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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Wednesday, 7th May, 2014 - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce (chosen by Ca)










Map of Harold's Journey (Click to enlarge)




  • Set in England - a journey on foot from Devon to Berwick-on-Tweed (87days, 627miles)
  • A journey that will change Harold's life and the lives of those he meets
  • Reflective, contemplative, descriptive .... thought provoking
  • Longlisted for the 2012 Man Booker Prize




We started the meeting looking at the book trailer video. Next some information the author's background and life. We also looked at some pictures of the countryside, flowers and plants mentioned in the book, the map of Harold's journey. and some places he passed along the way. We then watched a couple of videos of the author explaining her book.  We did not have enough time to discuss the characters in great detail and there was definitely more to talk about!  Here are the links that were explored:


Author's Website

Video Book Trailer   (1:13)

Rachel Joyce - at Guilford Book Festival  (8:51)

Rachel Joyce with Richard and Judy   (10:04)


There were mixed feelings from the group about the book.  Some loved the book and enjoyed Harold's journey; a few liked it, some felt indifferent and one could not see the point of the whole story, finding it boring.  A few also felt that such a journey could not happen, (not with the yachting shoes!)  while others did not care either way but embraced the book for what as it was.

Someone mentioned friend's who had taken time off to walk on the Caminho de Santiago and the effect of undertaking such a journey and that led on to another discussion altogether. Before we knew it, time had gone on and the discussion had to end.


More links:

What other's have said  (goodreads link)

Facebook Page






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