Miss Queenie Hennessy is nearing the end of her days. She has moved from her beach house and beloved sea garden to a hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north of England. As she waits for the end to come, Queenie writes a letter to Harold Fry, the one man she ever loved. But Harold could only be a friend, for he was married and Queenie would never come between a husband and wife. Nonetheless, a terrible thing happened those many years before and Queenie fled, taking a shameful secret with her. Now, she just wants to thank Harold for his priceless friendship. But Harold surprises her with a letter of his own, in which he tells her to wait for him; he’s on his way.

Many readers will recognize Harold from THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, wherein he makes a journey on foot from the south of England to Miss Queenie’s hospice. Yes, Harold is walking the length of the country. He has gotten it into his head that, as long as he walks, Queenie will stay alive. And, while he walks, she decides to finally confess everything in one last letter, which she will have him read when he arrives.

"THE LOVE SONG OF MISS QUEENIE HENNESSY is destined to change your world. One can’t help but see life, and the end of it, differently after experiencing this novel. Full of wisdom and heart, it will overwhelm its readers with a deep sensitivity."

As Harold continues on his journey, he picks up postcards along the way, showing landmarks and pictures of towns and pretty scenes, and sends them north to the hospice, always telling her to wait for him. Meanwhile, the patients and the nuns of St. Bernadine’s Hospice have gotten wind of Harold’s pilgrimage and look forward to his posts with eager expectation. It is almost as though Harold’s journey has given these broken people something to live for --- like grumpy old Mr. Henderson, who thinks Harold is a bit of a tosser, at least out loud, and goofy Finty, who insists on making banners and planning a welcome party. But there’s an undercurrent of pride as they await the daily news of Harold’s progress.  And, as the days and weeks pass, everyone --- patients and staff alike --- seems to be rooting for Miss Hennessy’s friend. Does the undertaker’s hearse come a little less frequently now, too?

For Queenie, it is a chance to redeem herself after things got so complicated 20 years ago, and she made what she believes were bad choices. It is a chance for her to find the peace that has forever eluded her as her life draws to a close. It is Queenie’s long-hoped-for chance at self forgiveness. For Harold, it is a way to keep his old friend alive, for he believes she will wait for him.

THE LOVE SONG OF MISS QUEENIE HENNESSY is destined to change your world. One can’t help but see life, and the end of it, differently after experiencing this novel. Full of wisdom and heart, it will overwhelm its readers with a deep sensitivity. Queenie can’t have Harold, and she knows it. But, rather than rail at the gods over the injustice of an unrequited love, she discovers she is happy simply loving. Queenie can teach us much about being satisfied with what we have and how to atone for what we make go wrong. Rachel Joyce has written a near perfect novel, one that I dare you to finish dry eyed.