from her hospice room to say goodbye and thanks for the friendship Harold extended many years ago. It’s addressed to Harold in a shaky scrawl and from a woman, a former coworker of Harold’s, whom he’s not heard from in over 20 years. One morning the mail arrives and their life changes upon delivery of a single letter. She cleans, she glares, makes disparaging comments about everything and is all-in-all…a real bummer. He shares his small home with his wife, Maureen: a woman who lives to complain, even silently finding ways to show her disapproval of everything Harold does.

He seems to be existing rather than living. Harold Fry is a retired soft spoken, quiet gentleman.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce