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)

Wonderful wonderful!!

This is a beautiful story, Wonderfully written… It gives you a huge surprise towards the end, something will never expected leave you with a smile!!!!

Not a journey worth taking

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

I'm sorry to say, I did not listen to whole thing... I was bored and the book did not hold my attention.

Would you be willing to try another book from Rachel Joyce? Why or why not?

I doubt it. I didn't enjoy this book. I read a lot of the reviews, but I just don't agree with them. Wasn't my cup of tea.

What three words best describe Jim Broadbent’s voice?

I thought I would be more entertained by such an acclaimed actor. It was just fine... but I was bored with the lack of tone and any vocal dramatics that could have been done.

Did The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry inspire you to do anything?

No... except, delete it from my library.

Any additional comments?

Not my cup of tea. I was hoping for more. I wasn't moved or inspired.

Entertaining, sad, funny, and emotional.

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

The people and places bring back memories of my travel through England. I would not have been as iinterested if I had not been there and could picture the people and places that were discribed in the book. I am a psychologist and found the personalities familiar. It was slow at times, but not enough to put the book aside. The story was funny, sad, and inspireing. I would not recommend it to everyone, but would recommed it greatly to some people. It is not the normal that I am used to, but, a great break from the regular books I am interested in.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Maybe a little less listing of all of the many flowers and open land observed by Harold. I felt that those areas were slowing down the story

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

A very interesting determination of Harold's that would not be typical of his caricature.

Do you think The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I always want more of a book I have enjoyed! I would get a follow-up if it was available.

Any additional comments?

Worth giving it a try for the avid reader.

Loved it.

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

Not likely, because I seldom re-read (or re-listen). Besides, the thing I liked best about this book was the slow revelation of who the characters really are. The element of surprise would be missing.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was delightfully unpredictable. It was so very human.

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

Harold! By the time the story ended I just wanted to hug him.

A lovely story of hope and redemption.

Each of us has made mistakes. Each of us has said and done things we wish we hadn't. Harold walks across England to make amends to someone from his past and all the while the journey is into himself. And his journey inspires others to look into themselves as well. I admit that the last 1/2 hour had me choked up. I heartily recommend this book and if you like it you will also enjoy "The Memory of Running" which is a similarly themed book, albeit from an American perspective.

A book that can change your life

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

I found the story to be very interesting with a lot of aspects that could be used to inspect and review my own life and see how I can do things differently to make a difference. I liked hearing the story from a couple of characters' viewpoints so that by the end I knew the history of both the husband's and the wife's life together.

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

He has a lovely warm voice and brings compassion to a story that might be less sympathetic if read silently by oneself.

Entertaining and thought provoking

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

Good I tend to enjoy books that are interesting enough to hold my interest but not too full of tension. I like to relax when I listen. I have a lot of stress in my life

What did you like best about this story?

I was raised in the U.K and so I like the familiarity and descriptions of both charachters and countryside

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

He is always superb in all that he does but just listening to his slow easy voice was a joy

Heartwarming

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

I did not read the print version, but the performance was stellar. The narrarator put so much heart and feel into Harold and all the other characters.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved that nothing was predictable. I loved that Harold and Maureen learned so many lessons along the way and that I felt transformed after listening to this.

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

He creates the perfect English gentleman.

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

I bawled like a baby. I was making appetizers for a party when it got to the end and had to sit down I was crying so hard.

This is why I love audible.com

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

Beautiful. Poignant. Human.

Any additional comments?

I chose this book from the list on their $4.95 sale. It looked like a nice, light, summer read. It was, and it wasn't. This book (and author) are now in my top ten favorites. I doubt I would have come across it but for the recommendation from Audible. A REALLY GREAT book!

Loved it!

A moving story about rediscovering the beauty of life. Sometimes we have to travel to the darkest places to appreciate the light.