Meet Harold Fry, recently retired. He lives in a small English village with his wife, Maureen, who seems irritated by almost everything he does, even down to how he butters his toast. Little differentiates one day from the next. Then one morning the mail arrives, and within the stack of quotidian minutiae is a letter addressed to Harold in a shaky scrawl from a woman he hasn’t seen or heard from … from in twenty years. Queenie Hennessy is in hospice and is writing to say goodbye.
Harold pens a quick reply and, leaving Maureen to her chores, heads to the corner mailbox. But then, as happens in the very best works of fiction, Harold has a chance encounter, one that convinces him that he absolutely must deliver his message to Queenie in person. And thus begins the unlikely pilgrimage at the heart of Rachel Joyce’s remarkable debut. Harold Fry is determined to walk six hundred miles from Kingsbridge to the hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed because, he believes, as long as he walks, Queenie Hennessey will live.
Still in his yachting shoes and light coat, Harold embarks on his urgent quest across the countryside. Along the way he meets one fascinating character after another, each of whom unlocks his long-dormant spirit and sense of promise. Memories of his first dance with Maureen, his wedding day, his joy in fatherhood, come rushing back to him—allowing him to also reconcile the losses and the regrets. As for Maureen, she finds herself missing Harold for the first time in years.
And then there is the unfinished business with Queenie Hennessy.
A novel of unsentimental charm, humor, and profound insight into the thoughts and feelings we all bury deep within our hearts, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry introduces Rachel Joyce as a wise—and utterly irresistible—storyteller.
more
Harold Fry is a cipher. He is a simple man with no ambition, living a humdrum life. His marriage is unfulfilling. He and his wife rarely communicate about anything other than necessities. One afternoon, he sets off for a walk. Something happens inside him and he just keeps walking. Many months and several hundred miles later, the epic stroll just …
It was a quick read…. The ending chapters were the best regarding the story content and it’s point…
A pleasure to read, enjoyable, but also deep. This story had me laughing and crying. Loved it!
I found the idea of this book very interesting and the first half I enjoyed. I did have a hard time finishing the story but the voice of Jim Broadbent made it much easier. Jim Broadbent’s narration is a real treat for this book.
This book looks at aging and a man who went after what he thought was right. While he didn’t plan, his trip took him to places he was able to navigate even if he often was at the mercy of the elements. As an older reader, he could be any of us if we had his courage.
Just loved this book. Great story. Harold goes to mail a letter and ends up walking across England. It is quite a journey of discovery for him.
What a beautifully written story, emotionally and descriptively. I couldn’t put it down. I want everyone I know to read it.
Not sure why, but I loved this book
I was lukewarm while reading the first third of this book. But by the time I was nearly finished, I didn’t want it to end.
Harold Fry, a remote, inactive, retired brewery worker receives a letter from a former co-worker who is in hospice care. He quickly writes a note back but feels it doesn’t adequately express his feelings. So, instead of …
This book is funny. Everything about it screams cliche and sappiness (I mean, just look at that cover font). And to some extent it is, but it is so much more. It seems to me without spoiling the plot that the sugar is all a ruse to hide the medicine. Truly, any book that can go from sugar to the bitterness of death in a single sentence is up to …
Harold’s Journey opened him up to his sadness. He came to see his life differently through others.
A wonderful story, thoroughly enjoyed this book
I loved this – Harold was just such a fabulous character – he kept me turning the pages to the very end and rooting for him all the way!
This book is about a man who sets out on a journey, and along the way, he rediscovers himself. He thinks back over his past, including his childhood, his marriage, and his relationship with his son. He relives all of his mistakes, and comes to accept what his life has become. However, he also finds what he had lost.
Heartbreaking at times, …
This was a good read. I enjoyed Harold’s oddysey through his own mind and grief. It proves what I’ve come to find true. No matter how long you avoid it, or what it is you’re mourning, it will always want to be dealt with and it’ll take as long as it takes. I have no idea what the author intended, but for me the prilgrame Harold goes on is the same …
What a lovely story. Could not put it down!
I loved reading this story. It is a tear-jerker definitely. I found myself crying at moments in the story. I think anyone can relate to Harold or one of the characters in the story. It made me want to travel to England and do the same walk. It’s a fun adventure and ever little moment Harold experiences it fun and well planned. Rachel Joyce …
I had to love the character of Harold Fry. The story of an impossible pilgrimage is hard to put down.
Excellent story
Heartwarming story. Original storyline with unique & colorful characters gives this book all the ingredients for an enjoyable read.