The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy is a novel by Rachel Joyce that serves as a companion to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, telling the poignant story of Queenie Hennessy as she awaits Harold’s arrival and reflects on her past, their relationship, and the secrets she has kept.
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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.
About the Author
Rachel Joyce is a British author best known for writing novels, many of which have become international bestsellers. She has also written over twenty original afternoon plays and adaptations of the classics for BBC Radio 4, including all the Bronte novels.
Rachel Joyce books always seem to be received well by both readers and critics. Her debut novel, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, won several literary awards including:
The Specsavers National Book Awards New Writer of the Year (2012)
The Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction (2012)
The Desmond Elliott Prize for Debut Fiction (2012)
The Commonwealth Book Prize for Best First Book (2013)
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was also shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book prize and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Rachel Joyce also won The Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award (2017) for The Music Shop.
Rachel Joyce books often explore themes of human connection, love, loss, and the power of ordinary people to make extraordinary changes in their lives.
What to read next
There are two more books in the Harold Fry series. The third and final book is titled Maureen Fry and The Angel of North and I’d suggest reading that next if you haven’t already.
If you’re looking for a standalone novel, I’d definitely recommend Miss Benson’s Beetle, also by Rachel Joyce.
