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Title:
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Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The |
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Authors:
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Joyce, Rachel |
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Genre:
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Fiction |
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Pages:
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296 |
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Year:
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2012 |
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Publisher:
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Random House |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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When Harold Fry leaves the house to post a card to Queenie, a former colleague who is in a hospice, he has no intention of bypassing the postbox and hand delivering the message. But this is exactly what happens; hundreds of kilometres later, Harold has walked from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed. This is not just a journey of weary muscles and blistered heels for Harold, but an opportunity for him to examine the twists and turns of his life, prompted in his introspection by the people he meets along the way. An insightful and heart-warming read. [Larger font] What's Hot - September 2013
Comments from Groups:An outstanding book which evolved fascinatingly and, at times, unexpectedly...Our group gave it 'best read of the year'. Christchurch 043 We found it quirky and different - and unpredictable.Harold's journey to Berwick-upon-Tweed was something of a metaphor for one's journey through life. Wellington 036 Charming yet profound at the same time." Christchurch 202 The book was a heart-rending as well as a heart-warming read. It was a beautifully crafted story. Matamata 001
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Categories:
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Fiction, Grief/loss, Inspirational, Relationships, Uplifting, England, Light read, Larger font, Group favourites |
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By: HANMER 002
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2025-06-23 11:41:28 |
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Thoroughly enjoyed by most readers. Great descriptive writing. |
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By: DUNED 093
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2023-09-26 12:21:55 |
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We all loved the book. The characters were quirky and charming. A journey on so many levels and something everyone could relate to. |
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By: TWIZ 004
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2023-04-02 11:36:53 |
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This book was enjoyed by all. Easy and delightful reading, with an emotional finish. The plot wasn't immediately obvious, with a few twists. |
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By: CHCH 497
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2022-05-06 13:18:53 |
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Everyone enjoyed the book and rated it as one of the best so far. It prompted much discussion on the different kinds of relationships we have with others - both romantic and as friends - and the motivations people have to behave in certain ways. Quotes from group - "The hangers-on made me feel quite angry", "It made me look at my own marriage in a different light", and "I loved taking this journey with Harold". |
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By: WHANG 023
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2020-10-16 23:24:37 |
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One of those books that start out one way but end up another in that they deepen as the story unfolds. Incredibly moving at times and lots of nice bits along the way. Well received. |
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By: TAUP 011
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2019-03-03 16:30:22 |
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Opinions were mixed on this book, some found it hard to get into and the general consensus was that we wouldn't choose to read it again. We agreed that the characterisations and use of descriptive phrases were extremely well done. It was a thought provoking book and created a lot of discussion. One of our members had done the Camino de Santiago walk in Spain which is a religious pilgrimage, but she was quick to tell us she is in no way religious, and we were very interested in her account and how some of it was so similar to Harold's pilgrimage. |
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By: NELS 064
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2019-02-20 15:00:02 |
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An easy read, enjoyed by all. The sequel is very much on everyone's list now too. |
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By: CHCH 299
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2018-06-17 13:44:40 |
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Most of the group thoroughly enjoyed this book, an easy read that kept you entertained and interested throughout - although some thought it dragged in parts, but opinions differed on which parts dragged. All agreed that you could tell it was written by someone young, as the 65-year-olds seemed to be ancient. A couple of members read the companion book, Love Story For Queenie Hennessey, and enjoyed that as well - the two books go well together and reveal more about both main characters. |
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By: AUCK 189
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2018-04-18 12:53:02 |
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One or two didn't like it at all. The rest of us thoroughly enjoyed it. We particularly liked the "peeling of an onion" device, where you have to keep reading to find out what was going to be revealed next about Harold and Maureen's relationship, and what happened to their son. |
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By: WHAKA 008
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2018-04-18 12:46:31 |
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A high-scoring book - everyone enjoyed it. Serendipitous, poignant, believable simple style, and good characterisation. We liked Harold and were pleased he had a happy ending. |
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By: NGON 002
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2018-04-18 12:43:23 |
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Opinions were divided on this book. Some really enjoyed it and thought it well crafted, and were moved by the ending. Others enjoyed parts of it - some got frustrated by the 'hangers-on' and skipped to the end. Several were annoyed by the author's description of a 65 year old as almost decrepit - the average age of our group must be 65-68! |
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By: CHCH 437
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2018-04-18 12:38:04 |
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This was enjoyed by the majority of the group. An easy read and thought provoking. |
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By: AUCK 280
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2018-04-18 12:35:09 |
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Enjoyed by all members which is unusual, as there are usually diverse opinions. A number are interested in reading the follow-up book on Queenie's story. Good and free flowing discussion on many aspects of the book and the author's back story. |
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By: NELS 065
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2018-04-13 14:54:51 |
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The majority of the group loved this book. We enjoyed Harold's journey, and shared his trials, tribulations and triumphs. He seemed quiet and unassuming but with a heart of gold. We had empathy with his family's loss and the devastation that may cause, especially when the back story became clear. We also enjoyed discussing the finer details. It was sad that Queenie was unable to speak when he arrived. Some of the group were annoyed by Harold's posse! |
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By: DUNED 012
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2018-04-13 14:48:32 |
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Mixed views of book. Some people loved it! Others thought the pace was too slow. |
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By: SOUTH 001
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2018-04-13 14:47:25 |
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This book had great insights into human behaviours. We had a very wide discussion on the book - we talked about the different dimensions which make up families, the death of children, suicide, relationships and communication or lack of it. |
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By: UPHU 007
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2018-04-13 14:43:12 |
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A gentle book. Enjoyed by all. |
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By: CHCH 294
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2018-04-13 14:42:35 |
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Enjoyed by all. Not only in walking to Queenie, but in reviving his marriage. |
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