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.
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Lots to learn forever and ever about one’s deepest worth. From my vantage point Harold is a spring chicken and his adventures both inwardly and in his grounded (blisters and all) explorations are inspiring. More importantly his determined 500 mile trek is for friendship! – – – Haunting, yes, because I read this tale slowly, closed the book, and …
I loved going on the pilgrimage with Harold.
Retired Harold Fry sets out to mail a letter and his reluctance to return home become an adventure of conscience. The story is well paced and gripping as we enter Harold’s world of unresolved personal issues which compounded through the years
A gentle story of an older man haunted by life’s failures. He walks to see a friend who is dying of cancer, and as as he walks, he reflects on his son David, his wife, his dying friend. Not a downer, but a fine character study, true to life.
This is a wonderfully written book and there were sentences/paragraphs I had to read several times for the reason they have such a profoundly extraordinary view of a very ordinary situation. This is a very thought provoking book on the human condition. I could not put this book down and Harold became a friend of sorts…I hated for the book to …
Lovely story about losing your way but finding it again. Highly recommend.
Was not a fun book to read. Too wordy and not entertaining. Skipped middle because it was boring. Jumped to last 2 chapters and was disappointed in them and the end.
‘A heart warming surprising story of one man’s decision to make a life changing journey. Must read.
Loved this book. In my keepers folder to read again.
One of the best books I’ve read this year.
The author creates a figure Harry Fry who represents so many of us who at some point in life are inclined to leave it all to see what is in the next village, and the next… Harry represents not only a sense of deep desperation, but also an awakening that his former life holds sufficient joy to attract him there once again for his golden years.
Very unique. Enjoyably different & interesting
Made me want to go outside and walk and just see my world with fresh eyes
What a delightful story. I read it and picked up 2 more for my daughter and 100-year-old mother, who lives to read.
It has been a while since I’ve read this book. I do remember thinking how unlikely this situation would really be. However I found it enjoyable to read
Great read!
A lighter read, but still carries a good message. Very enjoyable.
I really enjoyed the book, especially as I thought about it after finishing it! Strange I know, but upon reflection this is one heck of a personal journey. You don’t really realize what you are reading at the time, but the characters absorb you and I could picture every one of them in my mind as I read and then suddenly it was over and I …
Loved this book. A walk through someone’s life with an inspirational view.
Keeps you guessing on the outcome. Good Read.