Library Notes


Oct. 14, 2012

Marissa Creamer

It’s Never Too Late to Start Over



Many novels tell the story of a journey of self-discovery. Often, this search for self is an inner journey, but as these new novels at Rowan Public Library illustrate, the journey may be a literal one as well. And as our protagonists learn, now matter how old you are, it’s never too late to start over.

In “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce, we are introduced to the retired (as well as retiring) Harold Fry, who is settled into his quiet routine in his quiet English village. One day blends into another, until the day Harold receives a letter from an old friend he has not seen in many years, informing him that she is dying of cancer. Harold pens a reply and takes it out to the postbox, but finds he just can’t let the letter go. “Harold thought of the words he had written to Queenie, and their inadequacy shamed him.” Thus begins Harold’s odyssey. As he continues to walk to the next postbox, then the next, not quite ready to let the letter go, Harold has a chance encounter with a young woman who convinces him that as long as he keeps walking, Queenie will live. Never mind that she is in hospice 600 miles away, and he has left without proper walking attire, a map, or his cell phone, Harold decides to walk the entire distance and deliver the letter in person. This solitary journey gives Harold time to ruminate on his life and failed relationships, and the reason for his need for atonement is gradually revealed. Along the way, Harold sends pithy postcards to Queenie, urging her to wait for him. As his journey continues, Harold meets a variety of characters, becomes a bit of a celebrity, and learns that “you could be ordinary and attempt something extraordinary.”

Another novel that reminds us that it’s never too late to start over is “The 100-Year-Old-Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.” Jonas Jonasson’s European bestseller has reached the U.S. three years after its Swedish publication. This entertaining yarn tells the story of Allan Karlsson, who flees from the Old Folks’ Home to avoid his 100th birthday party. After stealing a cash-filled suitcase, our vodka-loving hero embarks on a wild adventure, and ends up on the lam from both a criminal syndicate and the police. Along the way, we learn that the former demolitions expert, much like Forest Gump, has not only witnessed some of the most important events of the twentieth century, he has actually played a key role in them.

Other novels that you may enjoy include Hilma Wolitzer’s “An Available Man,” a story about becoming single later in life, and the chaos and joys of finding love the second time around; “Harry Lipkin, Private Eye,” by Barry Fantoni, a mystery featuring Miami’s only 87-year-old private investigator; and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” by Deborah Moggach, recently adapted into a film starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. You can find all of these titles at Rowan Public Library.