Author: Rachel Joyce
Publisher: Random House UK
Genre: Contemporary, Modern, Fiction, Adventure, Romance
Year of release: 2015
Release Date: August 3rd, 2015
Rating 
Trigger Warning: Terminal Illness, Anxiety, Depression, Suicide, and Death
Synopsis
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
Review
The last thing Queenie Hennessey expected from a letter she would send to former colleague turned friend Harold Fry telling him of her terminal illness; would prompt him to walk across England covering 627 Miles or 1009.06 KM to Berwick Upon Tweed from Kingsbridge, just to save her all she must do is await his arrival.
Queenie thought she was clear in her last letter. She is dying how can she wait for this man who she has not seen in 20 years? Queenie has so much to confess to Harold Fry, there is so much to say with so little time left on her side she begins to pen a second letter detailing everything she has long kept hidden.
Will Queenie finally have the courage to share the truth?
Will Harold Fry arrive before it is to late?
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry should be read first read my full review here.
This reader prefers stand-alone reads to series but the minute I closed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry I just knew I needed more from the characters which Author Rachel Joyce created.
I knew when I started this companion novel it was going to stir up all the emotions, I wasn’t quite prepared for just how much I would come to care for Queenie and the other residents at ST Bernadine’s Hospice. I was once again satisfied with the detail the Author has included to tell this story; she has covered the process of dying in a respectful manor; I was pleasantly surprised at how often this book made me laugh-out loud.
“Queenie Hennessy – “I am here to die.”
Sister Mary Inconnue – “Pardon me but you are here to live until you die. There is a significant difference.”
― Rachel Joyce, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy
It’s no secret that I love Queenie Hennessy but what drew me to her was her ability to draw Harold out of his shell; he becomes even more of a likeable character thanks to Queenie. Her interest in dancing really suited her, thanks to Queenies’ keen eye for detail the reader is able to notice and appreciate the beauty in the nature and gardens that surrounded Queenie throughout her life.
If I could add one thing to The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy it would be much more of her life before her illness took over her body and her life and whilst this detail is covered in the book I wanted more time with her; I felt a little lost when it come to the ending, now having had time to process what I read I realise a farewell is never long enough.
“It is no good thinking about how life will get better once you have a new television or a new job. You must stop hoping for change. You must simply be it.”
― Rachel Joyce, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy
The minor characters only add to this story and I found myself wondering about their journey also, I personally felt like to much time was spent with David rather then the other residents at St Bernadine’s Hospice.
The Love song of Miss Queenie Hennessy is suitable for a mature audience if you enjoyed Rachel Joyce other titles especially the unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry you will for sure be pleased to read the Companion.