I don't even know where to start talking about this book... So be prepared for a review that will likely make very little sense. Let's start off by clearing one thing up: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It had it all: a compelling story, a wide variety of characters and a gorgeous writing style. Let me try to put some order in my thoughts, so we can at least pretend this isn't just going to be one of those posts where I attempt to tell you how much i loved this book in 2320495345 different ways.

In essence, this is the story of a sweet, old man who embarks on a journey across England (ON FOOT!) to visit his dying friend. Of course, that's a really crazy idea to have, especially if it's kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing, and you start your journey with nothing except the clothes you're wearing. And that's exactly what Harold does. And yes, it's crazy.

If we don't go mad once in a while, there's no hope.

I didn't think this would be a particularly gripping story, but I was oh, so pleasantly surprised when I found myself completely unable to put the book down.

This isn't just the story of how Harold gets from his hometown to Queenie's hospice. It's a much deeper, highly-emotional journey to the depths of Harold's soul, his past and his regrets, but also his slow discovery of the world around him. Through the people he meets and their own stories, Harold tries to make peace with his past, and understand humanity as a whole in the process.

Harold could no longer pass a stranger without acknowledging the truth that everyone was the same, and also unique; and that this was the dilemma of being human.

If you've been following me for a while (if you're new here, WELCOME!), you'll know I'm a character girl through and through, and these little fellows can make or break a book for me (and now you new people know it too). Well, the characters in this book were beyond beautiful! The author managed to create a parade of characters all profoundly different one from the other, but all equally important to Harold's mission and personal growth. We get to see snippets of their lives, and understand just how much a chance encounter can sometimes change a person's life. I was really surprised by Harold and his wife Maureen. I didn't much like either one of them at the beginning, but as the story progressed and I found out more about them I started to become really fond of them. And I was seriously impressed by how much they changed throughout the book! I love to see some good character development, and this was definitely the best I've seen for a while. I won't say any more than this on this topic now, because I don't want to ruin it for you.

You got up, and you did something. And if trying to find a way when you don't even know you can get there isn't a small miracle, then I don't know what is.

This book is definitely a new favourite of mine, and I have no idea how I could have possibly neglected reading this for so long. If you decide to give it a try though, be warned that this book completely crushed my heart and restored my faith in humanity all at the same time. And that's a really intense feeling, people, trust me!

Originally posted on Book For Thought. ( )

Real gem. I can relate to every sentence of the book.
Initially, I tried highlighting the portions that appealed to me , but 20 pages into the book, I gave up - there is not a single line I didn't like.
( )

Good ( )

Sixty-five-year-old Harold Fry, recently retired, receives a letter from an old friend Queenie Hennessy who is terminally ill and is in the care of St. Bernadine’s Hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Queenie was a friend from work, with whom Harold has not been in touch for almost twenty years but to whom he owed a great debt. Initially, he writes a response but on his way to posting it Harold is motivated to change direction and walk to Queenie, with faith that walking would keep her alive. It won’t be easy but in his yacht shoes and coat and otherwise unprepared, Harold embarks on his “pilgrimage”.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce follows Harold over the course of his eighty-seven-day, six hundred-and-twenty-seven-mile journey from Kingsbridge to Berwick-upon-Tweed. His pilgrimage attracts fans, followers and quite a bit of public attention (that quickly turns into a media circus). As Harold meets people from different walks of life, hears their stories, and is often at the receiving end of small acts of kindness, he is also inspired to reflect on his life – his unhappy childhood, his monotonous life and the emotionally distant relationship with his wife Maureen, his relationship with his son David, his friendship with Queenie and much more. In a sense, his journey while on the one hand onward is also inward.

“Walking the road already traveled was even harder. It was like not moving at all. It was worse, like eating into a part of himself.”

The narrative is shared from the perspectives of Harold and Maureen, his who is shocked to know Harold’s plans, which he informs her over a telephone call while already on his way. Alone at home, Maureen is with initially upset with Harold and concerned for his well-being. Harold on his part, keeps Maureen updated through phone calls, postcards and small gifts he sends to her. Maureen eventually begins to miss him and ponders over the past and the ups and downs of her forty-seven years with Harold. Both Harold and Maureen have their share of sorrow and regrets, not to mention the unhappiness that pervades their home and their relationship.

Will Harold’s “pilgrimage” be a catalyst for change in their lives? Will Harold reach Queenie in time?

In turns sad and heartbreaking yet hopeful and insightful, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce is a beautifully –written story that revolves around themes of friendship, love, family, loss, and regrets and moving forward. The author emphasizes the need for kindness, empathy and communication in healing relationships. Though the pace does slow down considerably in parts, this did not impact my overall reading experience. This book had been on my TBR for a while now. I’m glad I finally picked it up and met Harold whose journey made for a moving and poignant read. I look forward to reading the other books in the Harold Fry series.

“He had learned that it was the smallness of people that filled him with wonder and tenderness, and the loneliness of that too. The world was made up of people putting one foot in front of the other; and a life might appear ordinary simply because the person living it had been doing so for a long time. Harold could no longer pass a stranger without acknowledging the truth that everyone was the same, and also unique; and that this was the dilemma of being human.” ( )

I loved this book. A good friend recommended it to me, or I would never have found it or picked it up.
It is a story of a journey. It's a trip I loved taking, even though there were some difficult spots, as there always are.
But you'll be glad you went, I suspect. ( )