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)

Delightful

Delightful tale of an unhappy man who walks across England to visit his old friend who is dying of cancer. It tells of the people he met, his joy in enjoying nature and working through past memories.

I WILL NEVER FORGET HAROLD FRYE

I loved this book! It touched me very profoundly with its simplicity and incredible depth. I cared so much for Harold that ultimately I cried for him and with him. Maybe others won't feel the same but I found myself taking the trip along side him. The narrator was so Harold. I will always remember this book with great fondness.

Very enjoyable

Who was your favorite character and why?

Loved the development of Harold's character.

Any additional comments?

I know I really like a book when I finish it and I miss the characters. This book fell into that category for me. It was a very enjoyable listen.

Kind and heartfelt book

This is a lovely book about lost and found love. I recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful read.

a beautifully moving story

made me laugh, cry both from happiness and sorrow, and kept me rooting for Harold on his unusual and moving pilgrimage. I would highly recommend this story to anyone. It's quirky and memorable. Jim Broadbent has the perfect voice for this story.

Loved, Loved, Loved this book!

Any additional comments?

The book starts out a little slowly - please don't be put off by that because it really delivers some incredible messages and packs a punch in the end! I actually did laugh and cry and rooted and cheered for Harold and those who love him and show him kindness. This is a very heartwarming and insightful novel and I have recommmended it to family and friends already - I now recommend it to you! Jim Broadbent is masterful and there is no doubt in my mind that if and when this hits the big screen he will be just the man to put a fact to Harold Fry.

A lovely story of life

Painful at times as you wish you could help Harold see and believe in himself. The simple way the story is told, the well-chosen descriptions of the scenes along the way, the raw emissions held in check... very moving.

Must listen!!

A touching, personal, beautiful book!!! I loved it from the beginning, it has become one of my favorite books. The characters are very real, and very symbolic; very sensitive, and very courageous. It really is an unlikely story, however, the characters and their stories and feelings are so real that it is easy to identify with them, to feel what they feel, to be empathic and to live the story along with them. The novel is beautifully written, and the performance of the audiobook is great! This book travels directly to your heart.

So Beautiful

This is one of those gems you're lucky to come upon. Tugs at every emotion in your body. Beautifully well written with the best narration possible. Unpredictable and satisfying. Highly recommend- don't miss it!

Just a very good story with no bells and whistles

An 'every man' makes a commitment to a very difficult task to support a former friend in need. Good narration and good story help you to look forward to every next encounter and not stop listening. Every once in a while it's good to have a straight forward and entertaining novel.