This pilgrimage in England, even if he is perilous for a sexagenarian as Harold, (about 1000 km walk!) Was absolutely essential for it to forget the past and start anew. It enabled him to rethink his life, the things that he has done or not and that he regrets today. To realize the enormous gap that separates him from his wife and their son. During his trip, he met several people with whom he shared memories, good or bad. People can be kind and helpful when learning to know them. You discover their true nature: those who follow you by daventures need to support you or to be recognized. I highly recommend this book which javais heard much and mavait intrigued. A pilgrimage is first very difficult because it requires you to get out of your daily comfort but once you get used to it, you realize navoir need for fundamental, not to say anything to survive. I liked the way the story is told, as and extent, the views of Maureen (his wife) and Dharold. We should all meet Harold or make our own pilgrimage to be in harmony with nature and listen to our deepest feelings. Finally, the story deals with oblivion of the past, painful memories that keep us davancer and fully live the present. It is a hymn to couples who need apart from one another to cope with life, death and be stronger together.