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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
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Harold Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance.
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This quiet novel from a new author feels very reserved and British (and it is). Harold Fry receives a letter from an old co-worker who he has not spoken with in over 20 years informing hm that she has terminal cancer. Upon reading the letter Harold knows he must espond so he crafts a letter and heads out to post it, but along the way meets a girl working in a gas station and explains about the letter. The girl tellls about her aunt who had cancer and says, "You have to believe.... trusting what you don't know and going for it." Something from that conversation touches him and Harold decides he must walk to the Queenie Hennessy -- if he walks she will not die befroe he gets there. The story is mysterious and sparse yet incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Slowly along the way the story of Harold's relationship with his wife unfolds and we learn about their son, David in bits and pieces. It is not until the end that everything comes together and it is a sad picture of how much time can be wasted with misunderstanding and hurt, yet hope remains.
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Add a Quote“He understood that in walking to atone for the mistakes he had made, it was also his journey to accept the strangeness of others. As a passerby, he was in a place where everything, not only the land, was open. People would feel free to talk, and he was free to listen. To carry a little of them as he went. He had neglected so many things that he owed this small piece of generosity to Queenie and the past.”
“It must be the same all over England. People were buying milk, or filling their cars with petrol, or even posting letters. And what no one else knew was the appalling weight of the thing they were carrying inside. The inhuman effort it took sometimes to be normal, and a part of things that appeared both easy and everyday. The loneliness of that.”
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Add a CommentI'm so glad I saw this book on bestseller list and decided to read it. Wonderful book from beginning to end. Enjoyed it fully.
At first, I did not enjoy reading this book, but with time it drew me in, then I couldn't put it down. Just like most things in life, I needed time to understand how deep and important this story really was.I was intertwined in the journey both Harold and Maureen had been on. I recommend this read!
I loved this book and how Harold's (and Maureen's) story unfolds as he walks. It is a story of growth, heart ache, and amendments.
What a sweet and wonderful story! I'm so glad I heard about this book and took the time to read it!
Delightful and a bit sad. It drags just a bit in the last third, but long walks often drag in the last third. I hope there's a movie version. Maybe starring Patrick Stewart. Actually it should be probably be someone goonier.
The best novel I've read in a long time. Thought provoking.
A beautifully written book, and quite unlike anything I’ve read in a very long time. Harold’s quiet determination in the face of overwhelming odds is incredibly inspiring, and his encounters with different individuals have a wonderfully “real” flavor to them. Joyce pens a wonderful tale, and I can already tell it will resonate with me for years to come. I recommend it to everyone.
A pleasant surprise! I knew very little about this book when I picked it up and ended up enjoying it very much. Proof that some of the best books focus on the simplest stories. Very beautifully written and thought-provoking.
A great read especially for those going into retirement. There are lots of unanswered questions that aren't answered until the final pages. It made me read it quickly because I was so curious to see how it all turned out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Both Harold and Maureen were living lives of quiet desperation until one day, Harold decides to do something totally out of character. The time spent apart causes them both to reflect on their love and appreciation for each other. A beautiful, well-written story!