Two Steps Forward

A Novel

By: Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist

Narrated by: Penelope Rawlins, Simon Slater

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Rosie Project comes a story of taking chances and learning to love again as two people, one mourning her husband and the other recovering from divorce, cross paths on the centuries-old Camino pilgrimage from France to Spain.

“The Chemin will change you. It changes everyone…”

The Chemin, also known as the Camino de Santiago, is a centuries-old pilgrim route that ends in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. Every year, thousands of walkers—some devout, many not—follow the route that wends through quaint small villages and along busy highways alike, a journey unlike any other.

Zoe, an artist from California who’s still reeling from her husband’s sudden death, has impulsively decided to walk the Camino, hoping to find solace and direction. Martin, an engineer from England, is road-testing a cart of his own design…and recovering from a messy divorce. They begin in the same French town, each uncertain of what the future holds. Zoe has anticipated the physical difficulties of her trek, but she is less prepared for other challenges, as strangers and circumstances force her to confront not just recent loss, but long-held beliefs. For Martin, the pilgrimage is a test of his skills and endurance but also, as he and Zoe grow closer, of his willingness to trust others—and himself—again.

Smart and funny, insightful and romantic, Two Steps Forward reveals that the most important journeys we make aren’t measured in miles, but in the strength, wisdom, and love found along the way. Fans of The Rosie Project will recognize Graeme Simsion’s uniquely quirky and charming writing style.

Made me happy

There’s something about this book that is just satisfying. I was engaged from the beginning. I loved Zoe’s and Martin’s journeys. No, it wasn’t especially deep or earth shaking, but it made me happy. Sometimes that’s enough. I’d read a sequel in a heartbeat.

Camino de Santiago tales

Nice story entertaining at times. Flawed human beings all had their reasons to challenge themselves to do the pilgrimage in the end come together while they are physically challenged.

Funny, Sweet and Romantic

Lovely story of several people who meet while walking the Camino in France and Spain. This is a great taste of what it would be like to see beautiful scenery while backpacking through some of Europe's prettiest places. On top of that, the story has marvelously funny, sweet and flawed characters who help one another along their journey. A very nice, uplifting story that will make you smile.

Inspirational

Great story! Will listen again...




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Wonderful story

This was a well written, and well performed book. Going on this journey with the characters really made the reader introspective as well. not my usual, type of book, but very glad I listened.