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The Unforgettable Mailman
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26It's never too late for the adventure of a lifetime, even if you can't remember why you started.
The Unforgettable Mailman is a heartwarming story about intergenerational friendship and the power of human connection, perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman.
1966, Chicago. Backlogged with millions of undelivered letters, the post office announces a temporary closure. But eighty-one-year-old Henry Walton can't stand idly by when there’s mail waiting to be delivered. He believes letters are what keep people connected, and he’s not about to let them get lost in the chaos.
Plus, connection keeps the mind sharp—according to a note someone’s pinned up in his kitchen.
While the post office scrambles to get things under control, Henry races against time and forgetfulness. Taking it upon himself to deliver the mail, he discovers hatred and tragedy, triumph and joy in the letters he carries and the people he meets along the way.
Inspired by true events, this delightful story will linger with readers long after they turn the last page—and might just inspire someone to write a letter, the old-fashioned way.
The Unforgettable Mailman is a heartwarming story about intergenerational friendship and the power of human connection, perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman.
1966, Chicago. Backlogged with millions of undelivered letters, the post office announces a temporary closure. But eighty-one-year-old Henry Walton can't stand idly by when there’s mail waiting to be delivered. He believes letters are what keep people connected, and he’s not about to let them get lost in the chaos.
Plus, connection keeps the mind sharp—according to a note someone’s pinned up in his kitchen.
While the post office scrambles to get things under control, Henry races against time and forgetfulness. Taking it upon himself to deliver the mail, he discovers hatred and tragedy, triumph and joy in the letters he carries and the people he meets along the way.
Inspired by true events, this delightful story will linger with readers long after they turn the last page—and might just inspire someone to write a letter, the old-fashioned way.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 21, 2026
2 people are currently reading
4949 people want to read
About the author
April Howells
2 books20 followersApril is a storyteller who finds heartwarming inspiration in little-known pieces of history. With a background in magazine publishing, she’s spent the last decade leading global content and engagement at a premium apparel brand. Born and raised in Southern Ontario, she now resides on the West Coast of Canada with her husband and a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Chief.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 28, 2025
The Unforgettable Mailman is exactly what its title promises — a story that stays with you. April Howells delivers a tender, life-affirming novel about memory, purpose, and the quiet beauty of connection that feels like a warm hug for the soul.
Henry Walton is the kind of character you instantly root for: charmingly stubborn, deeply kind, and determined to make a difference even as his own memory begins to slip. His journey through 1960s Chicago, delivering long-forgotten letters, becomes a moving exploration of love, loss, and the ways our stories intertwine.
Howells’ writing is both nostalgic and sharply observant — full of humor, heart, and hope. There’s a gentle melancholy woven through the joy, reminding readers that even when memories fade, the impact of kindness does not.
If you loved A Man Called Ove or The Lost Letters of William Woolf, this book will absolutely capture your heart.
Heartfelt, wise, and beautifully written — The Unforgettable Mailman reminds us that it’s never too late to make a meaningful connection.
Henry Walton is the kind of character you instantly root for: charmingly stubborn, deeply kind, and determined to make a difference even as his own memory begins to slip. His journey through 1960s Chicago, delivering long-forgotten letters, becomes a moving exploration of love, loss, and the ways our stories intertwine.
Howells’ writing is both nostalgic and sharply observant — full of humor, heart, and hope. There’s a gentle melancholy woven through the joy, reminding readers that even when memories fade, the impact of kindness does not.
If you loved A Man Called Ove or The Lost Letters of William Woolf, this book will absolutely capture your heart.
Heartfelt, wise, and beautifully written — The Unforgettable Mailman reminds us that it’s never too late to make a meaningful connection.
December 10, 2025
This was such a wonderful combination of adventure, heart, and humour. I was tearing through the pages, totally caught up in the adventure and keen to find out what happened next, but would find myself often needing to pause and reflect because within the fast-paced adventure the author managed to write so simply, profoundly, and beautifully about how it feels to lose one's memory. There are also so many little pockets on Henry's journey that had me giggling out loud and cheering him on. A great cast of characters, and just the perfect balance of funny moments, moments that have you saying "ok just ONE more chapter", and moments that might have you wiping tears away. One of those life-affirming books you are just so eager to press into other peoples hands so you can discuss it!
November 2, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
What a darling debut!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review. When I am not listening to hardcore historical fiction, I like these lighter ones with my favorite trope of an elderly person having an adventure of a lifetime and making friends with unlikely souls. This is that book.
Based on the 1966 event of the Chicago post office closure due to being overwhelmed with mail was right up my alley. The hi jinx and bumbling that ensues makes for a fun and charming, if not laugh out loud, delight!
I would recommend this to patrons as a clean and thoughtful read to take the stress off of the real world.
What a darling debut!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review. When I am not listening to hardcore historical fiction, I like these lighter ones with my favorite trope of an elderly person having an adventure of a lifetime and making friends with unlikely souls. This is that book.
Based on the 1966 event of the Chicago post office closure due to being overwhelmed with mail was right up my alley. The hi jinx and bumbling that ensues makes for a fun and charming, if not laugh out loud, delight!
I would recommend this to patrons as a clean and thoughtful read to take the stress off of the real world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April Howell's novel is nothing short of powerful. An adventure with Henry, who facing old age and forgetfulness, is determined to bring the written word (letters) to their rightful owners after a massive shutdown of the post office. So many little stories intertwined with the premise of this story focused on words matter, the sadness of forgetting, determination and to live like you never forget. I love the relationships Henry builds throughout the book, whether it was with his neighbors who checked in on him, the people he met on his adventure delivering the letters and the unlikely friendship with Roger, the young man who was a lost soul himself, each and everyone mattered to him. Long after reading this one, it still lingers in my head. The beautiful, touching words the author used to express the feelings of getting older and still having faith in the world. Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.
Happy Reading!!!
Happy Reading!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I did not expect to get so invested in Henry’s journey, but I was hooked.
In The Unforgettable Mailman by April Howells, Henry sets out to personally deliver undelivered mail during the 1966 Chicago postal crisis — even though his memory keeps failing him. He writes himself reminders, doubles back when he forgets what he’s doing, and refuses to quit.
This was such an easy, quick read thanks to the short chapters (the “just one more chapter” effect is very real), but it still packs an emotional punch. I laughed at moments, got choked up at others, and found myself completely rooting for him.
As someone caring for an elderly parent with dementia, this one resonated with me in a very personal way. It felt honest and handled with care without being overly heavy.
A fantastic debut, and I’m already looking forward to whatever April Howells writes next.
I'd like to say thank you to Alcove Press, April Howells, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In The Unforgettable Mailman by April Howells, Henry sets out to personally deliver undelivered mail during the 1966 Chicago postal crisis — even though his memory keeps failing him. He writes himself reminders, doubles back when he forgets what he’s doing, and refuses to quit.
This was such an easy, quick read thanks to the short chapters (the “just one more chapter” effect is very real), but it still packs an emotional punch. I laughed at moments, got choked up at others, and found myself completely rooting for him.
As someone caring for an elderly parent with dementia, this one resonated with me in a very personal way. It felt honest and handled with care without being overly heavy.
A fantastic debut, and I’m already looking forward to whatever April Howells writes next.
I'd like to say thank you to Alcove Press, April Howells, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bravo to April Howells on a stunning debut novel. The Unforgettable Mailman is such a sweet story. A mailman who can’t let go of the letters that never reached their homes, and the hope that connection to others still matters.
I loved the premise of Henry, someone who keeps showing up, letter after letter, believing small acts can make a difference in ways we may never fully see. It’s a gentle, human storyline that unfolds with care and intention.
A thoughtful read about devotion, responsibility, and the power of choosing to care.
I loved the premise of Henry, someone who keeps showing up, letter after letter, believing small acts can make a difference in ways we may never fully see. It’s a gentle, human storyline that unfolds with care and intention.
A thoughtful read about devotion, responsibility, and the power of choosing to care.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews