Let me begin by announcing that I LOVE HAROLD FRY! Of all the characters in the books I've read so far this guy had me from the opening pages, as he tugged a handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose. Harold decides to walk 627 miles to visit a dying friend, Queenie Hennessy, whom he wronged many years ago when they worked together at the local brewery. The journey itself is one of perseverance, self-discovery, reflection, awareness and resolution. Harold left home in what he was wearing, including the yachting shoes he would have to tape together a number of times along the way. He meets some interesting people between Devon and Berwick-upon-Tweed, many hijack his pilgrimage for their own purposes and Harold's backtracking to avoid them leaves him disoriented and exhausted. His primary purpose is to save a life but also to come to terms with the past and to heal his marriage to the reserved and remote-loving Maureen. This book is about the normal, the routine, the ordinary and I guess this is what makes it so delightful. Joyce herself says that her experience as a radio writer has taught her that every scene must have a beat, in this regard I think she's written a bona fide page turner. Also, this was the first book I've ever read that made me cry! Honestly, 11.30pm propped up in bed on my pillows blubbing like a 4yr old who just had her teddy taken away and put in the washing-machine. That's how much this book moved me. Bravo Rachel Joyce!
I would highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who believes in throwing their hearts over the fence - and jumping!