Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a slow start, but I kept pushing through because my friend highly recommended the book. I’m glad I did.

The story is about Harold Fry, a 65-year-old man who receives a letter from Queenie Hennessy, his work associate of twenty years before. She lets him know that she is in hospice, dying from cancer. Harold writes a brief note,  informs his wife he’s going out to mail it, but winds up walking past the mailbox. He keeps walking for 627 miles, over 87 days, intending to visit Queenie before she dies. He lets her know that he’s on his way and he hopes/believes she will stay alive and wait for his arrival. Harold’s quest is partially inspired by a young woman he meets at a gas station. She tells him that if a person has faith, he can do anything.

Harold starts out dressed in his jacket and tie, trudging along in shoes inadequate for the trip. He meets memorable characters along the way, and also processes the many traumatic events in his life. His wife, Maureen, at home, also spends time thinking about how their lives and ultimately, marriage, have unraveled over the years.

Published in 2012, the book met with great acclaim, landing on the long list for the Man Booker Prize, winning the UK National Book Award, and being the best selling hardback book from a new author in the UK.

Here’s what I loved about the story: Rachel Joyce did not shy away from the grim realities of family turmoil and the ravages of aging. You will not find one bit of saccharine sentiment in the book. However, she managed to tell a tale filled with grit, humility, redemption and hope.