Winner: New Writer of the Year - Specsavers National Book Awards 2012
When Harold Fry nips out one morning to post a letter, leaving his wife hoovering upstairs, he has no idea that he is about to walk from one end of the country to the other. He has no hiking boots or map, let alone a compass, waterproof, or mobile phone. All he knows is that he must keep walking - to save someone else's life.
Jim Broadbent has starred in a huge range of films, from British favourites including Bridget Jones and Hot Fuzz, to Hollywood blockbusters such as Moulin Rouge, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the Harry Potter films. In 2001 he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Iris. Most recently he starred as Denis Thatcher opposite Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady.
©2012 Rachel Joyce (P)2012 Random House AudioGo
"From the moment I met Harold Fry, I didn't want to leave him. Impossible to put down." (Erica Wagner, The Times)
"Harold Fry is infuriating, hilarious and completely out of his depth, but I held my breath at his every blister and cramp and, felt, as if by turning the pages, I might help his impossible quest succeed. Marvellous!" (Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand)
"A magical, moving and uplifting tale about a man's journey across Britain and into his own heart." (Deborah Moggach)
"I loved this book. I loved its purity, its brutality and unerring honesty. I don't think I have read such richly composed metaphors before. They are like shooting stars glittering across each page. I can't believe this is her first novel- I wait with bated breath for her next." (Natascha McElhone)
"The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry isn't just a book I enjoyed reading, it's a book I feel lucky to have read. It takes the most ordinary and unassuming of men and turns him into a hero for us all. Harold Fry faces the same questions we all do as we age, questions about the meaning of our lives, faith and love, but confronts them in a most surprising way. To go on this journey with him will not only break your heart, it might also just heal it." (Tiffany Baker, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County)
"Late last year the time came to pick 2012's 'new face' for books: I read a pile of first novels and enjoyed a few, but there was only one I adored, and that was The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry... It is a funny book, a wise book, a charming book - but never cloying. It's a book with a savage twist, - and yet never seems manipulative. Perhaps, because Harold himself is just wonderful... This book may follow a pattern set by another radio dramatist-turned-novelist, David Nicholls, whose One Day has now sold more than a million copies and been made into a successful film simply because one reader said to another 'I love this book' over and over again. So I'm telling you now: I love this book...From the moment I met Harold Fry, I didn't want to leave him. Impossible to put down." (Erica Wagner, The Times)
"Distinguished by remarkable confidence... Polished to perfection... Joyce's experience as a playwright shows in her ear for dialogue and eye for character diatom - even the walk-on parts stay with you as real people. She handles her material with deceptive lightness but Harold's journey towards a better version of himself is totemic. To read about him is to be moved to follow him." (The Telegraph)
"This book is like a naive painting: simple and profound. It is a moving story, full of heart, laced through with wry wit. I loved Harold and Maureen and their separate journeys. It felt like a celebration of being alive, being human. Beautiful!" (Niamh Cusack)
"Life-affirming delight. A comic pleasure." (Woman and Home)
"A tender, funny debut about second chances and regained love as a man takes to the road on an unusual quest." (Marie Claire)
"The odyssey of a simple man, original, subtle and touching." (Claire Tomalin)
"A wonderful book ... Full of sadness, hope, and ultimately love. I found it very moving." (Esther Freud)
"Harold's unlikely pilgrimage takes him the length of the country - and into the deepest parts of himself. This beautifully written tale is by turns funny, touching, farcical and heroic. A very unusual and uplifting debut." (Isabel Wolff)
"A delightfully original and engaging debut." (Rebecca Frayn)
"Really enjoyable ... by turns moving, charming and very funny." (Hugh Dennis)
"Makes for a tired dog"
This is so far the best book i have got off audible, I buy my books here to keep me company while i walk the dog and its a testament to how good this book is that i kept finding diversions to walk just a bit further and hear a little more. The story is engaging and inspiring. One of the major plot points is predictable but when revealed is no less dramatic or heartfelt. I would add though that Jim Broadbent really adds great things to the story telling and gives the characters life.
"Gentle but engaging"
I really enjoyed this story. I was engaged with the narrative from the beginning, and though never thrilling or demanding, it held my attention throughout and made me look forward to my next chance to listen. The story was sometimes soothing, sometimes moving, always interesting and overall an uplifting read (I wish there were more of these!).
"A memorable book"
One that will stay with me for a long time. Driving down the M6 fighting back the tears may not seem like a good thing, though at other times I was smiling and even laughing. A wonderful, life-enhancing book.
"Poignant and uplifting"
I had never heard of this book, but chose it because it seemed to be about walking, something I enjoy. The book was not at all what I was expecting, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Much of the book is very poignant and sad as it reveals quiet desperation behind seemingly ordinary lives. I was immediately caught up in Howard's mission and willing him on every step of the way. The end was very satisfying, suggesting that it is never too late for redemption and hope for the future. I found it very uplifting. I would recommend this book to anyone as a very worthwhile read.
"Choose it at all costs"
I'm surprised that I'm only the second person to rate this wonderful audio book as I'm sure it's destined to become a best seller. The story is quite 'Sue Townsendesque' but none the worse for that. A profoundly moving and beautifully narrated story that now probably takes pride of place as being my favourite Audible selection so far. It's a shame I can't give it 6 stars!
"Wonderfully moving and unusual story"
The reviews convinced me to try this story...and they did not let me down. A well told and beautifully narrated human story about everyday life regrets and the occasionally exceptional. Highly recommended.
"Great Start, But Slows Down"
I think Jim Broadbent's narration - tha'ts not to take anything away from the story, which is very good, but if there's a better example of casting for an audiobook, I'm yet to see it.
This is a bit of a departure form the usual Crime & Thriller titles I usually listen to, so I couldn't accurate make a comparison.
He makes the character. He is Harold and Harold is him, at first I thought I might find the book a little depressing as Jim Broadbent doesn't have the most upbeat of voices, but the emotion he conveys is incredible.
Harold Fry is going for a walk. A long walk.
"Beautifully written - Wonderfully narrated"
Listening to Jim Broadbent narrate this brilliant book was a joy from beginning to end. Rachel Joyce takes you on a journey, which is funny, sad and awkward in equal measures. Once you have been introduced to Harold Fry you will want to go on the pilgrimage with him. It was beautifully read and Jim Broadbent was the perfect choice. This is now my number one download. Take it on a long journey....you will not want your journey to end.
"Just a joy. It will make you think about yourself"
It starts and you just have to wonder how the book can keep you interested, how can it be interesting . Believe me it draws you in you will feel every emotion there is. It was just a beautiful book.
I will bet that you want to make a difference after you read this
"Exquisite - a road 'movie' with a difference."
There is pain, love, lose, peace, sadness and also joy and laughter, but I think this book is very much like a mirror to your own life experience. I am sure if I read this book a decade ago it would be different for me but still doesn't take away from the fact that it is touchingly written and beautifully read.