With my Wednesday afternoon client away on holiday recently I've been able to pay one of my occasional visits to a local book exchange in the village where I work every Wednesday morning. Several titles took my fancy, but this one provided the perfect reading material as we travelled up North to collect TYM at the weekend.
It's not a title which had me reaching for the dictionary every other word or scratching my head over complicated plot lines. It's the tale of a non descript kind of man called Harold Fry who leads a humdrum, routine bound life until one day he received a mysterious pink envelope. The contents force memories from 20 years before to bubble to the surface and he makes the spontaneous and lifechanging decision to walk from his home in Devon to Berwick.
The story is presented in a fuss free manner, but he is the quintessential English gentleman who doesn't want to make a fuss or put anyone to any trouble and as you accompany him on his unplanned journey the changes you witness in him and those who have known him for years or those he encounters fleetingly create a narrative full of moments of humour, pathos and surprise. It is an outer and inner voyage of discovery for all those involved and a gentle, original approach taken to the familiar topic of overcoming adversity.
I had hoped to make it my book of choice for our Bookclub, but they read it a couple of years ago and it was apparently a popular choice.
Arilx
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My friend gave me a copy of this book recently, I probably wouldn't have chosen it myself, however, I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI've passed it on to my Mum. Hopefully she might enjoy it too.
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A popular book indeed. I read it a few years ago and you have described it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteMight be time for a reread:)
Whimsical was how one review described it. It seems that I was late to the party [no change there then!] on this occasion.
DeleteArilx
My sister recommended it to me a couple of years ago and loved it. Glad to hear you are still going to the bookclub.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to have been a popular read Eileen.Am still enjoying the bookclub, but have missed the last two due to Morris dancing commitments. Back next month.Arilx
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Is that the same as a TV drama I saw many years ago starring James Bolam? He was a postman and one day decided to hand deliver some letters all over the UK, ending up in Scotland. He stayed with the last deliveree for a while and in the meantime his wife went a little strange as she didn't know where he was or what he was doing.
ReplyDeleteNo I don't think so Joan. He goes to visit a lady he used to work with who's dying.
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I enjoyed this book very much. Did you know that there is a " sister" volume? " The Love song of Miss Queenie Hennessy". .
ReplyDeleteNo I didn't realise. Thanks for the headsup Frances.
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It is one I have read and it gave my heart a little squeeze. I have just discovered that there is a second book written from the view point of Queenie, the lady he is walking too - only it is darker.
ReplyDeleteI think I shall have to track the other one down Kate.
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