So, I have to admit, I have been longing to share this book with you, and I finally got around to doing so! Today, I’m reviewing::
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| the unlikely pilgrimage of harold fry |
Goodreads Synopsis: 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.
Recently retired, sweet, emotionally numb Harold Fry is jolted out of his passivity by a letter from Queenie Hennessy, an old friend, who he hasn’t heard from in twenty years. She has written to say she is in hospice and wanted to say goodbye. Leaving his tense, bitter wife Maureen to her chores, Harold intends a quick walk to the corner mailbox to post his reply but instead, inspired by a chance encounter, he becomes convinced he must deliver his message in person to Queenie–who is 600 miles away–because as long as he keeps walking, Harold believes that Queenie will not die.
So without hiking boots, rain gear, map or cell phone, one of the most endearing characters in current fiction begins his unlikely pilgrimage across the English countryside. Along the way, strangers stir up memories–flashbacks, often painful, from when his marriage was filled with promise and then not, of his inadequacy as a father, and of his shortcomings as a husband.
Ironically, his wife Maureen, shocked by her husband’s sudden absence, begins to long for his presence. Is it possible for Harold and Maureen to bridge the distance between them? And will Queenie be alive to see Harold arrive at her door?
My thoughts: I loved this book! The author has a really interesting way of weaving the backstory into what you’re reading, revealing only what is necessary at the time. She flips back and forth between Harold and Maureen’s point of view, so you as the reader can see the story from both sides. The book leaves me often wanting more and imagining what could be. It was mostly written in a gloomy tone until you get to the very end of the book, but Joyce knows when to give a little comical relief :). Harold starts out as this set-in-his-ways, numb-to-the-world old man and slowly is brought back to life as he experiences the new and unknown world outside of his neighborhood. He meets several people on his journey who help him in some way. There are also so many twists and turns that you just have to turn the page and keep reading!!
My favorites: One of my favorite parts of this book is when Harold is on his journey and comes to a turning point. He gives up all that he has- his debit card, small amount of belongings, food, bandages, etc.- and lives by the world. It becomes a pure journey where he relies fully on what comes his way and the people he meets. It makes the story more enchanting and inspirational.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“But maybe its what the world needs. A little less sense, and a little more faith.”–Harold
My rating: 4.5 out of 5
I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT!
And don’t forget to sign up to help me out in my huge spring giveaway! It’s going to be EPIC!
This is a new one to me, but it definitely look intrigued. I'll definitely be looking out for it to learn even more about it. Thanks for sharing!
I just found your blog from the Coast-to-Coast blog linkup thing – I'm an Omaha blogger, too! I'm pumped to read your blog – so glad I discovered it!