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 Quest of the Heart

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

Heartbreaking, Joyful, True

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

Harold's letter to the girl at the garage. I had to stop the book and catch my breath. I felt like I had been hit in the solar plexus. It knocked the wind right out of me.

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

Harold of course but all the characters are well done. Supremely so!

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 so I could tell him my secrets and he could carry a piece of me in his strong, sure heart.

Any additional comments?

Often you will hear the word "seminal" used to speak for a breakthrough piece of literature for the young. This is truly seminal work for those of us who are entering the latter phases of our lives and are wondering "is it too late". Harold and Maureen answer this question with a beautiful honesty. I will carry this book in my heart for a long time, How often can you say a work of fiction has changed you? This one can if you open your heart.

Profoundly heart warming!

Harold Fry is a character for the ages. Brought me to tears and made me laugh with the simplicity of the daily events of his pilgrimage.

Go on a journey

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

I don't know if there is a book comparable to Harold Fry. This is unique in almost every way (at least in my reading history). It's a story of redemption, restoration and healing... and I guess a warning against burying your feelings.

Which scene was your favorite?

Two scenes really caught me. Harold and Queenie, and Harold and his wife at the end. Giving more details would ruin the story but, needless to say, wonderful!

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

Harold Fry is the most memorable character. You journey with him and, through his ups and downs, you discover how important it is to keep the most important things important in your life.

We should all take a pilgrimage.

What made the experience of listening to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the most enjoyable?

The novel is universal. One can relate to every sentence written.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold. I am he.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

Jim Broadbent mad the experience extremely enjoyable. Of all the audiobooks I have listened to, he ranks number one as a performer. I searched Audible for other books narrated by him, but I unfortunately didn't find any (apart from children's novels). What a shame.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Everyone's journey.

Good read!

Interesting and unique storyline. I thought it was well-written, and the narrator was very good -- struck just the right storytelling tone.

Refreshing!

I loved the theme of letting go of the "stuff" we accumulate everyday in our lives. This book made me feel the freedom and pleasure derived from being unencumbered, and even gave me the urge to declutter my house! Harold's journey took so many twists and turns in so many ways - the feelings that emerged, the people he met, and the physical route from city to countryside. They were interwoven so well that I felt compelled to keep reading just as Harold needed to keep walking. One of the best reads I've had in a long time! The narrator did a great job all around using a different voice for each character to make them all really come alive. I would recommend this book to anyone. In fact, I think I'm going to buy a hard copy for my husband!

It's not just a walk

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I actually had it for a long while and when I had nothing left to hear I downloaded it. I truly missed out on a wonderful story by not listening to it sooner. Everyone needs to take a pilgrimage at some point in their life!!!!

Quirky & Quiet, a beautiful listen

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

full of little surprises and a moving story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold, of course!

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

what a soothing voice

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

yes

Any additional comments?

Harold is a very likeable character - full of flaws and leading a quiet, ordinary life, until he decides to do something extra-ordinary - believable and entertaining - I loved this audio book

the best book I've ever listened to.

truly a life changer. I breathe life differently after this beautiful story. rich with meaning and heart. a perfect 10!

Amazing.

Refer to review title. Just listen to the book. Six more words are needed to.