Cover Image: Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North

Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

An absolutely delightful book and, although short, is packed with wonderful descriptions and characters. The journey that Maureen, the main character, drives from the southwest to the northeast includes details that anyone who has even made part of the same journey will recognise. Most of the people depicted we have met before in the previous tales from Rachel about Harold and Queenie but this book does stand alone and has prompted me to revisit the earlier stories. Sometimes a short tale is ideal to pick up on a journey or when one feels one hasn't the energy to be get involved in a complicated plot. The book exudes warmth plus old fashioned quirkiness plus a sprinkling of humour whilst also being straight forward and honest leaving hope after loss and faith in humanity. A resounding 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Maureen Fry is not the most likeable of people, that was made clear in Harold and Queenies tales. Whilst this is Maureen's story, fortunately she's not completely exhonorated and she is still prickly. However, you do warm to her more as the story moves on. It's short - I read it in an hour or so - but it beautifully ties up the characters connections and is a fitting finale to the trilogy.

Rachel Joyce's writing is so effortless to read, she's a true storyteller. Thanks to all for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve often seen Rachel Joyce’s books being recommended and I am ashamed to say I hadn’t read any of them and that is about to be rectified after finishing this wonderful short story, really looking forward to reading about Harold, Queenie and Kate’s earlier adventures

Was this review helpful?

It's ten years since Harold Fry undertook his incredible walk through the country. His friend Queenie has also died since then.

But his wife Maureen is restless. She has unfinished business.

It's her turn to take a trip....

Lovely conclusion to this wonderful trilogy

Was this review helpful?

Rachel Joyce is in my top two favourite authors and this book did not disappoint! Harold Fry is my favourite character of all time and I really would love to have him attend a dinner party. Now we have Maureen Fry’s story and I devoured the book in a day! I laughed and I cried and will recommend this book to everyone just as I did Harold’s. Rachel Joyce triumphs again with another fantastic novel!

Was this review helpful?

It’s now Maureen’s turn.
She leaves with trepidation and is on her way to find the missing part of her grief. It’s not an easy journey in more ways than one.
A moving and sensitive read which brings a unexpected acceptance .

Was this review helpful?

Maureen is so unlikable. She says the wrong things as the wrong times. Comes across as ungrateful and unkind. She has a negative edge and an icy soul. However, you just can’t help loving her. Her pain over the loss of her son and the fact she likes herself so little just makes her adorably vulnerable.
This story was quite lovely, as finally, Maureen finds some peace and comfort. It’s been a long time coming for her, which is why it’s so good for the reader.
I’m sad that this is the end of the ‘Fry’ stories, as I have enjoyed getting to know the characters. They actually feel a bit like family now.
I look forward to seeing what Rachel writes next as I have loved and read every single one of her books.
Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for this ARC copy. I loved being one of the first to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Simply written, but so touching.
Maureen is such a sad and unhappy lady who is struggling with grief.
She evoked many emotions in me, even moving me to tears, but overall, I was rooting for her to find peace and for her hard edges to be smoothed.
One question asked in the book got me thinking: how do we accept the unacceptable?
This is a short, but captivating story.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great novelette to complete the Harold Fry trilogy, this time featuring his beleaguered wife Maureen who has never dealt with the tragic death of their son so many years ago. So desperate is she to reconnect with her son she journeys to Queenie’s garden and discovers a lot about herself along the way. Maureen is a difficult character but it’s so easy to see why she’s felt so disappointed by life and why she struggles to connect to others, although this book doesn’t radically transform her it’s a great lesson in forgiveness especially to yourself.

Was this review helpful?