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Original poster

unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry

39 replies

oopsadaisyme · 02/05/2014 22:24

I so loved this book - was such a surprise read as got given as a gift - has anyone else read??

OP posts:
skinmysunshine · 07/05/2014 14:59

I agree that the story wasn't realistic but that wasn't the point. It was escapist and an easy read which is sometimes exactly what I'm looking for.

LulaPalooza · 07/05/2014 14:28

Or maybe, Cote, some people enjoy a bit of junk food for the mind? A bit of escapism? After a long day at work I quite enjoy something easy to read which means I don't have to think too much. I do enough thinking in the office.

What counts in your world as a "real book"?

"To each their own, of course. Don't take it personally. I'm just saying I personally didn't like it"

You could have said that without, like, denigrating the people who di enjoy the book and stuff. Like.

Disclaimer: I haven't read the book, I just found your post patronising and rather rude to the OP. Like. And I dislike literary snobbery.

CoteDAzur · 07/05/2014 14:12

Thanks jamais Smile

jamaisjedors · 06/05/2014 20:32
Smile

Cote you are often spot-on and put into words what I feel about a book - thank you!

scottishmummy · 03/05/2014 11:53

Its always fascinating to hear what someone thinks of a book you've both read
And conversely,some popular authors or hits i just cant fathom.but plenty like
Scandicrime genre has never appealed to me,but others positively rave

CoteDAzur · 03/05/2014 11:50

To each their own, of course. Don't take it personally. I'm just saying why I personally didn't like it.

CoteDAzur · 03/05/2014 11:48

This might be a good time to repeat what I wrote on the "50 Book Challenge" thread last year about Harold Fry:

One of those books written for women. Faux-profound rubbish full of truisms and inane "insights" like "Sometimes, you have to start a journey at the beginning". I came close to losing my faith in womankind, seeing the silly nonsense hundreds of readers have highlighted on the Kindle. Why do women read stuff like this? I find it really puzzling.

It's not well-written (very far from it). The story isn't interesting (there isn't even much of a plot). There is very little character development. It is not realistic. So what exactly do women find in it?

Maybe some used to reading chick-lit like it because it gives them the feeling that they just read a real book. Like, with meaning and stuff. Men also read no-brainer books from authors like Lee Child but they don't pretend they are great books and give them awards. Why do women do this? I find it really depressing Sad

Whatever this book was trying to do, The Alchemist did better. I was 17 when it came out, and even then thought it was superficial faux-intellectual rubbish.

scottishmummy · 03/05/2014 11:41

I intensely disliked memory keeper and thousand suns,didn't finish them
But then i often cant fathom books others rave about,but hey ho
What i liked about Harold was the unfolding,its pace.it felt like hearing a secret

CoteDAzur · 03/05/2014 11:32

I rolled my eyes throughout. Completely unbelievable, even silly. Cheap trick to keep the 'revelation' to the end by misleading the reader throughout, too.

Similarly superficial books that made me Hmm you might like:

The Island - Victoria Hislop
1000 Splendid Suns
Memory Keeper's Daughter

scottishmummy · 02/05/2014 23:05

Tractors in Ukraine is similar genre

Original poster
oopsadaisyme · 02/05/2014 23:03

scott brill read, totally different from what I would have bought, so well written, raving cos loved it!

Need a new one similar, can you recommend??

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 02/05/2014 22:56

Read it about year ago,great book,unfolding twist that pulls you in.

Original poster
oopsadaisyme · 02/05/2014 22:44

ooo, haven't read others by same author, just loved this one - 'Perfect'?

OP posts:
thriftychicken · 02/05/2014 22:42

yes ive read it and really enjoyed it , also enjoyed perfect by the same author

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