The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Harold Fry, retired and grown distant from Maureen, his wife of many years, is moved when he receives a letter from former co-worker, Queenie Hennessy.  Queenie has cancer and has written Harold to say goodbye, even though they haven't talked in over twenty years.  Harold decides to write back, but as he's posting the letter feels that his response to her is so inadequate that he begins walking to see her, believing that this will make her live, despite the fact that the journey is almost the length of England, north to south.  On his sojourn, Harold reflects on his marriage, his failings as a father to his son, David, and his own childhood.  The story is enlivened by the variety of people he meets on his trip across England with whom he tells his story to.  A charming, heartwarming book in the tradition of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, The Guide to the Birds of East Africa, and Emily, Alone.  It will be published in July.