Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North, by Rachel Joyce - Milly
Completing her magnificent trilogy of best selling novels that began with The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Rachel Joyce returns with Maureen's story, which is a beautifully written, haunting novel about motherhood, grief and ultimately, the power of forgiveness.
It seems incredible that it was a decade ago that Harold undertook his epic pilgrimage, when Maureen undertakes a journey of her own in search of answers about their son’s suicide.
Maureen is a person who finds it difficult to relate to others, and is wary of strangers. She is however portrayed with tenderness and compassion. As her daunting journey begins, the world around Maureen has greatly changed, which makes her story all the more remarkable.
I have loved all of Rachel Joyce's books, but for me, these stories are her best. Rachel’s writing has never been better, showcasing her trademark exquisite language, and creating fantastic characters that we can all relate to and really care about. The novel's conclusion is wonderful, deeply moving and life affirming, proving again that Rachel Joyce really is the ultimate story teller. She draws us in, sharing in the lives of all the characters, making the world a better place for us all to live, and fulfil our journeys, no matter where they may lead us.
Rachel Joyce's writing is pure genius and much needed in these troubled times. Her books act like a warm embrace, providing escapism for a few hours, as we settle into the wonderful world of Harold, Queenie, and Maureen. I really love that the author has written 3 separate stories for these magnificent characters - these books are an absolute triumph.
Milly
