Preview
  • The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

  • A Novel
  • By: Rachel Joyce
  • Narrated by: Celia Imrie
  • Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,726 ratings)

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The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

By: Rachel Joyce
Narrated by: Celia Imrie
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Publisher's summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry comes an exquisite love story about Queenie Hennessy, the remarkable friend who inspired Harold’s cross-country journey.

“This lovely book is full of joy. Much more than the story of a woman’s enduring love for an ordinary, flawed man, it’s an ode to messy, imperfect, glorious, unsung humanity.”—
The Washington Post

A runaway international bestseller, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry followed its unassuming hero on an incredible journey as he traveled the length of England on foot—a journey spurred by a simple letter from his old friend Queenie Hennessy, writing from a hospice to say goodbye. Harold believed that as long as he kept walking, Queenie would live. What he didn’t know was that his decision to walk had caused her both alarm and fear. How could she wait? What would she say? Forced to confront the past, Queenie realizes she must write again.

In this poignant parallel story to Harold’s saga, acclaimed author Rachel Joyce brings Queenie Hennessy’s voice into sharp focus. Setting pen to paper, Queenie makes a journey of her own, a journey that is even bigger than Harold’s; one word after another, she promises to confess long-buried truths—about her modest childhood, her studies at Oxford, the heartbreak that brought her to Kingsbridge and to loving Harold, her friendship with his son, the solace she has found in a garden by the sea. And, finally, the devastating secret she has kept from Harold for all these years.

A wise, tender, layered novel that gathers tremendous emotional force, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy underscores the resilience of the human spirit, beautifully illuminating the small yet pivotal moments that can change a person’s life.

©2015 Rachel Joyce (P)2015 Random House Audio
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Editorial reviews

Editors Select, March 2015 - As a huge Rachel Joyce fan, I was so excited to listen to her next book, but I wasn't sure I wanted to hear Queenie's side of the story. I knew it would be heart wrenching, but also it had remained a sort of lovely, mysterious foil to Harold's grueling journey. So I was surprised to find that there was so much richness up at Queenie's end. As in her other books, Joyce captures a diverse and widely representative sliver of humanity that almost feels reckless, and some of the most satisfying parts of the book come as she identifies those moment of levity and abandon that might come at the closing of life. The marvelous British actress Celia Imrie captures all the myriad personalities that people the home, breathing life into so many people with very little of it left. Emily, Audible Editor

Critic reviews

“[A] deeply affecting novel . . . Culminating in a shattering revelation, [Queenie’s] tale is funny, sad, hopeful: She’s bound for death, but full of life.”People

“Delightful.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Joyce’s writing at moments has a simplicity that sings. She captures hope best of all.”The Guardian

What listeners say about The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

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Brava! Brava, to the author and narrator!

I loved The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, but Queenie surpassed it. This quiet, persistent story under-struck with vibrant characters who were brought to life by Embrie's vocal skills, gave me layer upon layer of beauty and wonder. The narrative surprised at every turn-- even right into the final chapter.

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11 people found this helpful

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Wonderful story

This book was very well-written. Queenie'a story had to be told! I read it at a difficult point inunlife and the tears were welcome. It is well read by the narrator and I highly recommend it.

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Delightful companion book for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Beautifully written and narrated - a poignant love story of special friendships. A must read as a follow up. Just loved it from beginning to end, and could not put it down. A wonderful treasure.

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Wow!

Rich, tender, achingly human. Celia Imrie’s narration is spellbinding. I was IN the room with Queenie.
Thank you Rachael Joyce for putting Queenie beside Harold. She would have loved that.

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I didn't want it to end

I loved everything about this book A slowly emerging beauty of a story told with delicacy respect and depth . TheReader was exceptional as well sensitive heart and

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A great companion to Harold Fry

I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story, a true "companion" to Harold Fry. Rachel Joyce drew me in as she proceeded gently with Queenie's story. I laughed and cried and looked forward to driving so I could listen to the truly wonderful narration. While I liked Harold's story, Queenie's was even more appealing and the characters throughout were entertaining and fascinating- albeit often in a quiet way. And learning more of Maureen and David rounded the story well. I'm so glad I listened.

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Wonderful story

This book is a companion of sorts to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Read it first. The best books I've listened/read in a long time.

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Queenie’s Story

This story definitely needed to be told. Like Harold’s story, there was so much more to the story than the obvious and had a few surprises along the way. Queenie was an incredible character with much strength, courage and depth. Beautifully told, perfectly read.

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Just wow

I came upon this book after listening to the incredible story of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and this book definitely did not disappoint! I was engaged from the very beginning and throughout its entirety. Celia Imrie has a pleasant voice, making it such a pleasing and soothing listen. Rachel Joyce has now become one of my favorite authors. I HIGHLY recommend this book, but definitely read its “companion” book first! Enjoy!!!

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A must read!

TLSOQH ended mere minutes ago and I already have a book hangover. This book offers every aspect a reader looks for from humor, adventure, intellect, authenticity of the human condition, sadness to imagination.

The narrator couldn’t be better!

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