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)

Great story!

The narrator is superb. The story very touching. Finished listening to it in two days

I made the pilgrimage with Harold

And so will you. A friend recommended this book to me at least half a dozen times. Finally I took him up on it. So happy I did. The book is full of laughs and weaves a tapestry of life lessons with threads of beautiful stories from people of all walks of life. As Harold recognizes early on...we'd never know how much sadness is inside the very regular looking man pumping petrol next to us. Joyce is a gifted writer! Enjoy.

Beautiful and Engaging

This book sneaks up on you. At first, I thought it might be a bit slow and boring, but a neighbor recommended it, so I stuck with it. It was a lovely story, and I looked forward to listening to it every time I drove or walked. It is a work of art. The characters are well developed, and even though the plot is not "exciting" per se, the story takes unexpected twists and turns. The story comes to terms with our own humanity and brokenness, while it gives us hope of redemption. Excellent read.

Amazing slow plodding deep & worth it!

You go on the pilgrimage with Harold. It is tender and heart wrenching. Amazing slow,plodding,deep & worth it! The narration is pitch perfect.

The journey of a lifetime

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

touching uplifting revealing

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold Fry didn't seem to know what he was doing for much of the story, but he stumbled through a life affirming journey as the story revealed itself to be much deeper and more meaningful that one could imagine.

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

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Each of the moments in which Harold relied on the kindness of strangers to help him survive his journey, and in most cases the strangers came through.

Harold Fry-unlikely pilgrim but moving protagonist

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

This is a book I would listen to again. Harold's quiet reflection and kindness drew me in. Like when in the presence of someone who speaks quietly, I found myself leaning in t to catch the meaning. I enjoyed the way Harold's walk stripped him to his bare essentials.

What other book might you compare The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to and why?

There is a type of British novel that I really like. Ages ago I read several Barbara Pym novels and this one reminded me of those. Stories about real people who find life overwhelming and yet manage to "get on." I like the quiet way these stories unfold allowing me to enjoy them at my own pace and they give me time to reflect on my own life along the way.

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

Jim Broadbent's reading was absolutely perfect for this story. He was kind to each of the characters and got inside each one.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me reflect on what's important in life. What happens when we try to ignore pain and how powerful acceptance is. I found the book very hopeful.

Unlikely? yes; Wonderful? absolutely

There are few books that keep me up all night because I'd rather listen than sleep. Hello Harold Fry!

A little long, but a very beautiful touching tale

There are a few parts that seemed to be repeated a few times, but what can you talk about continuously about a long walk? In between the steps, though, is a beautiful tale that touches on life, death, relationships and living in the now, remembering the good and the bad in the past and living a fulfilling life. Take a walk with Harold and give this book a listen. You won’t regret it.

Great Storytelling!

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

Loved listening to Jim Broadbent! My favorite narrator so far!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

Even though it was slightly predictable, it was just a lovely story about how we take each other for granted, treat our significant other with carelessness, and forget to forgive and love each other to the best of our abilities under each circumstance.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

His ability to change characters and such animation!!

Who was the most memorable character of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and why?

Harold Fry. Because he was so vulnerable and because of the happenings of his past, he was able to become determined and move on.

An enjoyable read...

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

From start to finish, this was a satifying, interesting, and, mostly plausible story that had current implications beyond the pilgrimage itself. This pilgrimage helped a long troubled couple find themselves, along with their seemingly lost marriage.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

My favorite encounter was with the foreign doctor who now cleans houses. It is a sad commentary on immigration in general, and it's unexpected consequences, It brings an interesting dimention to the story.

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

I have enjoyed Audible reads for years, but I also read many books. They both have their benefits. However, a good narrator certainly brings a story to life in an extraordinary way. Jim Broadbent did a great job.

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

No, but I never do that. I usually listen when I run.