The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce Book Review

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.

Click me to go to my Review

Synopsis

When Harold Fry nips out one morning to post a letter, leaving his wife hoovering upstairs, he has no idea that he is about to walk from one end of the country to the other.

He has no hiking boots or map, let alone a compass, waterproof or mobile phone. All he knows is that he must keep walking. To save someone else’s life.

Harold Fry is the most ordinary of men. He just might be a hero for us all.

About The Author

Rachel Joyce is the author of the Sunday Times and international bestsellers The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Perfect, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, The Music Shop, and the New York Times bestseller Miss Benson’s Beetle, as well as a collection of interlinked short stories, A Snow Garden & Other Stories. Her books have sold over 5 million copies worldwide, and been translated into thirty-six languages. Two are currently in development for film.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book prize and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Rachel was awarded the Specsavers National Book Awards ‘New Writer of the Year’ in December 2012 and shortlisted for the ‘UK Author of the Year’ 2014.

Rachel has also written over twenty original afternoon plays and adaptations of the classics for BBC Radio 4, including all the Bronte novels. She lives with her family near Stroud.

My Review

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!

Rated