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There are currently 25 member reviews
for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
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Mary M. (Beverly Hills, FL)
Absolutely Wonderful
There are not enough superlative adjectives in the English language to describe this book adequately. It is marvelous, charming, touching, poignant, wise, funny . . . and on and on. I read it straight through in one sitting. I could no more put it down than Harold Fry could stop walking his unlikely pilgrimage. Rachel Joyce has masterfully captured the essence of the human condition, and I recommend this book to anyone who has a heart.
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Colleen L. (Casco, ME)
A moving and eloquent novel to be enjoyed by all.
As I get older, I find I greatly enjoy & seek out books that focus on complex relationships. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is beautifully written and is not a fast paced novel. Instead, the author writes wonderful prose that enables the reader to savor the journey that is taken by Harold Fry. The book is written is written in such a way that you feel as if you are walking with Harold as you read along page by page. Harold is an ordinary man who is on an extraordinary pilgrimage to see his friend Queenie who he hasn't seen in 20 years. Queenie is in a hospice dying of cancer. Harold may be ordinary but to everyone he meets, he makes an impact and Harold learns that "all people are the same and also unique".
My review is not doing justice to this wonderful novel. It is uplifting, spiritual, emotional and sad. It is a GREAT novel. It will make you think about your own relationships and actions or lack thereof. You will love the characters by the end of the book. Be prepared to start the book in the morning when you know you have all day to read because once you start, you will not want to stop till the bitter end.
There are also surprises in the book which I will not disclose which will move you to tears. Be prepared to have tissues handy.
I read in the author's bio that this is her first book but that she has written more than 20 original plays for the BBC. Her experience in writing plays is self evident in this book ....it would easily translate to film and would make a heartwarming movie.
I cannot write as eloquently as the author but I encourage all readers who love character driven, relationship driven novels to buy this book. You will not be disappointed. I predict it will be a huge seller in 2012 and be remembered as one of the best books in 2012.
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Marjorie (Florida)
A Pilgrimage to Discover Harold
If anyone were to pitch the idea, that by walking in excess of 600 miles would give the hope to an ailing friend in Hospice, how many of us would have the raw courage to follow through on our initial plan? This is the pivotal question that plagues Harold as he embarks on a journey that takes him not only to his destination but into the realms of memory that have isolated himself from the outside world. Whilst he walks, he consoles his emotions and re-evaluates his position in life, and the choices he's made along the way. He's on a quest not only in an attempt to make a difference to someone he cares about but in many ways, he's taking a larger step towards self acceptance. With each step he takes, he's discovering Harold. And, I think that's the greater truth hidden inside this novel, that at some point in each of our lives, we have to flip the mirror back onto ourselves and see the 'true image' that reflects back.
I was overcome by emotion within the ending four chapters, as I was blindsided by certain key revelations that come to the reader in the closing of the novel. I recommend any reader to prepare for the unknown as this novel pacts quite the punch across emotional lines. I enjoyed watching Harold's wife Maureen take her own journey as he took his on the road. Its their shared journey through time that will resonate with you long after you put the book down.
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Dee H. (Greenfield, CA)
Walking Toward Redemption...
The lovely steady pace of this novel leaves time for musing about its themes – forgiveness, redemption and the rekindling of old love.
When recent retiree Harold Fry receives a letter from a former co-worker telling him that she is thinking of him while in hospice with terminal cancer, he immediately writes her a letter in reply. But on his way to the post box, Harold can't bear to mail his letter, feeling it is not adequate to tell her how much her friendship means to him. So, he just keeps on walking. He telephones the hospice and asks them to tell his friend, Queenie, that he is walking to see her and that she must not die before he gets there. Never mind that he has to cross the better part of England to get there. And what about his wife, Maureen? They have been emotionally separated for a long time, and at first she is confused about what he is doing, and then alarmed. She begins to realize how much she misses him, and with the help of their neighbor, a recent widower, she follows Harold's trek to the north of England on a map and worries about him. Harold persists and meets many people who aid him and cheer him on, and undergoes a few changes of his own. To say anymore might spoil the ending, but let it be understood that I loved this book.
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Jean G. (Rockford, IL)
Life happens
An implausible premise of a journey on foot turns entertaining and almost believable due to the main characters' likability. Credit the author's talent for beautifully written realistic prose that gets into Harold's head and captures the essence of his thoughts so we can identify with his search for the meaning of his life. You will care what happens to him, as life (as we know it in all its failings) gets in the way of his goal. Book clubs will find much to discuss about what happens as life passes us by.
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Gigi K. (Lufkin,, TX)
I'd like to read it again!
I was struck by the title first and then as I read the book, I was reminded by so many of Harold's episodes of truths in my own life. Seems impossible since my life has been nothing like Harold's. However, I think you will find some echos, also.
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Deborah C. (Seattle, WA)
Charming and Delightful
If you liked Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, this is the book for you! The story is heartwarming, and just when I thought things might be getting a little too sentimental, the author interjected a welcome dose of dry British humor.
I would recommend this for book clubs, as many interesting questions are raised about why Harold embarked upon his "unlikely pilgrimage" as well as the many characters he meets along the way.
This is the author's first book, but I certainly hope it's not her last!
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