63 pages • 2 hours read
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
England • Contemporary
2012
Random House
Adult
18+ years
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.
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
218,829 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
218,829 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Maureen Fry
Maureen Fry
Harold's wife, initially portrayed with a hardened demeanor, who experiences personal growth and healing while grappling with past family tragedies.
Queenie Hennessy
Queenie Hennessy
A colleague of Harold's with a kind heart, whose friendship motivates his pilgrimage as her letter reveals her terminal illness.
Rex
Rex
The widowed neighbor of Harold and Maureen who provides support and companionship, playing a key role in Maureen's emotional journey.
David Fry
David Fry
Harold and Maureen's son, whose death by suicide deeply affects his parents and is a central element in their grief and personal challenges.
320
Novel • Fiction
England • Contemporary
2012
Random House
Adult
18+ years
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