The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry sees pensioner and newly retired brewery worker Harold Fry receiving a letter from former workmate Queenie Hennessy to say she is suffering from Cancer, where the doctors can do no more as it's inoperable. The letter was written from a hospice in Berwick-upon-tweed, Harold and his wife Maureen currently lives in Kingsbridge, south Devon. Harold decides to reply to Queenie's letter and walk to the local postbox down the hill. However, Harold decides to walk pass the intended post box and travel all the way to Berwick by foot to deliver the letter himself. He has basic essentials and the use of his yachting shoes to help him. The early part of the journey sees Harold meeting up a girl at a petrol station who convinces Harold if he has the faith, he can do everything. This leads to believe him that as long he continues walking to Berwick, Queenie will still live. Throughout his journey he meets certain people, including a qualified doctor who is working in the UK as a cleaner, a dog who wouldn't stop following him and a group of followers who are inspired by his walk. Whilst walking northwards, his wife, Maureen remains in Kingsbridge worrying why he is walking the whole length of the UK to see a former workmate.
I have to say this has been a wonderful, moving and charming read. Although the main plot involves Harold travelling over 600 miles, there are many aspects in the book that does remain a mystery but are cleared up towards the end of the book. Throughout the journey Harold reminiscence his past. Including his parents. The life he worked at the brewery. How he meet Queenie and the wife beating boss, Napier. Also how he met Maureen for the first time and the estranged relationship with his son David. Harold mentions a certain event that has happened to him twenty years ago but never reveals what it is as it seems to bring out the nightmares. Whilst travelling north, Harold sends regular postcards to Queenie, the girl at the petrol station and Maureen at home. He also phones Maureen from time to time to reassure her he is fine. Meanwhile in Kingsbridge, Maureen is concerned to why Harold is doing this journey. She consults her son David on what to do which ends up having a kindred friendship with next door neighbour, Rex.As stated, Harold meets some extraordinary people throughout his journey. At one point in the book he has a group of followers who decide to join him as they found out his walk from the media. Something similar to the running across America scene in Forest Gump. With the group slowing down Harold's progress, he intends the break away but for some reason he returns to the followers. This does puzzle me as the author never initially states why he changes his mind. Perhaps he felt guilty although Joyce admitted they were a burden to his journey. The later stages of the book sees Harold stressing about his son and how he ignored him all his life and never appreciated him for the brilliant things he has achieved. This causes him to hit rock bottom stressing to a cafe owner "I wan't my son". It's when he writes to the girl at the petrol station everything comes to light.
It's when I read that letter and the final chapters, I began to cry. I don't usually cry whilst reading. It has happened before with Stephen King's 11/22/63 (the demise of Sadie) but nothing like this. I felt so sorry for Harold Fry. I can see why he has a massive regret and cannot make things for the better. Also from what the girl told him about faith. It begs the question to Harold whether having any faith is worth it at all.
Overall this has been an amazing and loving book. I cannot fault this book. I can see why many people over the UK have enjoyed Joyce's first written novel. It's one of those ideal books that could be adapted into a one off 90 minute BBC drama. Interestingly, Jim Broadbent has provided his voice to the audiobook version. Given his age, he would be perfect to play Harold Fry.
Would I recommend this book to you? Definitely if you want to read something different.
I gave The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.
Footnote: I said towards the end of this blog post I was crying with the final few chapters. I will confess on how Rachel Joyce described Harold Fry. As a 65 year old newly retired worker with blue eyes (mentioned very late into the book) and wore yachting shoes reminded me of my ol'man. He was the same age as Harold before he died, newly retired (was retired for ten months before his death) and got the same "blue eyes" as Harold. He didn't wear yachting shoes but he wore moccasins, (similar design to yachting shoes) since he found them comfortable to wear for driving. Therfore for some reason I was picturing him throughout the book as Harold. This could be another reason why I was tearful towards the end as it brought back the good memories we had between us. Does this mean I am David? Definitely not. Where Harold never appreciated David's achievements and desires throughout life. Me and my ol'man loved and respected each other and he always congratulated me on what I achieved.
Next to read: Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam
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