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)

The Reluctant Hero

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

I loved the fact that I never knew what was going to happen next. Would he make it? Would he give up?

What did you like best about this story?

It was fascinating the way so many characters were transformed by the precipitous action of one man.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Harold's neighbor brings over a map with colored pins so that Harold's wife can track his progress on his pilgrimage.

If you could take any character from The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The neighbor. He had a great way of looking at things, and was able to inspire Harold's wife to return to herself.

Any additional comments?

I couldn't turn it off. I kept finding new ways to listen more. The reader's voice was perfect, both as a narrator and as the characters.

A little slow and depressing

What did you like best about The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry? What did you like least?

The book picks up speed near the middle of the book and has some interesting twists and turns--especially when you find the reason for the pilgrimage. Starts out really slow and not even sure that you like the characters. Think it would have been better enjoyed by actually reading as opposed to listening. I need more excitement to keep my interest while listening to audible book.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

Jim Broadbent was magnificent performer---he has a beautiful voice and it was nice having an Englishman reading about an Englishman---I pictured Harold as Jim Broadbent.

Could you see The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes---I did picture story as a sweet movie---Harold Fry should be played by Jim Broadbent!

Brilliant!

If you could sum up The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry in three words, what would they be?

Life-affirming
Thought-provoking
Thoroughly enjoyable
(I know; that's more than three words.)

Okay, here are 3 words: I LOVED IT!

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

Jim Broadbent brings Harold to life in all his gentleness, determination, and vulnerability. Harold is an ordinary man who does an extraordinary thing and who changes his thoughts about his life, and the people in it, along the way. Jim Broadbent's voice is soothing and expressive and always seems pitch perfect for the narration.

If you could take any character from The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would take Harold to dinner. His journey has made him very accepting and open-minded; he's always been a good, decent, pleasant man and I would enjoy hearing more of his thoughts.

Any additional comments?

This is not an ordinary book. This is an extraordinary book. The characters are so rich and full that they feel like friends and acquaintances, and the journey is unforgettable. You will always remember Harold Fry, and you will be better for having traveled with him.

Delightful and thought provoking story.

Its been said that all books are about journeys... The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is just that and more. Very well written with quirky characters, what begins as a walk to the post office box becomes a metaphysical exploration of the Harold's life and the choices he has made and those that were made for him. Harold meets many strangers as he walks the highways and byways of England and in telling his story and listening to their stories, he learns much about himself. At the same time, in her own way, Harold's wife Maureen takes a new look at her hum drum day to day.

In the manner of Water for Elephants and Major Pettigrews Last Stand, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry reminds us that just because you are over 60 does not mean you are dead. Everyone has a story, and in the words of Harold Fry..."there are so many stories out there." Enjoy.

Of note... Jim Broadbent is the narrator of the Harry Potter series and one of the best voices out there. A true pleasure to listen to!

Delightful "Everyman"

Would you listen to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry again? Why?

I enjoyed both the performance and the reading. I will keep this book on my "bookshelf" and listen again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold Fry is today's Everyman. Struggling with aging and regret, he finds new strength on his pilgrimage.

What does Jim Broadbent bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent reader, brought life to many voices.

Dissenting Opinion

While the story was well written and the narration very good, I find I actually hated it. The story was sad, and quite awful in places and it was a chore to finish it. I know I am a dissenting opinion and it appears most people enjoyed this book. I just can't recommend it.

Great book!

I wasn't sure that I was going to like this. I think that while being simply sad to some people it will be deeply personal to those who have experienced some aspect of this story. I found myself unable to listen at some points but then unable to put it down at others. This book has so much going on, beyond the most obvious and primary storyline. I know that's not helpful as a review, after you read it I think it will become more clear- and I do recommend this book, it's haunting and well written. Jim Broadbent did a fantastic job as narrator. He is so emotional and yet so stoic (and English) at the same time.

Warning

How to describe? Quirky, thoughtful, tho full of grief and depression. With glimmers of love and joy. Is it worth a credit? Maybe not. Sorry for not being sure, it's just one of those kinds books....

A mom's review...

The story was nice. A few parts got long, but over all very enjoyable. There were a few unnecessary f- words that popped up which surprised us and were not ideal for the children in the car, but only a handful in a very long story.

A Heartwarming Tale about Starting Over

I chose this book on a whim and it enraptured me from the second paragraph. Definitely a must read for anyone who feel like life has just gotten a little too predictable.