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 charming gem

I dare you not to fall in love with Harold Fry! This book was wonderful!

Harold walks away from his wife and home, on a whim, and makes a journey across England to see his dying co-worker. Along the way he meets wonderful people, gathers a following, and reconnects his past. Through the process he and his wife both begin healing from some darker chapters in their lives. Rarely do I stumble upon a book which seems so sincere and authentic, yet is so clever and entertaining.

awesome first audiobook for me!

loved it. story was very touching and narrator was great, loved the different voices and characterization

so beautifully written

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

jim broadbents' narration suits this book to a tee.

What did you like best about this story?

well written. well read can't beat this combo

Brilliant!

Incredible reading by Broadbent. Profound story. Magnificent prose. Not for the feint of heart. I play the audio at 75% speed so I can savor the experience.

Unexpected

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

I really liked the fact that Harold learned so much from doing something so simple for someone else.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold was my favorite character because he continually surprised himself during his entire journey but yet he never stopped looking at himself. He wanted to stop and it was painful but he would unconciously reach out to someone to keep him going.

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

I believe his accent and just that British way of sounding like nothing is shocking even when it the most outragous thing that could happen.

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

I think that was a great title.

Any additional comments?

I started to listen and thought I would be bored to tears but found a "diamond in the rough."

Absolutely Beautiful!!!

A journey for the reader into one's soul. Cathartic... I had no idea what to expect from this book. Such beauty!

Amazing book

I read this book second which is the wrong order, but it didn't matter. The story is beautifully told by the author and Jim Broadbent's performance is such a treat. He is a fine actor and storyteller. This is a small story about huge emotional growth through the simple act of walking. Highly recommended.

The Unlikely Book That Blew Me Away

This story moved me beyond expectation. I was completely unprepared for how it snuck up on me. I wish I could write a review that would do it justice. Just go read it.

I walked with Harold

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

This book is so well written...beautiful imagery and believable characters...poignant story about moving on...

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how Harold's history was given in increments from all different sources...we were piecing together until the end...and enjoying the journey..

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

I loved Harold and Maureen

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

perfect name :)

Wonderful book, far beyond expectations

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

What a great book! I expected something light and fluffy, and instead got a wonderful, thought-provoking book with full deep characters and a compelling story line. Terrific!

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

Great narrator! Just the right approach.