The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel Kindle Edition

Read this with all your heart. Savor the ups and downs and all the little things in between. That's where you'll find the true .

EXCERPT: The letter that changed everything arrived on a Tuesday. It was an ordinary morning in mid-April that smelled of clean washing and grass cuttings. Harold Fry sat at the breakfast table, freshly shaved, in a clean shirt and tie, with a slice of toast he wasn't eating. He gazed beyond the kitchen window at the clipped lawn, which was spiked in the middle by Maureen's telescopic washing line, and trapped on all three sides by the neighbours closeboard fencing.'Harold!' called Maureen above the vacuum cleaner. 'Post.'He thought he might like to go out, but the only thing to do was mow the lawn and he had done that yesterday. The vacuum cleaner tumbled into silence, and his wife appeared, looking cross, with a letter. She sat opposite Harold.Maureen was a slight woman with a cap of silver hair and a brisk walk. When they first met, nothing pleased him more than to make her laugh. To watch her neat frame collapse into unruly happiness.'It’s for you,' she said. He didn't know what she meant until she slid an envelope across the table, and stopped it just short of Harold's elbow. They both looked at the letter as if they'd never seen one before. It was pink.ABOUT THIS BOOK: 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.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.. .MY THOUGHTS: This is a love story. Not a romance, because there is a difference you know, but a love story. Often, as with the case of Maureen and Harold, we lose sight of the person we fell in love with. We become obsessed with keeping the house clean, and the lawns mown, with the minutiae of daily life. And perhaps we lose sight of ourselves, too.Perhaps this is also a coming-of-age story for, although Harold is in his 60's when he goes off to post his letter to Queenie Hennessy and instead embarks on his unplanned journey, this is really about Harold rediscovering himself.This is a book we should all read, and revisit regularly, just to remind ourselves what is really important in life. 💕💕💕💕THE AUTHOR: Rachel Joyce has written over 20 original afternoon plays for BBC Radio 4, and major adaptations for both the Classic Series, Woman's Hour and also a TV drama adaptation for BBC 2. In 2007 she won the Tinniswood Award for best radio play. She moved to writing after a twenty-year career in theatre and television, performing leading roles for the RSC, the Royal National Theatre, The Royal Court, and Cheek by Jowl, winning a Time Out Best Actress award and the Sony Silver.DISCLOSURE: I own my copy of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Found the story captured me and I took the walk with Harold and Moreen. Filled with hope, dashed with despair, the pain of tragedy, the dullness of just existing, the soul searching and reflection that can free oneself and help focus on what is important in life, forgiveness of self and others. In the end to reconnect with the joyful moments of life and to move on with love.

When I heard Rachel Joyce interviewed by Diane Rehm on National Public Radio, I thought I'd just "give this novel a go." (Do I sound a wee bit British there?) And when I began my journey into it--my reading pilgrimage albeit not exactly an unlikely one--I knew immediately I would have to make myself read at the pace of Harold Fry's walk. Slow. He suffered blisters. I suffered nothing except the annoyance of telling myself that this was like a box of chocolates--no, I am not about to Forrest Gump you: enjoy the taste of one at a time, one chapter at a time because otherwise I would be far too quickly done. Some novels are to be savored. And this is certainly one of those.This novel is, as the Brits say, "brilliant! Just brilliant!" Harold has been married to Maureen for over forty years, has recently retired from a job he disliked in most respects with a truly horrific boss. And one day "the post" delivers a pink envelop addressed to Harold and in it a short note from Queenie saying she has been diagnosed with cancer and is now in hospice care. He worked with Queenie. She is in Berwick-upon-Tweed which, according to the map at the beginning of the novel, is just over the English border with Scotland. Harold lives in Kingsbridge. No, I too knew not of the location of either. But there it is on the map, just as far away from Queenie as he could possibly be and still be within the confines of the landmass the houses England, Wales and Scotland, right down on the English Channel.Harold writes a short note and wearing his yachting shoes--canvas ones I assume, probably what we call Dockers--makes his way to the nearest postslot, stopping to chat for a moment with his neighbor, now a widower. But on his way--mind you, he has nothing but what he walked out of the house with--he calls the hospice and tells the person on the other end to tell Queenie to stay as well as she can, that he is on his way. He has no luggage, but he calls Maureen to tell her. She, of course, is astonished. He has no map, no idea of how to get there other than to head north. He has led a rather provincial life.Maureen is, as an American friend of mine would say, "a piece of work." She reminds me somewhat of Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Rutledge) in the BBC sitcom "Keeping Up Appearances" but without the outrageous attire "Mrs. Bouquet" wears.So along the way--and the reader can keep track of the slowness of the journey by checking out the map--we are provided with back stories, about Harold's failures as a husband and father to only child David--he is quite the mystery for much of the novel--and of Harold's disengaged parents we well as Maureen's, about the lack of any type of relationship they now have. And about Queenie. But, of course, Harold meets a lot of people along the way, staying in inns and B&Bs. One couple, identically dressed for hiking, seem like the perfect match until the husband opens his mouth: full of advice, especially for what Harold should be wearing. "It occurred to Harold that he [the hiker] was one of those people who didn't require other people in order to have a conversation." And then this from his wife: "'Personally I liked the Cotswolds [the husband had said they did not].' said his wife. 'I know it's more flat, but it's romantic.' She twiddle her wedding ring so hard it looked as if she might unscrew her finger." (page 73) And this when Harold arrives in Exeter and visits a cathedral: "It struck him as strange but true that tourists bought trinkets and souvenirs of religious places because they had no idea what else to do when they got there." (page 84) That is just a very small taste of the brilliant little pieces of this very brilliant 300 page novel.Then there comes a real surprise near the end although all the pieces had been laid out for that short chapter, a letter to the girl who inspired Harold to go on his pilgrimageThis is a coming-of-age story, but not one of a young person stepping from innocence into life's realities. Instead it is a journey--an "unlikely pilgrimage"--in which a 65-year-old man who's lived a rather isolated and not very happy life walks into a broader world: "He understood that in walking to atone for the mistakes he had made, it was also his journey to accept the strangeness of others." Amen!

I've read a book recently by a big name author - lots of TV series to her name- in which the descriptions were irritating and felt superfluous. It reminded me that I'd interviewed her once and felt the same on that occasion although she was lovely. It felt as if I was reading instructions to a TV set designer. Or tips on the actors' motivation. This book was far and away superior to that. Yes, it's big on description but, here, that's what keeps you enthralled. It sets the scene throughout.. It carries you on the journey with Harold. Every step of the way through a changing landscape and personality. It seemed to lose its way, as indeed did Harold, after he was joined by other, pushy, pilgrims with agendas and egos to serve, of their own but picked up pace anew. I'm not surprised Jim Broadbent, star of the film, read the book three times. I won't be deleting it from my Kindle library any time soon as I don't doubt I'll notice new things with each re-reading. Part of me doesn't want to see the film in case it doesn't live up to the book but having heard Broadbent, one of our best character actors, interviewed on Radio 4, I think it's in safe hands. I've met actors who have never read a word of an author even after being called upon to play a part penned by the author. This is also a book you can read aloud to others and it won't disappoint or bore them. Furthermore, I've already got through the partner edition - which was incredibly moving - and have just started on Maureen's journey, 10 years later. I'm rather glad the author didn't opt for the formalaic approach , separating each character by a chapter of their own. It disturbs the flow of the reading and the pace of the book - three books, almost in tandem, is three times the pleasure in such beautiful writing.

The supply service of this book was great book itself was defo not me very slow pace to the point of 🥱😴

If you’re looking for a heartwarming tale about the power of friendship, humility, self-forgiveness, and human kindness, then Rachel Joyce’s novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is the perfect read for you! Read on for my review and find out why this book will give you perspective that you won’t soon forget.This novel follows retired salesman Harold Fry on his journey from his home in Devon to visit an old friend in Berwick-upon-tweed, one of the northern most towns of England. As he sets off, all he has with him are a pair of yacht shoes, a light coat, and a letter from his former friend Queenie Hennessy. As Harold begins to walk the length of Britain, over 500 miles, readers are taken on an incredible journey as they watch him grow and learn more about himself along the way.The story focuses on the need for communication within relationships and families. After 20 years of not communicating in his marriage, Harold is given time to reflect on life while his wife finally has time to miss him. This book proves that it’s never too late to communicate with those we love and build bridges with one another again.The characters in this book are so wonderful and deep - each providing their own unique perspective that helps to shape Harold’s journey from start to finish. With unapologetically sentimental moments throughout its pages, this story will make your heart ache in all the right ways as it takes us through scenes of joyous reunions, tearful goodbyes, and everything in between.There are some wonderful descriptions of Harold Fry’s long and unlikely pilgrimage which add to what could be a monotonous walk. There is a good mix of characters from all walks of life and an underlying feeling that people genuinely do want to support and help others in any way they can, from providing some food or companionship to a bed for the night, the warmth of home and a hot meal.All in all, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a touching tale about love and hope that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. It’s a must-read for anyone who needs a reminder that life can be full of second chances if we just take the time to look around us! So grab your copy today and immerse yourself in Rachel Joyce’s unforgettable world!

The concept of the story is very good. However, it got very tedious and I really wanted to just get through it to see what happens.Harold was frustrating at times. I was waiting for him to stick up for himself I’m the last third of the book.One lesson would be not to squander your precious life and live with such regret. That’s what was so depressing.I thought it was odd that the characters of Harold and Maureen kept being referred to as old. They’re only in their 60’s!! But it’s like the world views them as knocking on deaths door.

I saw trailers for the film, and was intrigued. It is not my usual choice of reading matter, but when I saw it for 99p, I thought I'd not complain if I didn't like it.It was late at night when I finished my previous book, but I thought that I'd read a bit of this to get an idea as to whether I'd enjoy it. From page one I was hooked, and after a few pages I realised that I would have to stop otherwise I'd be reading all night. The next day, being a Sunday, I sat down after breakfast and I read and read. I simply could not put it down. I finished it by mid afternoon.What a roller coaster of emotions I have been on. Parts made me cry (I am a 68 year old man, and I'm not embarrassed to admit that the tears flowed), I've laughed, I've felt anger, annoyance, and a host of other emotions.The book is well written, with strong characterisations. Descriptions of places on the journey were well done. I was interested in how many I have in fact visited, though thankfully by car.The storyline is excellent. Continuing the pilgrimage theme, it is very much a modern, non-religious morality play. There are most of the characters that one would expect from such a play, the thief, the drunk, the bully, the nag, the wronged woman, and so on. A few achieve redemption, others fall by the wayside, and some move on the greater sin. This might sound a little too trite, but it is handled with a light touch, and remains totally believable. I can certainly think of people to match the characters.I thoroughly recommend this book, and suggest that you set aside a block of time to read it. As the critic from The Times says, it is impossible to put down.