Books
by Rachel Joyce
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Perfect |
I wasn't keen on Joyce's bestseller (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry bwl 71), too derivative and predictable. This one is different with well-drawn characters and, whilst very sad in places, is told with warmth and sympathy. In 1972 two seconds are to be added to time and for two small boys this leads to events which dramatically affect their lives. Alternating between then and now, after a slow start, the book gathers pace until the two narratives collide in a completely unforeseen way.
(Sue Pratt - bwl 73 Summer 2014) |
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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry |
An enjoyable and very readable tale reminding me of a geriatric-cross between Kerouac's 'On the Road' and 'Forest Gump'. Harold Fry goes to post a get-well soon card to an old work colleague but then walks past the post-box and decides to deliver it by hand. This confuses his wife, captures the passing interest of the media and various hangers-on and becomes a valuable time of self-assessment and reflection on regret and memory.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 71 Winter 2014) |
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