LJ Ross Bookclub: A Heartfelt Comedy For February

This month’s LJ Ross Book Club selection is Rachel Joyce’s bestselling page-turner, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. It tells the tale of the eponymous Harold, an ordinary man who has passed through an unextraordinary life. That is, until one morning, when he receives a letter to say an old friend is dying in a hospice hundreds of miles away. Deciding to post a polite reply, he carries the letter to the postbox, then the next, and the next after that, until he finds himself walking all the way to the northernmost city of Berwick-upon-Tweed. His journey is fuelled by the belief that his friend will remain alive so long as she knows he is on a pilgrimage to see her and so, without map, compass, mobile phone or any other modern amenity, he continues to put one foot in front of
the other…

LJ’s Thoughts:

‘This is a very special book, although it seems superfluous for me to say as much, considering how many accolades it has received – not to mention that the wonderful Jim Broadbent has immortalised the character of Harold Fry on the big screen. Setting these facts aside, I came to the book without expectation, not having seen the film, and was incredibly moved by the Joyce’s telling of his character and those around him. It’s a poignant novel, full of pathos and charm, but written accessibly enough to ensure the pages turn swiftly so that pacing does not fall prey to character development. It’s a lovely read for all seasons, and I would highly recommend it!’