The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

There was universal affection for Harold and his unlikely pilgrimage. Some of us (particularly Anna & Jill) feared that it would be mawkish, twee and sentimental, but we all agreed that it managed to steer clear of the many such potholes it could have fallen into. Its descriptions of loss and desperation hidden away behind very English domesticity were beautifully written and often almost physically painful to read ('I know it wouldn't have made any difference in the end but I should have let her see how much I wanted to keep her. I should have raged, Maureen'). Most of us (except me) guessed, or at least had an inkling that David was dead, but we were still all deeply moved by the last chapters covering Maureen and Harold's reconciliation and the ending of the pilgrimage at Queenie's bedside. On the journey up, we loved the characters he met - brilliantly bought to life often in just a few sentences, and for the most part, very credible. The descriptions of the weather, the countryside and the pleasures and pains of walking 500 miles in yachting shoes were all brilliantly done. Most of us felt that it was only in danger of losing its momentum during the scenes when the other 'pilgrims' started tagging along, but even this part had some great humour ('If you had the wherewithal you could follow his journey on twitter. Maureen hadn't the wherewithal') and was the plot vehicle which allowed Harold to arrive at the hospice without fanfare. Loss, redemption and flawed characters you could feel deeply attached to - what more could you want?

Caroline couldn't make it to the meeting, here are her comments:
thought this was a lovely, gentle and rather old fashioned story. I found it extremely moving (quite embarrassing to finish it on a crowded Victoria Line train...there was definitely some snuffling!) and although I did guess the storyline about his son being dead very early on (interested to know whether everyone did. Think the similar technique used in ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ re the husband being dead has meant I’m more likely to pick up on this than previously) it was very well handled and extremely moving. I did find myself wondering at the midway point whether it was going to start to drag a bit soon, but somehow it just continued to bubble away and keep my interest.
I think it was very quietly skilful and although I’m not sure whether I’d rush out to buy another by this author, I did enjoy it. I’d give it a seven.

scores:

Anna: 8
Carole: 8
Annie: 8.5
Chris: 7.5
Jill: 8.5
Caroline: 7

Quote: 'he felt the sun on his shoulder, watched a kestrel on silent wings, and all the time the ball of his foot pushed his heel from the ground and weight shifted from one leg to the other and this was everything'

Ancient Light

Got back from holiday to find that I have won in the Waterston's draw to review a new release. I have been sent an advance copy of John Banville's new book, Ancient Light, which says on the back  "Limited Edition Proof Copy". I am very excited because, even though it's not an iPad like some people win, I never win any raffles or anything! I have to post my review on their website by 5th July so read the breaking news first on Annie's Book Group blog!

The Help

Have just read The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. It's getting close to my birthday and I am not allowed to buy any books in case they are on my present list, so am combing the bookshelves for the odd not-yet- read. I think my mum read this and gave it to me. I was a bit wary of it - a white author covering the experience of black maids. In fairness to the author she covers this in notes at the back of the book and obviously had some concerns herself. She grew up in the American South and her family had 'help' so she does have direct experience.

On the plus side it's an easy read and a page-turner. The story is told mainly from the perspective of a black maid and a white daughter-of-the plantation though there are other first person narratives. The style is that each have their own chapters, giving their perspective of the same time and events. The characters are engaging and colourful but perhaps a bit stereotypical. The characters are all women with men playing only walk-on parts and to illustrate how strong, resilient, moral the main women characters are.

It tells a story worth telling - the white women are just dreadful (except our white heroine). They are bigoted, snobby, dim. The treatment of the maids is awful. However, I think it is still a much sanitised version of the reality.

The civil rights movement is getting going and Martin Luther King has come to prominence - this is lightly covered, as background.

It's not a challenging read and perhaps that's a bit strange for such a challenging subject. It's all very lightly done and you always feel its all going to work out. I am not surprised its been made into a film - I can also see it as a waltonesque television series - its a tough life but full of good people and the good people win in the end!

It does avoid a a Spielberg ending though - I don't know if the film does.

I did enjoy reading it and I liked the characters but don't expect depth. One for the beach perhaps.