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)

Heartbreaking, Uplifting, Surprising

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

the writing style was so descriptive I felt like I was with Harold on his journey.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold, of course. His tenacity- his examination of the life he led- his belief in good.

Which scene was your favorite?

There is a point in the book that I cannot tell about- it would spoil the story. Let's just say, I have experienced loss- the moment came when I sobbed and could not stop- time stopped for me as I relived the exact moments that Harold and Maureen went through.

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

Oh, please don't make a movie. The book was so perfect, I am not sure the emotions, Harold's thoughts, Maureen's feelings could be captured without losing a great deal of why Harold did what he did.

Any additional comments?

The author is to be congratulated- this was one of the most insightful, uplifting but emotional fiction books I have read in some time.

Simultaneously sad and beautiful

This was a very insightful story about life and pain and beauty. I had tears streaming down my face at the end. This was a book that ends with a smile and lots of thought about ones own life.

Fantastic!

I loved this book! Once I started, I couldn't put it down! You won't regret giving it a listen.

This is the reason that I listen to Audiobooks

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

Only did audio, but in my experience with such a good reader there is no comparison

What did you like best about this story?

I wait for books that offer a unique story with beautiful writing that just takes you in and doesn't let go

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

Harold

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. Beautiful book.

Enough already

Interesting premise, but by the end, you just are glad it's over. There were too many times I wanted to smack Harold--for making the pilgrimage in the first place (take a train, for chrissake, the woman is dying), for not being even remotely prepared for such a journey--and then by turning that into a righteous thing--and for years of choosing not to understand his wife's pain and the role he has played in it. Rather than being all things to the followers he collects along the way, he should have stayed at home and taken care of business.

A relaxing tone to listen to while walking.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books about the issues common to many long term marriages. A little space sometimes, is a good thing. This book did not offend traditional values.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Even thought the ending was predictable, I was pleased that Harold found peace.

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

Great job. No complaints.

Was The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry worth the listening time?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

A nice pro-marriage book.

A surprise I didn't see coming!

Loved this book, well written and well performed. While listening I felt I was back in England where I recently visited. I could picture everything Harold saw while on his pilgrimage. The best part was my surprise for the reason for the pilgrimage. Listen and you will be as well.

Warmth

The narrator brought such warmth to this beautiful story of family & friend forgiveness. I will miss continuing to go on this pilgrimage walk with Harold now that I have finished listening to his story.

There is nothing to say.

I want to give nothing of the story away for each must find it for themselves. It took every emotion I have and opened it up to be expressed fully and completely.
The narration was superb. I know this man now and his character will remain with me, I hope, forever.
The writing was perfectly worded. How can all these words be found and placed together as tho a beautiful tapestry has been woven.
Highly recommend this narration, this story & this complete feeling I have after experiencing this pilgrimage with my heart.

so enjoyable!

The adventure took my emotions from the depths of dispare to the mountain tops of joy. I truly enjoyed the ride!