Book Review: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce - This Chick Reads
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Book Review: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

So, picking up The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry felt a bit like standing at the edge of a cliff, preparing to dive into waters that everyone’s already swum in—everyone but me, that is. I’ve enjoyed Rachel Joyce’s other books, especially the charming collection in “The Snow Garden and Other Stories,” which left me curious about her more famous work. Yet, somehow I’d always danced around Harold Fry. Maybe it was the buzz, or maybe I was just waiting for the right moment. And honestly, nothing nudges you toward a book quite like the promise of an emotional, life-affirming story, right?

What’s it about?

This book is a journey, literally and figuratively. Harold Fry, recently retired, gets a letter from an old friend, Queenie Hennessy, who’s in a hospice, dying. The letter sets something off in Harold, sparking this impulsive decision to walk across England to deliver his reply in person. He believes, almost superstitiously, that as long as he keeps walking, Queenie will keep living.

It’s not just a walk across the country; it’s a trek through his own regrets and memories, piecing together the bits of his life and relationships, especially the strained ones with his wife, Maureen, and their son. The narrative unwinds slowly, allowing us to feel every step of Harold’s emotional and physical journey. It’s a simple plot that dives deep into themes of redemption, the impact of ordinary lives, and the idea that it’s never too late to make amends.

What This Chick Thinks

Starting this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to love it—sometimes the hype overshadows the story, right? But Joyce’s storytelling just wraps around you like a warm blanket. Harold is every bit the character I love: flawed, real, and profoundly human. His reflections throughout his journey, the people he meets, and how they all intertwine with his musings on life kept me hooked.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The pace can feel a tad slow at times, almost mirroring the endless steps of Harold’s journey, which had me checking how many pages were left. Despite that, Joyce’s prose never loses its charm, weaving through past and present seamlessly and keeping the emotional undercurrent flowing.

Final Thoughts

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry ends up being quite the emotional journey—not just for Harold, but for me too. It’s a story about the unspectacular lives that are, in their own way, spectacular. My final score? A solid 7 out of 10. It’s touching and thoughtful, though it occasionally tests your patience like a long, drawn-out walk.

Try it if you like:

Grabbing Harold Fry was a dive worth taking—even if it was into well-trodden waters.

1 Comment
  • Pingback:Review: "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman - This Chick Reads
    Posted at 02:51h, 20 May Reply

    […] “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce – If you enjoy stories about older men going on unexpected journeys of self-discovery, this one’s for you. Harold Fry is on a literal pilgrimage that changes his life. […]

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