Harold Fry, recently retired, lives in Kingsbridge, a small English village, with his wife, Maureen, who seems to be irritated by almost everything he does, even how he butters his toast. Each day in their lives is much the same.
One morning the post arrives. There is a letter addressed to Harold in a shaky scrawl, from a woman he hasn’t seen or heard from in twenty years. The letter is from Queenie Hennessy, who is in a hospice in Berwick-upon- Tweed. She is writing to say goodbye.
Harold quickly writes a reply and heads for the post box, leaving Maureen to her chores. He then has a huge desire to deliver the letter in person and so begins his unlikely pilgrimage. He is determined to walk the six hundred miles from Kingsbridge to the hospice in Berwick-upon- Tweed, because he believes, as long as he walks, Queenie will live.
Still in his yachting shoes and light coat, Harold embarks on his journey, meeting many fascinating characters along the way. The Pilgrimage gives Harold plenty of thinking time and memories of his life come rushing back to him. Maureen, at home, misses Harold for the first time in years and she also finds herself reflecting on their memories………………………………………..
A thoroughly enjoyable and easy read, with very interesting characters, all having their own problems and emotions to deal with. A novel with “charm, humour and profound insight into the thoughts and feelings we all bury deep within our hearts”…………………….(from the publisher)