It’s been a complicated summer. Since Helen’s death we’ve had various celebrations of her life for family and friends, and though I’ve tried to respond to the many thoughtful and touching letters which were sent to me I’m aware that I’ve been unable to reply to each one. But, thank you everyone, all were read and all were appreciated. 

I hear Helen’s voice all the time. She was a pragmatic and independent woman and has recently been telling me, in no uncertain terms, to ‘get on with it!’, and in the spirit of our long marriage, I will of course be obeying her. Firstly I shall be talking to whoever will listen about My Great-Uncle Harry book – available for all good bookshelves as from the 28th September. As you can see, I’ve been signing copies till I drop.

To further get on with it I’ve put together a presentation about the book. I call it the Great-Uncle Show, which I’ll be performing in various parts of the land – from Ely to Edinburgh –  over the next three weeks. My Great-Uncle Harry was not at the forefront of history. Though he died fighting for his country, his body was never found, and he has no known grave. But I have tried to pull together as much of his life story as I can because Harry, and many hundreds of thousands who died with their life still ahead of them, should never be forgotten. 

I think Harry might say ‘get on with it!‘ as well.

Buy your copy of Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire from our shop at themichaelpalin.com from 28th September, where you can get your book signed and dedicated by Michael.

Also available from these book stores.

To find out more about Great-Uncle Harry and Michael’s upcoming book tour click here.