The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

By: Rachel Joyce

Narrated by: Jim Broadbent

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Winner: New Writer of the Year – Specsavers National Book Awards 2012.

When Harold Fry nips out one morning to post a letter, leaving his wife hoovering upstairs, he has no idea that he is about to walk from one end of the country to the other. He has no hiking boots or map, let alone a compass, waterproof, or mobile phone. All he knows is that he must keep walking - to save someone else's life.

Harold Fry is the most ordinary of men. He just might be a hero for us all.

Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent has starred in a huge range of films, from British favourites including Bridget Jones, Hot Fuzz and The Iron Lady, to Hollywood blockbusters such as Moulin Rouge, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the Harry Potter films. He is set to star in the upcoming film adaptation of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

©2012 Rachel Joyce (P)2012 Random House AudioGo

Critic reviews

“From the moment I met Harold Fry, I didn't want to leave him. Impossible to put down.” (Erica Wagner, The Times)

“Harold Fry is infuriating, hilarious and completely out of his depth, but 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. Marvellous!” (Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand)

“A magical, moving and uplifting tale about a man's journey across Britain and into his own heart.” (Deborah Moggach)

“I loved this book. I loved its purity, its brutality and unerring honesty. I don't think I have read such richly composed metaphors before. They are like shooting stars glittering across each page. I can't believe this is her first novel- I wait with bated breath for her next.” (Natascha McElhone)

“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry isn’t just a book I enjoyed reading, it’s a book I feel lucky to have read. It takes the most ordinary and unassuming of men and turns him into a hero for us all. Harold Fry faces the same questions we all do as we age, questions about the meaning of our lives, faith and love, but confronts them in a most surprising way. To go on this journey with him will not only break your heart, it might also just heal it.” (Tiffany Baker, New York Times best-selling author of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County)

inspirational - well worth a listen

I hadn't heard anything about this book. Loved it from start to finish - I found it very inspiring.

Real, raw, touching

I loved this book, so human, so relatable. Broadbent is a gem. His voice rolls worn ease, pure class

What a wonderful story!

So sad how 20 years of a relationship could be wasted. Secrets, unspoken words, tragedy, loneliness.

A 65 year old man embarks on a journey (pilgrimage) to see a long lost friend who is dying of cancer. On the way, he meets ordinary yet special people who inspire him and give him hope - most of the time. He thinks about the shadows of the past and how he thinks he failed his wife, son and friend. Meanwhile, his wife is going through the same feelings while left at home. Has he left her? Will he come back?

The narration was superb. The male narrator didn't try to imitate the female voices as some do (badly!). But you always knew who was speaking.

Very moving and emotional. And so well written and narrated. An absolutely wonderful story!

Made an old cynic weep

What a super novel. A great story with several stories within the main one and as they unfold, I was left inspired.

A stubborn man

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

Near the top.

What did you like best about this story?

It was easy to follow the story of this man who set out on what appeared to be quite a ridiculous walk to prove a point.

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

I think the women in this story deserved attention - the long suffering, confused wife and the 'friend' who prompted the walk.

Any additional comments?

The various characters that Fry meets on his travels were interesting - at times almost ridiculous especially the large group he attracted. However, the encounters were unexpected and had a certain simplicity and honesty.

A wonderful book

I was wrapped in this book right from the first page. It is such a human tale. I cared so much about Harold Fry and his story, even though of course I knew it was fiction! There is much pain and sadness in this story but it is quiet and underlying. It is a thoughtful book and I found myself reflecting on Harold's story for many days after the completion of this audiobook. I loved the narration, he did a wonderful job.

Brilliant

A brilliant story, fabulously read. I loved it. A brilliant unfolding of a story all about the 'lives of quiet desperation' lead by ordinary people. The story also captures beautifully the particular eccentricities of Englishness.

Lovely!

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

Yes! Such a lovely story, poignant, clever, sad but in the end uplifting

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

Not sure

Which scene was your favorite?

Visiting Queenie

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

Harold Fry

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable

A Likely Wonderful Story

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

Wondrous, Emotional, Charming

What did you like best about this story?

Harold reminds me of my grandfather who passed away some years ago. My grandfather had the same quiet, non-judgmental approach to others that Harold adapts as he meets strangers along the way, and I could imagine my grandfather in Harold's shoes--no pun intended.Like any great piece of literature, it shows us human truths and frailties in all their ugliness and beauty, through a new voice. It lets us filter our own experiences through the story. And it begs the question, would I do that if in the same situation?It has moved me more than any piece of writing for a long time. I believe that it's a story to "listen" to. Jim Broadbent is brilliant. I feel privileged to have listened.

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

All of them. He is faultless.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! But I split it up as much as possible to savour it. About four sittings as I couldn't wait.

Any additional comments?

Listen to it!

Beautiful.

A profoundly beautiful story. Written and narrated so tenderly. A definite must read or listen. Highly recommend.