From Goodreads: “When Queenie Hennessy discovers that Harold Fry is walking the length of England to save her, and all she has to do is wait, she is shocked. Her note had explained she was dying. How can she wait?
A new volunteer at the hospice suggests that Queenie should write again; only this time she must tell Harold everything. In confessing to secrets she has hidden for twenty years, she will find atonement for the past. As the volunteer points out, ‘Even though you’ve done your travelling, you’re starting a new journey too.’
Queenie thought her first letter would be the end of the story. She was wrong. It was the beginning.
Told in simple, emotionally-honest prose, with a mischievous bite, this is a novel about the journey we all must take to learn who we are; it is about loving and letting go. And most of all it is about finding joy in unexpected places and at times we least expect.”
My Review
I absolutely loved this audiobook!!! I knew from the first words that Celia Imrie read that I was going to love this audiobook, especially as she’s a favourite actress of mine.
As the author notes at end of the book, this a companion piece to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and it worked beautifully for me. I loved hearing Queenie Hennessey’s version of the story from her place at the hospice that Harold is walking to. I loved how the book filled in the gaps of both Queenie and Harold’s lives especially with regard to Harold’s son David and the brewery where they both worked.
Celia Imrie’s narration was absolutely perfect especially her portrayal of Queenie, Finty another hospice patient and Sister Inconnue, the Irish nun who helps Queenie write her letters and thoughts to Harold.
This audiobook is a new favourite and one I will definitely be listening to again.
I can see how this would work well as an audiobook. The narrator is so important – I’ve given up on many audiobooks simply because the narrator’s voice was all wrong
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Yes I’ve done the same but now have favourite narrators that never fail me.
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lovely review of a super lovely book! will have to loo out for the audioversion!
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Thank you it makes me want to listen to Harold again 🙂
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Another book I must get round too! I love a good narrator, it really adds to the enjoyment.
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Yes a good narrator is so important!
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I imagine I would have enjoyed this book more as an audiobook!
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I can’t imagine reading it now I’ve listened to it.
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This sounds like a lovely read, which I think I would enjoy. 🙂 Would you recommend reading (or listening to) the Harold Fry novel first?
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Thanks it’s a lovely audiobook. Yes I think it would work best if you read or listen to Harold Fry first. I loved the audiobook as Jim Broadbent read it and he was perfect as Harold.
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Thanks! It’s on hold! ✅
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Did you get to read it Carol? Only just seen your reply!
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I’ve always wanted to read this, Nicki! Wonderful review!
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Thanks it’s a really lovely audiobook.
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Nicki I read this on my Kindle and loved it. I remember that there was a lot of tears…
I’m a huge Rachel Joyce fan.
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She’s a fabulous writer!
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Oh, this sounds so good. I have not read Harold Fry, but maybe I will see if I can find it on audio then listen to this one as well. Awesome review Nicki. I will watch for books narrated by this actress, it sounds like she does a great job.
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Thanks so much Carla! Both books are wonderful as audiobooks, I hope you can find them to listen to.
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Added this to my list. Thanks.
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Brilliant thanks!
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