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)

A Clever, Sad Read

Part Odyssey, part Wizard of Oz, part Shantaram, this book was clever, funny and sad all at the same time. Rachel Joyce delved into the joys and tragedies of life and was able to turn phrases with depth. Sometimes I felt as if the author was really on to something, but then she would take off in an entirely different direction and this hurt the flow of the plot. And, as with most of my other critiques, I think the editing could have been tighter. Jim Broadbent was outstanding as the narrator.

Excellent story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a quiet book with a quiet message. It's perfect for a Summer read.

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

I found The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry similar to A Man Called Ove.

Which character – as performed by Jim Broadbent – was your favorite?

I thought Harold Fry was the best character performed by Jim Broadbent.

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

The end really moved me, it was unexpected and though provoking.

Charming, heartwarming story!

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

Not necessarily

Which scene was your favorite?

Each [part of his journey was memorable.

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

When I realized that his son was dead.

Any additional comments?

This was a wonderful story about life, love, friendship and sorrow. Beautifully rendered by the author and read by the narrator. I did not want it to end!

Very Interesting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I think it's a good story. At first I didn't think it would be interesting enough but as I went further, I got it. I walk a lot for fun so I know it helps you sort your life out. That's what Harold did.

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

No

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

No

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

Harold himself.

Wonderful storyline -- fantastically read

The story is mesmerizing and surprising, I felt as if I could see and feel everything as Harold walked along on his pilgrimage.

you just keep routing for Harold no matter what

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book because it is about an ordinary man who did something extraordinary.

What did you like best about this story?

I think many readers can relate to Harold's journey and if not - are intrigued by it.

Which character – as performed by Jim Broadbent – was your favorite?

I really liked the main character

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

I'd perhaps like to go on a walking trip with the main character as opposed to having dinner.

Any additional comments?

Just that it was a tale about an ordinary person who did an extraordinary thing and that we are all of us capable of something extraordinary....

An unusual story of an ordinary man

I Wished I had read this as part of a book club. I'd love to hear everyone elses comments. Very thoughtful book on so many levels. I loved all the different characacters in this book. I would recommend reading and sharing this book. I was in a meeting and my co-worker passed me a note with the books title on it and said read it, I passed the note back and said already have.

A Healing Ramble Across England

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

not the best, but definitely up there.

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

When Harold left the garage and the reader realizes that he,s really going to keep walking

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

That he managed to sound as if this was just an ordinary everyday occurence.

If you could rename The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, what would you call it?

Harold Frye tries to put things right.

Any additional comments?

the book made me want to do something just as extraordinary .

Heartwarming story

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

I loved following Harold's journey. His story was at times funny and other times incredibly sad.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Maureen, his wife. She didn't give up on him. It took a while but she came to believe in his journey.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

Everything.

much deeper than I expected

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, it was a great story about personal growth. It also had a really good twist that I wasn't expecting

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

I don't want to give anything away.

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

No