- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks; Reprint edition (March 1, 2016)
- ISBN: 9780812989816
From the bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry comes an exquisite love story about Queenie Hennessy, the remarkable friend who inspired Harold’s cross-country journey.
A runaway international bestseller, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry followed its unassuming hero on an incredible journey as he traveled the length of England on foot—a journey spurred by a simple letter from his old friend Queenie Hennessy, writing from a hospice to say goodbye. Harold believed that as long as he kept walking, Queenie would live. What he didn’t know was that his decision to walk had caused her both alarm and fear. How could she wait? What would she say? Forced to confront the past, Queenie realizes she must write again.
In this poignant parallel story to Harold’s saga, acclaimed author Rachel Joyce brings Queenie Hennessy’s voice into sharp focus. Setting pen to paper, Queenie makes a journey of her own, a journey that is even bigger than Harold’s; one word after another, she promises to confess long-buried truths—about her modest childhood, her studies at Oxford, the heartbreak that brought her to Kingsbridge and to loving Harold, her friendship with his son, the solace she has found in a garden by the sea. And, finally, the devastating secret she has kept from Harold for all these years.
A wise, tender, layered novel that gathers tremendous emotional force, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy underscores the resilience of the human spirit, beautifully illuminating the small yet pivotal moments that can change a person’s life.
A runaway international bestseller, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry followed its unassuming hero on an incredible journey as he traveled the length of England on foot—a journey spurred by a simple letter from his old friend Queenie Hennessy, writing from a hospice to say goodbye. Harold believed that as long as he kept walking, Queenie would live. What he didn’t know was that his decision to walk had caused her both alarm and fear. How could she wait? What would she say? Forced to confront the past, Queenie realizes she must write again.
In this poignant parallel story to Harold’s saga, acclaimed author Rachel Joyce brings Queenie Hennessy’s voice into sharp focus. Setting pen to paper, Queenie makes a journey of her own, a journey that is even bigger than Harold’s; one word after another, she promises to confess long-buried truths—about her modest childhood, her studies at Oxford, the heartbreak that brought her to Kingsbridge and to loving Harold, her friendship with his son, the solace she has found in a garden by the sea. And, finally, the devastating secret she has kept from Harold for all these years.
A wise, tender, layered novel that gathers tremendous emotional force, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy underscores the resilience of the human spirit, beautifully illuminating the small yet pivotal moments that can change a person’s life.
AUTHOR BIO:
Rachel Joyce, has written over twenty original afternoon plays for BBC Radio 4, and has created major adaptations for the Classic series and Woman’s Hour, as well as a TV drama adaptation for BBC2. In 2007, she won the Tinniswood Award for Best Radio Play. Joyce moved to writing after a twenty-year career in theatre and television, performing leading roles for the RSC, the Royal National Theatre, The Royal Court and Cheek by Jowl; and winning a Time Out Best Actress Award and the Sony Silver. She currently lives in Gloucestershire with her family.
My review for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
REVIEW:
A beautiful continuation of the first book.
Though this is the second side of the story, Queenie's side. And how I an enamored with it all. The progress, the writing, the history between Harold, Queenie and even Harold's son, David. He plays such a significant role to Queenie's story, and you really had no idea when you read Harold's side of things.
It's beautiful. It's sad, and it's poignant.
So many things through me for a loop in the end, but in a good way.
What a wonderful piece of literature!
I know there is one more book, and I must read it.
5/5
Though this is the second side of the story, Queenie's side. And how I an enamored with it all. The progress, the writing, the history between Harold, Queenie and even Harold's son, David. He plays such a significant role to Queenie's story, and you really had no idea when you read Harold's side of things.
It's beautiful. It's sad, and it's poignant.
So many things through me for a loop in the end, but in a good way.
What a wonderful piece of literature!
I know there is one more book, and I must read it.
5/5
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enjoyed the review and glad you are looking forward to more of the series
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
As far as I know, there are only these two books. Her other novels are not related to this story. She published "Perfect" between Harold Fry and this book, and after that, "The Music Shop" as well as a collection of absolutely wonderful short stories. I'm a HUGE fan! (But I have to go back and read her earlier work.)
ReplyDeleteNo, there isn't a third book in this series. Just these two.
ReplyDelete