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)

Wonderful story

This was a lovely story about what it means to be human. Harold Fry is married, retired, has raised one son, and is plodding along in his life when Queenie's letter arrives. To all these people, and to those he'll meet in his pilgrimage, he is sometimes a hero, a friend, a disappointment, infuriating, a failure--in other words, just a normal person. Through his interactions and trials on his long walk, he grows, he learns, he reflects and comes to terms with his past. He figures out his own heart. I enjoyed the perspectives from which the author related this sentimental journey. Because this was an Audible Audio, I must also rate the narrator. Jim Broadbent is simply wonderful. He deserves all 5 stars. Honestly, he could read the dictionary and I'd be a satisfied listener.

Great Gem of a Book

Used a credit on a whim, never expected to be so deeply involved with Harold's journey. it's a journey depicting life as it is, with moments of happiness, small epiphanies, an accounting of Harold's life as seen by Harold. A 500 mile walk to rescue a friend from dying, asking her to hang on because of him. His lonely, troubled life is seen for what it is and what life is for everyone. The ending is poignant and full of hope.

Excellent Narration, Beautiful Writing

The current pilgrimage story is unlikely, for sure which is why I gave it lower rank. But it's some of the best writing I've ever read and Joyce nuanced the story in ways that make suspending one's belief totally doable. She seems to take predictable turns only to pull the reader back to the reality that could only work for the particular character. Beautiful in depth of the numerous characters and their individual quirks and contributions.The secondary story that comes out over the course of the book is heartwrenching. Lots of depth, growth, introspection and healing. I have awe for writers who can get to this level. A lot of study of humanity comes out in this book. The narration is the best I've listened to, which says a lot. One doesn't get tired of Broadbent's voice. He's a perfect fit for the book.

Absolutely beautiful story

I started this book not knowing anything about it, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful, unforgettable books I have ever read. 💛

Beautiful, raw, real

This has become a favorite book, which is saying something from an avid reader AND someone who neither views cancer as a death sentence nor agrees with the pharmaceutical-only options portrayed. The story is lovely and heartbreaking and relatable. The character’s are so three-dimensional and Jim’s narration is superb, every character unique and real, giving me an entirely new respect for his incredible talent. I listen again and again as I travel, and never tire of the story.

Touches your heart

A superb book that surprises and connects with the human spirit. Thank you for sharing such a gift Ms. Joyce.

Powerful

This book is as gentle as a sharp knife. It cuts quickly and silently right through the whole world to your heart, and gives you whiplash with how much you want to laugh out loud and then just as suddenly, stop what you’re doing and cry for how much you relate, and for how much you recognize that this is what life is like.

Strong start, wanders off toward the end

The story has a good start. The story of the past unfolds slowly and Harold‘s journey is interesting. About 2/3 of the way through, the story really falls apart and then the book kind of melts away to the ending. The pacing falls apart.This book is very reminiscent of “A Man Called Ove,” but a paler shadow.

Full of the feels

I laughed, i cried a lot and was thoroughly enveloped in this story. Life changing.

Delightful

I had this in my library for EVER before finally breaking down and listening. It was truly delightful! I am sorry I waited so long. I love the characters and they stories they tell. Harold is my hero. You won't regret this one!