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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Great read. Revealing as you continue the story.
very enjoyable read
Long, repetitive, contrived.
This is a surprisingly rich and deep journey. Seemingly simple ideas crack open a heart, mind & soul – and leave character and reader changed.
I loved it. I thought it was awesome. That being said, it IS a slow book. I mean, an old man is walking, right. But what made it so wonderful was all the amazing “notes” I got to write. So this is how I read a book these days. I read, and I mark the pages that have phrases or descriptions or hilarity or insight or revelation that get me. The ones …
A very pleasant read. I loved getting to know Harold. There was more to him than he knew. It is a gentle love story
great read
A little slow in places, but a good story.
I couldn’t wait to read each leg of Harold’s journey and will recommend this to my book club this month.
Overall I enjoyed book, but found that I couldn’t wait for it to be over so that I could move on to something more joyful.
Although the premise was interesting, the journey seemed very long and tedious. I spent the last third of the book wondering when it would be over.
Harold Fry, on his unlikely journey across Britain to see Queenie before she dies, rather, to keep her alive until he reaches her, meets characters who change his view of the world and of himself. He comes to embody the terms “committed” and “faithful” in the most hauntingly beautiful way. This is a book to teach lessons of life and character, a …
An enjoyable, feel good read
An introspective read. It makes the reader realize the importance of being one’s best self.
Great Book Club book!
A good book about dealing with the twists and turns of life. Much, much, more meaningful to me than Eat, Pray, Love.
Well written, not terribly original.
Loved how the characters evolved over time. Let’s you know that anyone can change themselves when given a purpose and opportunity.
Harold is a clueless wonder but nonetheless endearing in his naivete. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys strolling through a book heavily laden with the sensuality of nature.
thought provoking