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)

HOPE

This was a very lovely story of a married couple who find their way out of a bitter depression and come back to loving and living. The narration is absolutely impeccable,

heart-warming journey!!

one of the best books I've read in a long time. it was so hwart-warming and relatable. it made me laugh and cry many times. the performance was amazing!

Mild-Mannered Tale

this was a good listen for me to wear the end of my pregnancy. not stressful, not violent, not so gripping that I was losing sleep. It is a bit sad, but not gut-wrenching or heartbreaking. I have to admit, it was a tad boring. But it was well told and well performed, and I enjoyed it without any big breaks.

Wonderful!

Loved this story! My favorite in many years. I felt like I was walking with Harold and I couldn't put the story down. What a wonderful message!

Brilliant Commentary on Life

I absolutely loved this novel about working-class Brits in an intimate struggle to find meaning in their lives and relationships. Beautifully performed by a superb reader.

Poignant and revelatory

Harold Fry is a simple man who unwittingly reveals the complexities of the human spirit one step at a time. You will be surprised at how likely you are to identify in many ways with along this unlikely journey of purpose and hope.

Touching, sincere and real

I loved everything from the narration to the characters to the realness and the raw emotion that came from Harold’s journey. One can only hope that by showing kindness and true friendship to somebody would one day help carry them through difficult times.

A Beautiful and Poignant Book

I'm glad I didn't read reviews of this book before I listened to it. I expected a whimsical story about a funny little English fellow strolling through the countryside going from one caper to the next. What I experienced, rather, was a wonderfully poignant story about a common man on a quest to deliver a message to his dying friend, Queenie. I was drawn in further and further as I listened on, and the ending for me was just beautifully perfect. So moving and emotional. The adventure was superbly narrated by a chap named Jim Broadbent. He was just perfect for the job.

Who doesn't have regrets or questions decisions made in life? While Harold trudged through England he re-examines his life, from his childhood, marriage, relationship with son David, and work life; and we find out why he is full of sadness and remorse. We re-live much of the seminal moments in Harold's life. As he walks further away from his wife, Maureen, we experience her trying to make sense of Harold's obsession to walk hundreds of miles. She also begins to re-examine her life with Harold and their son. We see both sides of the coin.

There were so many great quotes in this book. This one is probably my favorite and sums up what Harold thought of himself before beginning his pilgrimage:

"He had made a mess of being a husband, father, and friend. He had even made a mess of being a son. It wasn't simply that he betrayed Queenie and that his parents did not want him, it wasn't simply that he made a mess of everything with his wife and son, it was rather that he passed through life and left no impression. He meant nothing."

I was pretty much set on this being a four star book until Mr. Broadbent spoke the last last couple of chapters to me on my early morning dog walk. I thought about it all day.

So uplifting and honest

What a story. Everyone can find something familiar in this cast of characters, and their choices.

A fun love story

So many emotions and ways to show love and acceptance.
Harold Fry, Maureen, Queenie, Rex, the girl in the garage, Dog, and more. Gosh what an emotional ride this was. Well worth the listen to.