The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

A Novel

By: Rachel Joyce

Narrated by: Jim Broadbent

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)

This one moves into one of my top Five Favorites

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Masterfully written and well performed. I enjoyed every minute of this book. The story unfolded like the English countryside.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Genesis-Justice-Injustic

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

No, it is such a powerful book the emotion is more than I'm ready to do again.

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

None, it bypasses the standard storie line and takes you for an incredible walk.

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

Harold.

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

No. Too long

Any additional comments?

This book is a well crafted bit of art. It threaghtens your assumptions and is filled with interesting characters, excellent writing and possible the best female narrator I've every heard.

An Unlikely Fabulous Listening Experience

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

The subtle humor and the unlikely visual image of this man walking to Berwick on Tweed could definitely entice me to read this again. It's

What about Jim Broadbent’s performance did you like?

Not only did I love the different voices the narrator used, but I loved the slightly slower pace and cadence which suited the main character totally. Being both a fast reader and a fast talker (albeit NOT in the negative way), at first, I was a little off-put by the slightly slower, almost hum-drum-ness of the Harold Fry character's voice (and of his wife's), but then, I realized, that is Harold (AND his wife). Then, again, as readers will know, there is uniqueness in every day life (Harold muses something to that effect around chapter 12.

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

The Slovakian doctor....although I would hate her word choices!

Any additional comments?

It's funny....and it's poignant....and it's heart-wringing. Pilgrimage....Harold....I was expecting something English and Canterbury Tale-ish and perhaps that's what I got. Loved it.

Didn't think I'd Like It

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

I liked the life review of the main character.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold Fry was my favorite character because he did an extraordinary thing to work out the issues of his life

Have you listened to any of Jim Broadbent’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent

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

No ..I enjoyed listening over time as it was a book I needed to think about.

Any additional comments?

Great listen as I walk!

Hiding behind the ordinary things

This is a lovely book on many levels. Harold Fry is an ordinary man, with an ordinary life. Hardly interesting, hardly worthy of a second glance. Then one day he embarks on a journey to see an old friend, and in the process he embarks on a journey that helps him begin to find himself again. We all have complex histories, moments of triumph, moments of extreme pain and sorrow. We are none of us as we appear on the surface. Sometimes we hide behind the ordinary things in life because remembering who we are, and the losses we have experienced is just too painful. However, it is also a story about how human spirit and love can triumph over adversity. This is a lovely story, and a reminder that there is more to every one than meets the eye, and that love, compassion and small acts of kindness can make all the difference. Beautiful.

A Book to Buoy Your Spirits!

This book came at exactly the right time in my life - I needed a lift and it gave it to me. First, it's a great story and you just love Harold from the get go. Secondly, it's a real picture of a relationship that needs some serious help and thirdly, it's about walking which I do regularly. Harold embraces walking slowly and we end up walking with him as he begins to engage with life again through his journey. If you want a respite from the much of the world around us, go with Harold - you won't be disappointed.

Full of life

All lives are some type of pilgrimage. Some sad and others happy. This has all in it. It is a well written story. Once you start it it’s hard to put down.

Savor this one...

A wonderful, sensitively told story with memorable, engaging characters. Presented by one of the best narrators on earth. Thanks Audible

Charming

Harold Fry feels like a real person in this remarkable novel from Rachel Joyce. Jim Broadbent's portrayal and narration of the book also brings him to life in a way unlike most audiobooks I've heard. Great care was taken to show Harold's and Maureen's joys and sorrows in both Joyce's craft and Broadbent's narration.

Truly was a pleasure to listen to this book.

Surprising and delightful

This was an adorable, emotional, warm narrative. There were many parts that I felt I saw coming, but others took me by surprise and really were a joy to read. Harold is a rich, complicated character that truly develops throughout the novel. Every character is fascinating: his wife, his neighbor, even Queenie. I found myself laughing out loud at times, and very much weeping at others. Once this journey came to an end I felt truly...pleased. It was a very fulfilling and satisfying story.