The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The title of this book is very apt. Harold’s journey could hardly be more unlikely and it is certainly a pilgrimage. Even he doesn’t realise, when he leaves his house wearing deck shoes and inappropriate clothing, that he is embarking on the longest walk of his life.
The young lady in the local garage inspires him to set off on his journey from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed, almost the entire length of England, in the belief that his long walk will motivate a lnog-lost work colleague and friend to survive her terminal cancer.
During Harold’s journey, he encounters many interesting people, who influence and help him along the way. He also finds time to reflect on his own life and the lives of the people who have been closest to him. Particularly his wife and son. There is tragedy and comedy, tears and laughter. The revelations and the life-changes are ceaseless, right up to the final page.
I recommend this to all of my friends and to reading groups. There are enough discussion points, open to individual interpretation, to keep any reviewing group chatting for many hours.
I enjoyed my journey with Harold.
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