Keeping the Faith
An object lesson in sensitive characterisation from Joanne Harris, explored by Helen M Walters
MASTERCLASS
Helen M Walters
Joanne Harris is perhaps best known for her novels, including Chocolat, The Gospel of Loki and Blackberry Wine but she has also written many short stories, and it is one of these that I’d like to look at this month. Faith And Hope Go Shopping is a touching tale of two elderly women in a care home who decide to make a break for freedom. The story has lots to show us about how the use of humour, an engaging voice, and perfectly chosen language in a story can produce a magical effect. As usual, there are spoilers ahead and you’ll get the most from this masterclass if you read the story for yourself first. It’s in Joanne’s 2005 collection Jigs and Reels.
The story of Hope, who is blind, and Faith, who is in a wheelchair, could have been a downbeat one in the wrong hands, but Joanne Harris has turned it into anything but. The story is told in first person from Faith’s point of view, and her personality, her insights and her unique take on life shine through. Real issues are being tackled here – loneliness, isolation and the frustrations of old age – but the lightness of touch and humour prevent it from being too cloying or depressing.
This is a story of people overcoming their circumstances, and even being able to make those circumstances work in their favour. Notice how, by working as a team, the duo combat the limitations of Hope’s lack of sight and Faith’s lack of mobility. And although Hope can’t see, she can replicate the key strokes needed to get past the security coded door by the use of exceptionally good hearing.