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 fabulous, unexpected treat!

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

I don't think I will listen to the entire book again, but there are parts I will revisit.

What other book might you compare The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to and why?

I can think of no comparable book I have ever read, nor enjoyed so thoroughly.

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

Jim Broadbent has an inside voice that allows him to effortlessly, simply become Harold. And then Maureen. And then Rex. The sister at Hospice was so convincing, I would have liked to have heard more from her.

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. He learned so much on his travels, and we're about the same age. I have a wonderful, stable marriage, but I know many people who don't. Harold found himself on this voyage; found his own voice. Maureen found Harold, again, and in the process she also learned life-enhancing lessons by watching Harold walk to Queenie.

Any additional comments?

This book was my first audible book, and was so delightful that I have ordered aseveral more, and look forward to listening to them. Would it be too much if I were to say that I'm hooked on Audible books? Well, I am!

Wonderful on so many levels

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

I have not read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a wonderful book on so many levels. It seems simple, but it really brings to light the nuances of living one's life. Harold is - as most of us are - seeking to rediscover, redefine and understand his life. The reader takes this journey of discovery along with Harold, and by observing, may hopefully make discoveries of their own.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

I thought he was excellent. He voiced Harold so beautifully and the other characters as well.

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

I think the title is perfect!

Any additional comments?

Well worth a read!

A tale to walk to.

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

I listened as I walked, to the novel as read by Jim Broadbent. Great narrator. on the whole, I found the book very well- written. I got bogged down about 2/3 of the way through, with the other pilgrims who joined Harold, and am contemplating whether the tale wouldn't have been just as strong without their addition.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

The mundane minutiae of life and Harold's journey that the author captured, while not losing sight of the meanings of Harold's very long walk into the land of the living.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

His voice, pacing, the whole performance - completely engaging.

Things Remembered

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

As Harold Fly journeys toward Queenie, he engages in past times that are alien to him, but like well worn shirts to the listener. Harold meets new people and begins to find the good that can be found in most everyone; he remembers picture albums of past events and cringes, cries and/or conceals. I loved this book. I loved Maureen and her marriage to Harold. I loved the angst they both lived through. I loved the end of the tunnel, by the beach, holding hands.

What did you like best about this story?

That in the end, love conquers all.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

I liked Jim Broadbent's accent and his use of the English language to subtly paint the ideas in the story.

Extraordinary book, perfect narrator

Jim Broadbent's reading of this funny, sad, joyous story knocked my socks off. More Broadbent, please.

Heartbreakingly Funny

Heartbreaking story that is ever so funny. You grow to love Harold and following along on his adventure makes you feel like you know him and feel his pain and pleasure.

Engaging and wonderful, if a bit depressing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The performance by Jim Broadbent was wonderful, he really brought a great authority and kindness to the story. I listened to this book while going on several long walks around my neighborhood, which was a great way to really get into the story. I've been almost exclusively listening to science fiction and fantasy for the past year, but picked out this title based on Audible's recommendations. It did not disappoint!

Harold- to know him is to love him...

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

I loved the quirky people he met and the new outlook it gives him as he wanders across England. Alongside that is his wife's own journey to better understand others, herself and her husband.

Any additional comments?

This was a story I could not stop talking about to others, saying you must read this charming book that I'm listening to right now.

Moving and Profound, but not Preachy.

I cannot praise this book, together with the narrator, enough. While it can be read as a sentimental story, it can also be read by those willing to go within, as something much deeper. To place it in a wider context, listen to Joseph Campbell’s first episode (broadcast some 25 years ago and available on youtube) with Bill Moyers in the PBS series “The Power of Myth.” The parallels between the hero’s journey illuminated by Campbell, and Harold Fry’s pilgrimage, are striking. If Rachel Joyce never writes another book, and this was her first novel, she should be remembered for this achievement.

Brilliant

A beautiful story of redemption and hope. A hope not of some pie in the sky idea coming true but a promise that continuing on the journey is the healing. If you're not afraid of your own tears don't miss this book.