The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

A Novel

By: Rachel Joyce

Narrated by: Jim Broadbent

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • LONGLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST

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 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.

Advance praise for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

“When it seems almost too late, Harold Fry opens his battered heart and lets the world rush in. This funny, poignant story about an ordinary man on an extraordinary journey moved and inspired me.”—Nancy Horan, author of Loving Frank

“There’s tremendous heart in this debut novel by Rachel Joyce, as she probes questions that are as simple as they are profound: Can we begin to live again, and live truly, as ourselves, even in middle age, when all seems ruined? Can we believe in hope when hope seems to have abandoned us? I found myself laughing through tears, rooting for Harold at every step of his journey. I’m still rooting for him.”—Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife

“Marvelous! I held my breath at his every blister and cramp, and felt as if by turning the pages, I might help his impossible quest succeed.”—Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

“Harold’s journey is ordinary and extraordinary; it is a journey through the self, through modern society, through time and landscape. It is a funny book, a wise book, a charming book—but never cloying. It’s a book with a savage twist—and yet never seems manipulative. Perhaps because Harold himself is just wonderful. . . . I’m telling you now: I love this book.”—Erica Wagner, The Times (UK)

“The odyssey of a simple man . . . original, subtle and touching.”—Claire Tomalin, author of Charles Dickens: A Life

©2012 Rachel Joyce (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"When it seems almost too late, Harold Fry opens his battered heart and lets the world rush in. This funny, poignant story about an ordinary man on an extraordinary journey moved and inspired me." (Nancy Horan, author of Loving Frank)

"There's tremendous heart in this debut novel by Rachel Joyce, as she probes questions that are as simple as they are profound: Can we begin to live again, and live truly, as ourselves, even in middle age, when all seems ruined? Can we believe in hope when hope seems to have abandoned us? I found myself laughing through tears, rooting for Harold at every step of his journey. I'm still rooting for him." (Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife)

"Marvelous! I held my breath at his every blister and cramp, and felt as if by turning the pages, I might help his impossible quest succeed." (Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand)

Easy listening

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was a slow starter however turned out to be an enjoyable read overall. I wasn't sure in the beginning though. The story started slowly and I had trouble sustaining interest so I purchased the Audible version. The narrator's interpretation of the characters heightened my interest in the story and it was much easier to listen.

Very thoughtful, enjoyable read.

After selecting only murder misteries, this was a wonderful break. It was great to enjoy a simple story of human connections, life's regrets and rebuilding.

Indescribable

A sublime book, with a sublime performance by well - known character actor Jim Broadbent. The lives of ordinary people,. Only they are not. They are simple, and complex, and downright extraordinary all at the same time. And they remain unresolvedly human. What they go through ranges from reassuringly familiar, to bone-crushinly brutal on an emotional level. yet nothing seems contrived or manipulative. An incredible gem.

A really lovely read

Where does The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'm fairly new to Audible and have only listened to a handful of books, but I'm glad I chose this one.

Have you listened to any of Jim Broadbent’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

This book had me at the first line.

I've listened to this book so many times, always marveling at the magic of Harolds's story. Narration is superb.

Excellent reading, moving story

The story was so well read by Jim Broadbent. The internal contemplation from introvert to confidante gave pause. The story is sweet and poignant, particularly after reading Queenie's story first. Rachel Joyce touches the tender spots in all of us that question, extend, and wonder.

Inspiring!

A wonderful sorry of self-discovery, determination, love, and redemption. Loved every step of this pilgrimage....even the self-serving tag alongs.

Wonderful!

I enjoyed this story and it kept me in suspense for much longer than I thought it would.

A Beautiful Journey

What made the experience of listening to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the most enjoyable?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could empathize with Harold Fry very much, although I am about 30 years behind where he is in his life. .You don't have to be at the tail end life to identify mistakes made in life and the contemplation of them. The lessons he learns are applicable to just about all of us. At times I found his story to be funny, sad, helpless, and then empowering, tragic yet ultimately hopeful. At all times, I found Harold to be immensely sweet and likable. Even his wife, Maureen, who initially seemed to be a wenchy antagonist, you learn is a true human being with flaws, yet strength and love. This book felt good to my soul,

A lovely story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to be better than the print version?

N/A

Have you listened to any of Jim Broadbent’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

This is a lovely story--not exceedingly original, but lovely. Well read/performed. I recommend this book, if, like me, you listen to audiobooks while driving long-distance and want your mind to be kept busy by something light and pleasant. It is not a deep book; it won't change your life (although, it did make me feel like leaving the car somewhere and walk the rest of the way!:); but it is a good story, not "perfectly" crafted but told well-enough to keep one listening to the end...