Joseph Cools

Finding Shoes in Budapest Joseph Cools

When Henry's wife is killed by a drunk driver, he quits his job as an English literature professor, and isolates himself in his home. He leaves his house each morning to visit the cemetery where his wife is buried and has a conversation with her. After several months, Henry's daughter becomes frustrated in her attempt to persuade Henry to get on with his life, and stop hibernating. Worn down by her relentless pleading, he finally agrees to her plan for him to take a solo two-week riverboat cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. He is determined to spend his time reading and having imaginary conversations with his wife. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, however, he meets Cincinnati (Atti) Yarrow, a free-spirited, somewhat self-centered young woman, also traveling alone. They become unlikely travel companions experiencing the sights, sounds, and tastes of the riverboat destinations. They meet and interact with number of interesting characters, including a couple with obvious marital strife. Atti is convinced that the husband is planning to murder his wife during the cruise. Each day, Henry becomes more worried about Atti being in danger from the husband, as she strives to stop the murder. The story continues through the beauty of the river and canal destinations, with descriptions of some of the most fascinating cities along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, as the riverboat cruises the waterways. The story is told with suspense, heartfelt sorrow, and a great deal of humor, as Henry and Atti explore their separate unresolved life issues.