Book Review: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce (Harold Fry, #1)

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.