A warm, funny, and bittersweet novel about reinvention, forgiveness, and discovering who you are at any age.
 
At seventy-eight, Harriet Chance is about to embark on an Alaskan cruise planned by her late husband. But when his ghost shows up—full of confessions and unfinished business—Harriet’s carefully ordered life begins to unravel. As she reflects on her past and faces unexpected truths, Harriet sets sail on a journey of self-discovery, reconciliation, and surprising adventure.
 
In This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!, Jonathan Evison (West of Here, Lawn Boy) brings his signature warmth and humor to a deeply human story about aging, memory, and the courage to start again. Told with inventive narrative flair—including flashbacks, secrets revealed, and a touch of magical realism—the novel unfolds like a game show of Harriet’s life, where each “round” uncovers long-buried joys and regrets.
 
As Harriet revisits her marriage, motherhood, and the choices that defined her, she confronts the messy beauty of being alive. Evison’s compassionate storytelling captures both the heartbreak and hilarity of growing older, reminding readers that it’s never too late to learn, love, or forgive.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A heartwarming, humorous look at aging and self-discovery.
Harriet is a charming, relatable heroine with depth and wit.
Perfect blend of emotional storytelling and imaginative structure.
Evison’s prose is uplifting, compassionate, and full of life.
A great reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of A Man Called Ove and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
Readers who love reflective, feel-good literary fiction.
Book clubs looking for heartfelt, hopeful conversation starters.
Anyone drawn to stories of resilience, family, and forgiveness.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!, you might also like:
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin — a heartwarming story of second chances.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson — love and reinvention in later life.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson — hilarious and heartfelt aging adventure.