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)

Love the idea

I didn’t bond with this book right away but kept going because I loved the journey across England. With about 3 hours left I didn’t want to stop listening. If you are sensitive, keep the tissue close at hand.

Really sweet book!

Ohh I loved this audio book. Reading it makes you feel motivated and appreciative of your life and love. Go Harrold!

Very Moving Story

I debated about this book for a while & was so glad I decided to listen to it. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. It's so easy to take those we care about for granted & this story was about a journey of transformation for both Harold & Maureen. It's a book that will stay will you after you listen to it.

Good book, but too long

I've never been to England before, but the details of Harold's walk were so detailed that I could follow his journey on Google Maps. It was a great way to enjoy this book. I loved the complicated relationships, even though I guessed the big twist about an hour into the book. It still didn't ruin the moment it was revealed towards the end. I say towards the end because it wasn't really close enough for the end. Do you remember those wavy plot lines that your literature teacher drew on the chalkboard in grade school? The plot builds up slowly, slowly, slowly, until you reach the top of the mountain, then it quickly goes back down and the book ends. I have a feeling Miss Joyce never saw that wavy line, because after the big shocking twist, she continues to plod on. And on. And on. I found myself zoning out.

Overall, however, this was a great book. And for her first book, outstanding! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

a very long journey

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

The focus on problems fthat we take for granted

What did you like best about this story?

The hope that he could make things change

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

the pace of the pilgrimage,

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

no

Any additional comments?

Story too long,

Your Emotional State will determine if you like it

This is a melancholy story, filled with much sorrow and sadness. Difficult to "grade" -- much like a non-luxurious hotel can be Very Good because it provides the basic necessities Very Well but without luxury. Do you give such a hotel only 2 or 3 stars because it lacks luxury? Or do you give it 4 or 5 stars because it IS very good at providing clean and comfortable accommodations?

Throughout most of the beginning of the book, I thought I understood the author's point (perhaps it helps to know that I am in my 50s): Live Life While you can, live it to the fullest. Life goes by at a relentless pace and before you know it, you've run out of time, so don't be afraid to take some chances once in a while -- don't leave behind "A Life Un-Lived". But then I started to get the feeling that somehow That was only a small part of what the author is saying. About 60% into the book, I started to realize that the author seemed to be making a much Darker Point -- that it really doesn't matter What We Do in life. As another reviewer (who only gave a 1 or 2 star review) said: "Don't listen to this story if you're depressed or suicidal" -- it might bring you over the edge! (lol).

I think the writing Is Very Good. The author, Rachel Joyce, knows how to use words to "paint a picture", she has good phrasing and context -- she clearly has talent as a writer (but perhaps not as a story-teller). I can't help wondering what demons her poor soul is battling that enabled her (or possessed her) to write such a melancholy story filled with despair. I agree with another reviewer that about 75% - 78% of the book is interesting and good, Then I got to about chapter 20 or 22 (of 32) and I started to dislike certain aspects of the story, and I started to feel the author was actually trying to make a different point, send a different "message". By the time you get to Chapter 25, you start to wonder why Ms. Joyce chose to go down this decline into a rather Dark Pit. I nearly stopped listening -- but I did want to know what happens, how the story ends -- so I give Ms. Joyce credit for giving the story enough "suspense" (if you can call it that) to entice the reader to plow through those chapters of deep despair and sadness.

I think the last chapter brings some redeeming value to the enitire book on a philosophical level. So I give the "Book" 4 stars. It won't ever be a favorite of mine, but books about tragedies and topics that we find disturbing or emotionally upsetting can still be "good books" in the sense that they are well-written. I give the "Story" 3 stars. If I were to grade just the first 20 or so chapters along with the very last chapter, I would give the story at least 4 stars. The narrator was excellent. His voice suited this book and he differentiated the various characters with his voice extremely well, giving each character a uniqueness and believability -- so I give the "Performer" 5 stars.

Overall, I'm glad I listened to the book. I Would Not listen to it again. I Would think twice about reading another book by this author unless I was assured that it wouldn't put me into a melancholy state for hours every time I listened to it.

Real humanity

I entered the world of Harold Fry with no preconceptions. It wasn’t my typical sci fi or horror choice. I found the book thoroughly enjoyable inventive and unexpected. It’s usually so easy to guess where a story is going. Not so here. I believe this is a terrific book for anyone.

A Must Read

Beginning as what seems to be a quirky take on everyday life, the story gradually unfolds with so much promise I was afraid it could never deliver.
At the end, I felt joyfully fulfilled.

Pleasantly surprised

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

I chose this book for my book club prior to reading it. (That is my self-imposed rule for all my selections) I was quite pleasantly surprised.

I'd actually like to read it again prior to the meeting of my book club on 4/13 so that I can set up an actual map of Harold's trip. Perhaps I will.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how hidden stories for each character came out and came together in the end.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

He has the perfect voice for the main character for sure.

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

I was intrigued by the girl at the gas station at the beginning of the book and the fact that she showed up near the end as well. Not too many kids are willing to share in an earnest conversation with an older adult, especially one that they do not know.

Any additional comments?

Sad, moving, but motivational all in one!

LOVE.

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

I really enjoyed this story- you will root for Harold until the very end.