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)

Twists and turns

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

refreshing, depressing, exhilirating

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

Jim broadbent is Harold Fry :-)

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

Queenie - she is the inspiration for the story

Listened twice! Enjoyed Harold’s journey.

This book surprised me. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I found myself staying in my car longer to see what happened next. This is a story of an everyday man, who is very relatable, who goes on an unexpected journey to see a friend from the past. A very long walk. Along the way he learns more about the world around him and the people in it. Most importantly he gets to know himself.

UNUSUAL, CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE

Harold Fry's character could put you to sleep during the first chapter. Get past that and you're hooked. I read [or listened through to the end of the book] into the wee hours of the morning. Get this book, you will thank me.

A Trip Unexpected

I chose this story because I expected it to be a predictably funny tale about a married couple and a man on a journey meeting a witty and comical cast of characters. Turns out it was not predictable in the least and I must admit that throughout the first few chapters, I was disappointed by its somewhat serious tone. That being said, however, I am very glad that I chose to stay with it. The story is unique in that in continually stirs your curiosity while evoking a deep sense of empathy for its main characters. The underlining plot is somewhat complex and very real which can sometimes feel uncomfortable but none the less, carries you along as you take each step along side Harold. It is an endearing story about how our lives intertwine with others and give testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Additionally, the narration is well done.

Unlikely. Delightful. Thought-provoking.

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

I can't say because I only heard it in audio.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the evolution of the characters, their thought processes and how they changed over the course of the walk.

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

I loved hearing the speech of the characters (their accents, speaking mannerisms, etc.) and I know I wouldn't have experienced this if I had just read a printed version of the book.

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, mainly to listen to more of his insights.

Any additional comments?

This is a story that speaks to the inner parts of a person. I found myself reflecting on my own life and the many choices made over the course of 60+ years... I was especially moved by how Harold and his wife had their life "jarred loose" and changed because of Harold's pilgrimage. Quiet, but powerful stuff here.

Best audiobook ever!

This is a beautifully written book that absolutely must be listened to by Jim Broadbent. He brings all of Ms. Joyce's characters to life in a way that puts you right into the story taking you on a journey of a lifetime. More than 5 stars, really!

feels like forever

The narrator is great but the writing is so simplistic that the listener is bored the entire time. I had hoped the ending would get better but it just drags on and feels like it lasts forever. if you need something to listen to in preparation for sleep, this is the perfect book.

Great book

This is an inspiring story and the narration is perfect. It is very unpredictable, just the way life is.

Touching personal journey

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

This rates among the top books I've listened to over the past year. Jim Broadbents narration is perfect. Harold's pilgramage is an end of life journey of remembrance and self searching that is at once touching and poignant. And though Harold leaves his wife Maureen at home as he sets off unexpectantly on foot to a friend dying of cancer, she herself embarks upon her own journey of remembrance that exposes her own empty cold life. This unlikely pilgrimage leads both Harold and Maureen to a new beginnning that neither of them imagined. This beautiful story merges lives of emptiness and pain to a beautiful conclusion. Do not hestitate. This one is worth your time.

Such a moving story!

I didn't think I'd like this story and then I couldn't stop listening and growing to care so much for Harold!