63 pages 2 hours read

Rachel Joyce

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, Harold Fry, a retired man living in southern England, embarks on an impromptu cross-country walk to visit his old friend Queenie Hennessy, who is terminally ill. His journey becomes a profound personal quest as he engages with various individuals who impact his understanding of life, love, and his troubled past. The story includes discussions of substance abuse and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry captivates with its heartwarming narrative and deep character development. Critics praise its poignant exploration of love and redemption. However, some find the pacing sluggish in parts. Overall, it is a touching and thought-provoking journey that resonates emotionally.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

Readers who relish heartfelt, introspective journeys and character-driven stories will delight in Rachel Joyce's The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Fans of Richard Russo's Empire Falls or Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge will appreciate the profound exploration of ordinary lives and the unexpected ways in which they unfold.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Allegory / Fable / Parable

Magical Realism

British Literature

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness

Relationships: Family