Two Steps Forward: A Novel

by Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist Narrated by Penelope Rawlins, Simon Slater

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

AUGUST 2018 - AudioFile

Narrators Penelope Rawlins and Simon Slater alternate chapters in telling the story of Zoe and Martin, who walk the Chemin, a.k.a, the Camino de Santiago. Zoe, a recently widowed California artist, and Martin, a just divorced British engineer, meet in Cluny as each begins the century-old pilgrimage. Rawlins uses light tones to portray Zoe, who struggles to rediscover herself as she walks. The brighter timbre of Rawlins’s voice contrasts with Slater’s crisp British accent for Martin. Both narrators deftly switch to Dutch, German, Brazilian, French, and Spanish accents as Zoe and Martin encounter a variety of people. As their characters traverse the 1,200 miles, Rawlins and Slater—never exhausted, footsore, or disheartened—imbue their performances with hope, laughter, and love. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

From the Publisher

The feeling of camaraderie between strangers from around the world brings a warmth to the narrative, making it personal, real, and inviting. With wit and wisdom, Simsion and Buist have crafted a novel that will have readers wanting to walk a Camino of their own.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Simsion (The Rosie Project) and Australian psychiatrist Buist have written an insightful study of loss, grief, and the possibility of romance after.” — Library Journal

Stephanie Garber

The story resonates with authenticity . . . . With wit and wisdom, Simsion and Buist have crafted a novel that will have readers wanting to walk a Camino of their own.”
 

Daily Mail (UK)

Charming and absorbing.

Herald Sun

A delightful tale of renewal and shedding unnecessary burdens…This is sure to be loved by fans of The Rosie Project and it’s enough to put the Camino at the top of your travel wishlist.

NPR

An utterly winning screwball comedy.

Entertainment Weekly

Move over Sheldon Cooper. There’s a brilliant, socially inept scientist poised to win over a huge audience, and his name is Don Tillman...this rom-com is bursting with warmth, emotional depth, and intentional humor.” (A-)

Sydney Morning Herald

[An] entertaining and refreshingly unpredictable romance.

AUGUST 2018 - AudioFile

Narrators Penelope Rawlins and Simon Slater alternate chapters in telling the story of Zoe and Martin, who walk the Chemin, a.k.a, the Camino de Santiago. Zoe, a recently widowed California artist, and Martin, a just divorced British engineer, meet in Cluny as each begins the century-old pilgrimage. Rawlins uses light tones to portray Zoe, who struggles to rediscover herself as she walks. The brighter timbre of Rawlins’s voice contrasts with Slater’s crisp British accent for Martin. Both narrators deftly switch to Dutch, German, Brazilian, French, and Spanish accents as Zoe and Martin encounter a variety of people. As their characters traverse the 1,200 miles, Rawlins and Slater—never exhausted, footsore, or disheartened—imbue their performances with hope, laughter, and love. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170327850
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged

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