The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Not a book I'd have picked, based on its title or front cover. But I saw it mentioned a few times as a "Top 10 of 2012" from various bloggers' end of year reviews, so thought I'd try something different.
The pace is a bit slower than my liking, but that matches the story (WALKING from the south end of England to the north... NOT flying or driving or running!) There is a little bit of mystery (why did Henry have to go see Queenie?) and the characters seem realistic.
What makes me think the most though, is the relationship between Henry and his wife...
[SPOILER] how could they have gone from such a loving couple to such strangers to each other? I think it made me think of my relationship to my husband - no, we aren't strangers, or anywhere close to that stage, but with a new baby, and gong back to work full time, I admit that we've neglected our relationship a bit because we're usually so busy or tired... so it made me wonder what we can do to change it for the better. [/SPOILER]
I was actually expecting more (probably because of all the praises) - it isn't quite thought provoking or inspirational as I'd hoped it to be. I don't regret reading it, but it also didn't wow me.
3 Stars.
Note - The book was borrowed from the library.
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I had a similar reaction to you. I was expecting much more, but I thought it a fairly average read. Glad I'm not alone in not being bowled over by this one.
ReplyDeleteI always felt like there's something wrong with me when that happens!
DeleteI really loved this one quite a bit - mainly because of how well constructed Harold felt to me, and how thoughtful it made it. But I agree, it was hyped too much.
ReplyDeleteI think the characters were well developed, that's for sure! Remember though that I prefer plot to character driven books, though now I do appreciate well developed characters more than before :)
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