I have joined Cambridge University Library’s Really Popular Book Club, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, was September’s chosen book. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the Zoom meeting to discuss it. I have an unexpected journey to undertake at the same time the meeting is due to happen.
The story starts when Harold Fry receives a letter sent on behalf of a former work colleague, Queenie Hennessy. Harold hasn’t heard from Queenie in twenty years, the letter is from a hospice in Berwick on Tweed. The letter written on Queenie’s behalf, informs Harold that Queenie is suffering from terminal cancer and has very little time left. Harold writes a reply and sets out to post the letter he hesitates at the post box and then at the next one. He decides instead to walk to Berwick on Tweed to see Queenie in person.
Harold’s journey is a remarkable one, not only for the people he meets on the way some of whom and a dog walk with him but also as an examination of his past, his personality, relationships and regrets. The walk north from Kingsbridge in Devon, without preparation, proper hiking equipment a map or compass, is physically arduous, as Harold discovers. Yachting shoes are not ideally suited for a long hike, in all weathers. It was a companion walking with Harold that coined the title The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
As Harold walks, the back story of his life, his marriage to Maureen, his childhood and his relationship with his son David, is slowly revealed. We are drawn into an emotional journey as Harold reflects on these things. It is as much a journey of self discovery for Harold as a physical journey. For myself as the reader I found it incredibly moving and like all really good books The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, will inhabit my thinking for a long time.
Fenlandphil's Blog 
Posted by Cathy Cade on September 17, 2024 at 2:35 pm
Doesn’t sound like your usual reading matter, Phil.
Posted by fenlandphil on September 17, 2024 at 2:51 pm
It’s not one I would normally pluck off the shelves, Cathy but it was the set book for the Really Popular Book Club, the last set book was Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley, a detective story.
However, I enjoyed Harold Fry’s pilgrimage.
Posted by Esther Chilton on September 17, 2024 at 3:27 pm
I met Rachel last year and she was so interesting to talk to. Not my usual reading matter but a great, heart-warming story.
Posted by fenlandphil on October 4, 2024 at 5:04 pm
I wouldn’t have picked it up off the shelf either Esther but it was a set book for The Really Popular Book Club, unfortunately, I had an urgent family errand to run and missed the online meeting. The same thing happened when I read Devil in a Blue Dress. I’m missing out on the October book as I can’t get a library copy of Loverman but hopefully, if I can find my copy of A Hischoker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I will be all set for November.
Posted by purplesandyh on September 25, 2024 at 12:39 pm
I enjoyed the book and film
Posted by fenlandphil on October 4, 2024 at 5:05 pm
I will have to watch the film, Sandra, I hope it’s as good as the book.
Posted by lbeth1950 on October 4, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Excellent review. I loved this book. Following you now.
Posted by fenlandphil on October 4, 2024 at 5:06 pm
Thank you, Beth.