The Happy Ending

A 97 year old hero becomes involved in a very 21st century problem… A novel for those who enjoyed ‘The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed out of the Window and Disappeared’ and ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ This is a feel-good, heart-warming novel, full of fun and whimsy that also touches on a serious theme.

When his wife of seventy years dies, Harry Pigeon considers joining her in the grave as he feels his purpose for living has gone. A freak accident outside his bungalow draws him into the sordid world of modern slavery and a quest that re-invigorates his zest for life. Single-handedly rescuing two girls from an international trafficking operation, he finds the tables are turned when he is accused of kidnapping them. When the girls also admit to using him to gain money, Harry’s old-fashioned values suddenly seem inadequate. Can someone of his age still make a contribution in the modern world?

Also running through the story is a sub-plot involving Harry’s deceased wife, Betty who retains a strong voice in his life through their amusing, daily conversations that show his continued dependency on her for advice and guidance. Clearly they’ve had their difficulties in the past - in particular over the daughter he never met who died before he returned home from the war. Can Harry hope to resolve his feelings with Betty from beyond the grave?