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A review by mikkareads
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
»Tell her, Harold Fry is on his way.«
Harold Fry, an unassuming man in his sixties, embarks on a spontaneous pilgrimage of over 1,000 kilometers to visit his dying friend, Queenie. His wife Maureen initially expects him to fail and return home, but instead, every kilometer brings Harold closer to himself. Everything boils down to the essentials, every step becomes a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Confronted with unspoken desires, shattered hopes, and paralyzing regrets, Harold must learn to forgive himself and make a fresh start.
Delivering a letter is essentially a simple, straightforward task, but Rachel Joyce uses it as a starting point for a multi-layered narrative about life, love, and human nature. She delves into the depths of human emotions, repeatedly addressing the theme of grief, without ever succumbing to trite sentimentality.
The novel exerts a tremendous pull, because Harold convincingly portrays an authentic, profound character. Before you know it, you've formed a strong emotional connection with him and eagerly follow his development throughout the story. The supporting characters are well-written as well; each of them reveals a moment of emotional truth when they encounter Harold.
Rachel Joyce captures the feelings and thoughts of her characters in poetic, empathetic words that linger long after you've finished reading. The emotional depth of the story, the nuances of the characters, and the evocative writing style make the novel a heartwarming and rewarding reading experience.
Harold Fry, an unassuming man in his sixties, embarks on a spontaneous pilgrimage of over 1,000 kilometers to visit his dying friend, Queenie. His wife Maureen initially expects him to fail and return home, but instead, every kilometer brings Harold closer to himself. Everything boils down to the essentials, every step becomes a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Confronted with unspoken desires, shattered hopes, and paralyzing regrets, Harold must learn to forgive himself and make a fresh start.
Delivering a letter is essentially a simple, straightforward task, but Rachel Joyce uses it as a starting point for a multi-layered narrative about life, love, and human nature. She delves into the depths of human emotions, repeatedly addressing the theme of grief, without ever succumbing to trite sentimentality.
The novel exerts a tremendous pull, because Harold convincingly portrays an authentic, profound character. Before you know it, you've formed a strong emotional connection with him and eagerly follow his development throughout the story. The supporting characters are well-written as well; each of them reveals a moment of emotional truth when they encounter Harold.
Rachel Joyce captures the feelings and thoughts of her characters in poetic, empathetic words that linger long after you've finished reading. The emotional depth of the story, the nuances of the characters, and the evocative writing style make the novel a heartwarming and rewarding reading experience.