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Two Steps Forward
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.
“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.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2017
867 people are currently reading
14498 people want to read
About the author
Graeme Simsion
39 books5,952 followersGraeme Simsion is a former IT consultant and the author of two nonfiction books on database design who decided, at the age of fifty, to turn his hand to fiction. His first novel, The Rosie Project, was published in 2013 and translation rights have been sold in forty languages. Movie rights have been optioned to Sony Pictures. The sequels, The Rosie Effect, and The Rosie Result, were also bestsellers, with total sales of the series in excess of five million.
Graeme's third novel was The Best of Adam Sharp, a story of a love affair re-kindled - and its consequences. Movie rights have been optioned by Vocab Films / New Sparta Films with Toni Collette attached to direct.
Creative Differences was originally created as an 'Audible Original' audiobook, but is now in print with a collection of short stories from across Graeme's career.
Two Steps Forward is a story of renewal set on the Camino de Santiago, written with his wife, Anne Buist, whose own books include Medea's Curse, Dangerous to Know and This I would Kill for, The Long Shadow and Locked Ward. Movie rights were optioned by Fox Searchlight. A sequel, Two Steps Onward, was published in 2021.
Graeme is a frequent presenter of seminars on writing. The Novel Project is his practical, step by step approach to writing a novel or memoir.
Graeme's third novel was The Best of Adam Sharp, a story of a love affair re-kindled - and its consequences. Movie rights have been optioned by Vocab Films / New Sparta Films with Toni Collette attached to direct.
Creative Differences was originally created as an 'Audible Original' audiobook, but is now in print with a collection of short stories from across Graeme's career.
Two Steps Forward is a story of renewal set on the Camino de Santiago, written with his wife, Anne Buist, whose own books include Medea's Curse, Dangerous to Know and This I would Kill for, The Long Shadow and Locked Ward. Movie rights were optioned by Fox Searchlight. A sequel, Two Steps Onward, was published in 2021.
Graeme is a frequent presenter of seminars on writing. The Novel Project is his practical, step by step approach to writing a novel or memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,108 reviews
May 3, 2021
When I first started this book I found it a little slow and a little too full of details about walking, finding accommodation and what they had for breakfast. But it surely did not stay like that!
As Martin and Zoe take their first tentative steps along the walking trail they also begin a romance which is by turns funny and sad, and full of misunderstandings. The cover picture says it all. There is Zoe on one stretch of the path and Martin with his little cart on a whole separate section. Occasionally they do meet up!
The writing is delightful. If you read the book watch out for the lovely little scene where Zoe picks up a 'leftover' glass of wine, drinks it and moves on. Then see what happens next. So clever!
One of those books which doesn't hit the ground running but rather starts off slowly and gathers momentum. By the last half I was so attached to the two main characters I had to race to the end to see what happened. Oh and the ending is brilliant! Read it:)
As Martin and Zoe take their first tentative steps along the walking trail they also begin a romance which is by turns funny and sad, and full of misunderstandings. The cover picture says it all. There is Zoe on one stretch of the path and Martin with his little cart on a whole separate section. Occasionally they do meet up!
The writing is delightful. If you read the book watch out for the lovely little scene where Zoe picks up a 'leftover' glass of wine, drinks it and moves on. Then see what happens next. So clever!
One of those books which doesn't hit the ground running but rather starts off slowly and gathers momentum. By the last half I was so attached to the two main characters I had to race to the end to see what happened. Oh and the ending is brilliant! Read it:)
September 10, 2018
Het lopen van de Camino(eventueel een gedeelte ervan) staat op mijn Bucketlist. Ik heb genoten van de wandeling en de 'struggles' die Zoë en Martin moesten doorstaan...aanrader!!
July 20, 2018
Zoe, an artist from California, and Martin, an engineer from England, find themselves on The Chemin, also known as the Camino de Santiago. It’s a centuries-old pilgrim route that ends in Santiago in northwest Spain. They plan to join other walkers following the route, each having their own reasons for doing so. Zoe recently lost her husband in a car accident and Martin is recovering from an acrimonious divorce. He’s also testing out a cart he’s designed that might replace the need to carry backpacks on this journey.
I’d never heard of this sojourn, let alone this region of France. The cast of characters encountered along the way made this a unique reading experience. Walkers take different approaches to the trip, some staying in hostels, others in private homes or hotels. Zoe started the walk alone and found herself intersecting with Martin and his cart throughout. Theirs was a relationship that had a rocky start that eventually evolved to amiable, with starts and stops to something more. They’d take “two steps forward” and then...
I struggled with the beginning of this story with all the technical talk of equipment, kilometers and gear related to the Camino. But somewhere along the line, I became fully invested in these people, the things that were driving them to do this walk and their experiences along the way. It’s told from Zoe and Martin’s points of view, alternating sometimes in parallel and others in a cleverly connected way (you have to pay attention so you don’t miss those moments!). I loved both narrators, Simon Slater and Penelope Rawlins, for their storytelling skills and their distinctive capture of all the characters in the story. I ended up loving this book and found the ending delightful.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
I’d never heard of this sojourn, let alone this region of France. The cast of characters encountered along the way made this a unique reading experience. Walkers take different approaches to the trip, some staying in hostels, others in private homes or hotels. Zoe started the walk alone and found herself intersecting with Martin and his cart throughout. Theirs was a relationship that had a rocky start that eventually evolved to amiable, with starts and stops to something more. They’d take “two steps forward” and then...
I struggled with the beginning of this story with all the technical talk of equipment, kilometers and gear related to the Camino. But somewhere along the line, I became fully invested in these people, the things that were driving them to do this walk and their experiences along the way. It’s told from Zoe and Martin’s points of view, alternating sometimes in parallel and others in a cleverly connected way (you have to pay attention so you don’t miss those moments!). I loved both narrators, Simon Slater and Penelope Rawlins, for their storytelling skills and their distinctive capture of all the characters in the story. I ended up loving this book and found the ending delightful.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
March 21, 2018
Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist.
Enjoyable fictional account about a man and a woman’s trek on the Camino, starting in France and on into Spain. Told from each of their points of view, you’ll find this part travelogue and part romance. Some hikers are on a spiritual journey and some are avoiding their spiritual journeys whilst others learn what love really is. Truly inspiring change, resolution and growth for many of the characters while sharing a realistic view of traversing the Camino de Santiago.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.
Enjoyable fictional account about a man and a woman’s trek on the Camino, starting in France and on into Spain. Told from each of their points of view, you’ll find this part travelogue and part romance. Some hikers are on a spiritual journey and some are avoiding their spiritual journeys whilst others learn what love really is. Truly inspiring change, resolution and growth for many of the characters while sharing a realistic view of traversing the Camino de Santiago.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.
May 6, 2018
I was first on the list at my local library for Two Steps Forward, as I have been eagerly awaiting any new work with Graeme Simsion's name attached. I was obviously overly excited because Two Steps Forward did very little for me. The parts I did enjoy and warranted all the stars was meeting all the characters in the midst of their Camino de Santiago pilgrimage to Spain. It was so interesting to see everyone's reason for making the religious pilgrimage, and not only did I learn something new but I found it fascinating. Then I stumbled across an article posted by The Sydney Morning Herald that provided this tidbit...
However, the two main characters were very one-dimensional to me. The grieving three-week widow Zoe did not seem to be grieving at all. I didn't feel anything from her and this impacted all the other dynamics such as her internal and external journey and her slow romance with the divorced male lead: Martin who she meets on the trail, and who I struggled similarly with but not quite as much. Maybe this was due to the audiobook performance, maybe I read this on a bad day, maybe the trail completely outshined everything else (which is an explanation I could live with), but it was my experience nonetheless. Although 100% unemotional for me personally, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this ancient pilgrimage that I don't remember ever hearing about before.
Learning is good. Three stars.
My favorite quote:
"The path is not a straight line but every step takes you closer."
"In 2011, literary couple Graeme Simsion (The Rosie Project, The Rosie Effect and The Best of Adam Sharp) and Anne Buist (Medea's Curse and Dangerous to Know), walked for 87 days from Cluny in France to Santiago de Compestela, covering 2038 kilometres."Knowing that the authors actually had firsthand experience allowed me to understand why the trail became a character in its own right. I loved this element.
However, the two main characters were very one-dimensional to me. The grieving three-week widow Zoe did not seem to be grieving at all. I didn't feel anything from her and this impacted all the other dynamics such as her internal and external journey and her slow romance with the divorced male lead: Martin who she meets on the trail, and who I struggled similarly with but not quite as much. Maybe this was due to the audiobook performance, maybe I read this on a bad day, maybe the trail completely outshined everything else (which is an explanation I could live with), but it was my experience nonetheless. Although 100% unemotional for me personally, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this ancient pilgrimage that I don't remember ever hearing about before.
Learning is good. Three stars.
My favorite quote:
"The path is not a straight line but every step takes you closer."
June 26, 2018
I read this because it was a Book Club selection by someone in my club that obviously hates me.
I gave this 1 star but would give it 0 if I could.
This is badly written. It is pedestrian, predictable and plodding (puns intended).
I was NOT impressed with Simsion's ROSIE PROJECT and it seems his writing has gone downhill from there.
Why, oh why do people who walk the Camino think they need to write a book about it to illuminate the rest of us on its transformative powers? Please, just don't.
From page 1, I knew the narrative arc of this book. Really, the details of boots, tents, walking companions, boozy nights, getting laid, having fights and epiphanies on the walk are just so much
gag-me, I am so bored, rolling the eyes fodder.
As Bob Newhart said in his famous therapist skit, "STOP IT"
Have a craving to write about how a vegetarian does the Camino? "Stop it".
Feel like telling us EVERY MEAL your characters had on the walk? "Stop it".
Want to share the beauty of the French and Spanish countryside? "Stop it".
Keen to tell us how to deal with blisters on the walk? "Stop it".
Want to stereotype your characters into cardboard cutouts? "Stop it"!!!!!
Please, have mercy on the reading public. Your experience that had to be translated into a novel is just not that riveting.
If this hadn't been on my Kindle, I would have thrown it out the window. Just wait till I get to the BookClub discussion about this mediocre book.
I gave this 1 star but would give it 0 if I could.
This is badly written. It is pedestrian, predictable and plodding (puns intended).
I was NOT impressed with Simsion's ROSIE PROJECT and it seems his writing has gone downhill from there.
Why, oh why do people who walk the Camino think they need to write a book about it to illuminate the rest of us on its transformative powers? Please, just don't.
From page 1, I knew the narrative arc of this book. Really, the details of boots, tents, walking companions, boozy nights, getting laid, having fights and epiphanies on the walk are just so much
gag-me, I am so bored, rolling the eyes fodder.
As Bob Newhart said in his famous therapist skit, "STOP IT"
Have a craving to write about how a vegetarian does the Camino? "Stop it".
Feel like telling us EVERY MEAL your characters had on the walk? "Stop it".
Want to share the beauty of the French and Spanish countryside? "Stop it".
Keen to tell us how to deal with blisters on the walk? "Stop it".
Want to stereotype your characters into cardboard cutouts? "Stop it"!!!!!
Please, have mercy on the reading public. Your experience that had to be translated into a novel is just not that riveting.
If this hadn't been on my Kindle, I would have thrown it out the window. Just wait till I get to the BookClub discussion about this mediocre book.
June 17, 2018
The premise of this book has tons of promise but the execution is weak, to say the least. There are two POVs, but it felt like the same character. If I forgot to look at the chapter heading, I almost wouldn't have known which character was talking, there was no distinct voice for each. The character development is, again, weak.
The plot was so scattered I felt like I was reading a rough draft, or an outline of an idea... it was wildly underdeveloped. I couldn't decide if it was poor writing or editing and I feel like it was a combination of both. So much of this novel was surface level, while trying to touch on blow-surface themes (forgiveness, grief, etc...) and not doing a great job of it.
It lacked substance and direction. Idk what it was trying to do, but it was too much and not enough at the same time. It was a little bit of a train wreck to me. There were moments and glimpses that gave a small peek into what this book could have been which is maybe what made this such a disappointment. I don't think I'd recommend this to anyone.
The plot was so scattered I felt like I was reading a rough draft, or an outline of an idea... it was wildly underdeveloped. I couldn't decide if it was poor writing or editing and I feel like it was a combination of both. So much of this novel was surface level, while trying to touch on blow-surface themes (forgiveness, grief, etc...) and not doing a great job of it.
It lacked substance and direction. Idk what it was trying to do, but it was too much and not enough at the same time. It was a little bit of a train wreck to me. There were moments and glimpses that gave a small peek into what this book could have been which is maybe what made this such a disappointment. I don't think I'd recommend this to anyone.
September 22, 2017
Two Steps Forward is a novel written by Australian husband and wife author team, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist. When Zoe and Martin arrive in France, neither of them does so with the Camino de Santiago in mind. Engineer, Dr Martin Eden has just gone through an acrimonious divorce, giving up his home and job for a temporary teaching position in Cluny. An aspiring artist whose fledgling career was aborted by marriage and the birth of her two (now adult) daughters, Zoe Witt is a recent widow. Her husband’s sudden death brought some unpleasant surprises and she’s in Cluny looking up a college friend while she comes to terms with her grief and life’s new realities.
Somewhat uncomfortable with her friend’s matchmaking efforts, and feeling the need for solitude, Zoe surprises herself with a decision to walk the Chemin from Cluny to the Spanish border. Martin’s impetus is far from spiritual: after a chance encounter with a Dutch pilgrim, he is going to road-test a pilgrim cart he has designed and hopes to sell; in fact, needs to sell as he is jobless, homeless and penniless! And with a seventeen-year-old daughter about to attend university.
As their paths cross and recross, American Zoe and British Martin, along with a bunch of Brazilians, Germans and other Americans, go (despite some friction and/or frisson) from strangers to a camaraderie (and occasionally, something more) that seems not uncommon with those sharing this life-changing experience.
There’s plenty of humour in the dialogue and the interactions between characters: miscommunications, misunderstandings and omissions of the whole truth, as well as a bit of (almost) slapstick comedy add to the enjoyment. The male and female voices are well rendered, and the story also illustrates the wide spectrum of pilgrims attracted to Camino, with their myriad of reasons for walking.
Buist and Simsion give the reader a tale about a group of ordinary people with ordinary life problems who discover that often best advice comes from strangers whose perspective is not coloured by emotions. The “spiritual journey” aspect is well handled, never becoming overwhelming or heavy on “message” but still given enough gravitas to be thought-provoking. The only things missing from this delightful novel are the images of Zoe’s cartoons and Martin’s cart. Very entertaining!
Somewhat uncomfortable with her friend’s matchmaking efforts, and feeling the need for solitude, Zoe surprises herself with a decision to walk the Chemin from Cluny to the Spanish border. Martin’s impetus is far from spiritual: after a chance encounter with a Dutch pilgrim, he is going to road-test a pilgrim cart he has designed and hopes to sell; in fact, needs to sell as he is jobless, homeless and penniless! And with a seventeen-year-old daughter about to attend university.
As their paths cross and recross, American Zoe and British Martin, along with a bunch of Brazilians, Germans and other Americans, go (despite some friction and/or frisson) from strangers to a camaraderie (and occasionally, something more) that seems not uncommon with those sharing this life-changing experience.
There’s plenty of humour in the dialogue and the interactions between characters: miscommunications, misunderstandings and omissions of the whole truth, as well as a bit of (almost) slapstick comedy add to the enjoyment. The male and female voices are well rendered, and the story also illustrates the wide spectrum of pilgrims attracted to Camino, with their myriad of reasons for walking.
Buist and Simsion give the reader a tale about a group of ordinary people with ordinary life problems who discover that often best advice comes from strangers whose perspective is not coloured by emotions. The “spiritual journey” aspect is well handled, never becoming overwhelming or heavy on “message” but still given enough gravitas to be thought-provoking. The only things missing from this delightful novel are the images of Zoe’s cartoons and Martin’s cart. Very entertaining!
May 15, 2018
I have heard about the Camino walk because a friend's husband walked much of it, I heard an interview about it on the radio by another person who walked it, so when Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist presented itself, I opened it and started reading with interest. I have no desire to walk it myself but I was very happy to vicariously experience it this way.
It is described in acknowledgements at the end of the book as a mature-age love story, and it is, but so much more. It is about challenge - physical challenge for sure, ouch all that walking and all those blisters. The challenge of being by yourself, facing difficulties sometimes in life or death situations. The challenge of walking with others and hitting off them and sometimes eventually losing your sharp edges.
The walk is an invitation to go inwards and discover who you are, what you are made of? It gives you a change to examine your life so far, the emotions, the things facing you now. It breaks you open, it questions you.
There are two main characters - each chapter alternatively told between Martin and Zoe. I came to love them both and to be honest it was with regret that I closed the book and let them go. I loved how Zoe really came into herself, it was wonderful to watch. Martin took a little longer but the lessons he learned so important and most likely apply to us all.
There were many other pilgrims along the way, as well those who ran the hostels and places where the pilgrims stayed. The description of the walk was very real, the places so well described. As both authors have walked the walks of Zoe and Martin it rang with authenticity.
I started this book with a little caution, I finished it with a gratefulness for the experience.
It is described in acknowledgements at the end of the book as a mature-age love story, and it is, but so much more. It is about challenge - physical challenge for sure, ouch all that walking and all those blisters. The challenge of being by yourself, facing difficulties sometimes in life or death situations. The challenge of walking with others and hitting off them and sometimes eventually losing your sharp edges.
The walk is an invitation to go inwards and discover who you are, what you are made of? It gives you a change to examine your life so far, the emotions, the things facing you now. It breaks you open, it questions you.
There are two main characters - each chapter alternatively told between Martin and Zoe. I came to love them both and to be honest it was with regret that I closed the book and let them go. I loved how Zoe really came into herself, it was wonderful to watch. Martin took a little longer but the lessons he learned so important and most likely apply to us all.
There were many other pilgrims along the way, as well those who ran the hostels and places where the pilgrims stayed. The description of the walk was very real, the places so well described. As both authors have walked the walks of Zoe and Martin it rang with authenticity.
I started this book with a little caution, I finished it with a gratefulness for the experience.
September 13, 2023
What happens when you hit bottom financially and emotionally?
In separate cases, both Californian Zoe and Englishman Martin head to France to figure things out for their lives. And in so doing, find themselves on a healing walking journey down the famous Camino de Santiago path towards Spain.
Even as they begin in the same French town, what will this journey teach them, or guide them towards?
What will they learn about themselves?
What will they gain from their encounters with others?
Will they heal their past?
Grow in their present?
Find something to look forward to in their future?
Or might something happen with each other?
Interestingly, the book started with two quotes that bear repeating.
“There is a time for departure, even when there is no certain place to go.” Tennessee Williams.
“Midlife is when you reach the top of the ladder and find that it was against the wrong wall.” Joseph Campbell.
Each quote gives us some insight into where these characters are heading, and where they need to go to get ‘two steps forward.’
For those who are captivated by the walking journey and all that could go wrong or right along the way, this is a charming story told with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.
Some may remember Graeme Simsion from his bestselling novel, “The Rosie Project.” The two authors seamlessly trade off chapters in Zoe’s and Martin’s voice.
In separate cases, both Californian Zoe and Englishman Martin head to France to figure things out for their lives. And in so doing, find themselves on a healing walking journey down the famous Camino de Santiago path towards Spain.
Even as they begin in the same French town, what will this journey teach them, or guide them towards?
What will they learn about themselves?
What will they gain from their encounters with others?
Will they heal their past?
Grow in their present?
Find something to look forward to in their future?
Or might something happen with each other?
Interestingly, the book started with two quotes that bear repeating.
“There is a time for departure, even when there is no certain place to go.” Tennessee Williams.
“Midlife is when you reach the top of the ladder and find that it was against the wrong wall.” Joseph Campbell.
Each quote gives us some insight into where these characters are heading, and where they need to go to get ‘two steps forward.’
For those who are captivated by the walking journey and all that could go wrong or right along the way, this is a charming story told with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.
Some may remember Graeme Simsion from his bestselling novel, “The Rosie Project.” The two authors seamlessly trade off chapters in Zoe’s and Martin’s voice.
April 16, 2018
Two Steps Forward by husband and wife team Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist was an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable novel. Though completely different from Simsion's "Rosie" series it contained a number of my favourite elements. For example the writing was engaging so that once started I didn't want to stop reading, the characters were likeable, the story well executed and the setting interesting. Having walked the Chemin/Camino themselves - from Cluny in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain - not once but twice (2038 km & 1900 km respectively) they clearly wrote what they knew (and Ioved) and I found it inspiring.
A walk of that magnitude must surely provide ample opportunity for contemplation and that was precisely what our fictional, middle aged pilgrims required. Zoe, recently widowed intended to use the time to deal with her grief but found that as the miles unfolded she had the capacity to let go of long held animosity towards her mother, and religion by association. Martin intended to use the walk to launch a new business venture but he too found himself dealing from afar with the falllout of a recent nasty divorce and the implications of that upon his teenage daughter. Along the way, these two strangers provided each other with companionship and support, and left the door open to the potential for something more in future. I felt this aspect of the story was lovely, and was handled realistically without being overly sentimental.
Yes there was a heavy emphasis on the walk (which incidentally I'm now inspired to do) but it was so much more. Ultimately it seemed to be about forgiveness - of self and others. Of accepting responsibility for your own actions, of forgiving yourself for your own mistakes and trying to push past regrets in an effort to move forward as a better person. Quite fitting really when the original pilgrims walked to find God, seek forgiveness or give thanks.
Whilst on the topic I'd like to add my thanks to the authors for a job well done, to HarperCollins publishers for this Advance Readers e-proof, and of course NetGalley for making that possible.
A walk of that magnitude must surely provide ample opportunity for contemplation and that was precisely what our fictional, middle aged pilgrims required. Zoe, recently widowed intended to use the time to deal with her grief but found that as the miles unfolded she had the capacity to let go of long held animosity towards her mother, and religion by association. Martin intended to use the walk to launch a new business venture but he too found himself dealing from afar with the falllout of a recent nasty divorce and the implications of that upon his teenage daughter. Along the way, these two strangers provided each other with companionship and support, and left the door open to the potential for something more in future. I felt this aspect of the story was lovely, and was handled realistically without being overly sentimental.
Yes there was a heavy emphasis on the walk (which incidentally I'm now inspired to do) but it was so much more. Ultimately it seemed to be about forgiveness - of self and others. Of accepting responsibility for your own actions, of forgiving yourself for your own mistakes and trying to push past regrets in an effort to move forward as a better person. Quite fitting really when the original pilgrims walked to find God, seek forgiveness or give thanks.
Whilst on the topic I'd like to add my thanks to the authors for a job well done, to HarperCollins publishers for this Advance Readers e-proof, and of course NetGalley for making that possible.
July 8, 2018
I only read this because it was chosen for my book club and I can’t stand it when people don’t finish my choices.
This book is so awful. Zoe the smarmy vegetarian walks the Camino with Martin the bore. A series of misunderstandings and miscommunication means hilarity ensues. No it doesn’t, it’s just predictable blah blah blah. From the description of the blisters I’m sure the authors read Cheryl Strayed’s brilliant memoir Wild. I’m fascinated by the Camino but this book would have you believe there’s just a bunch of stupid dickheads walking it ...
This book is so awful. Zoe the smarmy vegetarian walks the Camino with Martin the bore. A series of misunderstandings and miscommunication means hilarity ensues. No it doesn’t, it’s just predictable blah blah blah. From the description of the blisters I’m sure the authors read Cheryl Strayed’s brilliant memoir Wild. I’m fascinated by the Camino but this book would have you believe there’s just a bunch of stupid dickheads walking it ...
February 18, 2018
[3.5 stars] I like the idea of going on a walking "pilgrimage" to work through life's problems. ("The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Frye" and "Wild" are two favorites of mine) This is the premise of Two Steps Forward. Zoe and Martin, both middle aged, are separately walking "The Chemin" through France and Spain. I enjoyed both of their journeys and the description of the trail and wish I could go on this walk! It sounds like a very appealing experience.
The alternating narratives sometimes felt choppy and confusing. The voices of Zoe and Martin were not always distinct and I found myself frequently looking at the top of the page to see who was speaking. But overall, a satisfying read. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways program for this ARC.
The alternating narratives sometimes felt choppy and confusing. The voices of Zoe and Martin were not always distinct and I found myself frequently looking at the top of the page to see who was speaking. But overall, a satisfying read. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways program for this ARC.
June 11, 2021
I debated whether or not to add this book to my Travel shelf because it shouldn't really fit; it's fiction. But the authors explain in their Authors' Note that they were very careful about being accurate with routes, timings and locations, and taking only occasional liberties with accommodation and restaurants, based on their own experiences of walking the Chemin/Camino twice in 4 years. It's just the characters that are fictional. I was convinced, so there it sits.
Martin and Zoe are strangers, from different continents, who both happen to be in Cluny at the same time, with no previous thoughts of walking the Chemin/Camino. But of course that's exactly what they both find themselves doing, leaving Cluny within two days of each other in the off-season. Of course they were destined to meet. Along the way they deal with difficult weather, an eclectic mix of fellow-pilgrims, health issues, lost property, and the contemplation of 'what-went-wrong' back at home. Gradually Martin & Zoe become friends, favoured walking companions and maybe - if they could just get it together at the same time - something more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wanted it to keep going. For a collaborative piece of writing, it is seamless, and it gave me a very vivid sense of what it might be like to walk the Chemin/Camino. As I was reading I kept thinking that it reminded me of the style of British author, David Nicholls, funny and charming, without tipping over the edge.
Martin and Zoe are strangers, from different continents, who both happen to be in Cluny at the same time, with no previous thoughts of walking the Chemin/Camino. But of course that's exactly what they both find themselves doing, leaving Cluny within two days of each other in the off-season. Of course they were destined to meet. Along the way they deal with difficult weather, an eclectic mix of fellow-pilgrims, health issues, lost property, and the contemplation of 'what-went-wrong' back at home. Gradually Martin & Zoe become friends, favoured walking companions and maybe - if they could just get it together at the same time - something more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wanted it to keep going. For a collaborative piece of writing, it is seamless, and it gave me a very vivid sense of what it might be like to walk the Chemin/Camino. As I was reading I kept thinking that it reminded me of the style of British author, David Nicholls, funny and charming, without tipping over the edge.
October 7, 2018
A British man and an American woman walk the Camino—almost by accident. Both have their own reasons for undertaking the walk. Martin wants to test and sell a cart he has developed, and escape his failed marriage. Zoe is recently, suddenly, widowed and doesn’t know how to move on with her life. They start out apart—not even liking each other, then, slowly (oh, SO slowly), a relationship begins to develop.
An interesting premise, but I’m afraid I found Two Steps almost as hard going as walking the Camino. It was dreadfully slow and none of the characters interested me. I was hoping to find more about the reality of the Camino from reading this book (the authors have walked it twice), and to feel something of the emotions experienced along the way, but there’s very little about the walk, the landscape, the towns and churches, Two Steps is all about the two characters and I never did warm to them—not because they’re unpleasant or dislikable, they’re just so colourless. There’s a seemingly endless reiteration of small, unimportant, uninteresting detail about two terribly dull lives. There's no emotional depth at all. With no real highs or lows, it’s flat as the proverbial tortilla. And it is much too long—having two writers write alternate chapters is another good idea, but it made the story immensely slow to develop, going round and around for a long time, not getting anywhere and nothing of interest happening at all. Even the supporting cast—selfish Bernhard and the giddy Brazilians—did nothing for me, they were all as under-developed, as vapid and uninteresting, as the main pair. It’s been such a dull read, it’s taken me forever to plough through and, having finally finished it (at last), I find almost nothing memorable in it at all. Frankly, the current BBC series in which a bunch of moaning minor celebrities walk the Camino has a world more depth, interest and genuine emotion in it than this novel and tells the tale far more entertainingly too.
An interesting premise, but I’m afraid I found Two Steps almost as hard going as walking the Camino. It was dreadfully slow and none of the characters interested me. I was hoping to find more about the reality of the Camino from reading this book (the authors have walked it twice), and to feel something of the emotions experienced along the way, but there’s very little about the walk, the landscape, the towns and churches, Two Steps is all about the two characters and I never did warm to them—not because they’re unpleasant or dislikable, they’re just so colourless. There’s a seemingly endless reiteration of small, unimportant, uninteresting detail about two terribly dull lives. There's no emotional depth at all. With no real highs or lows, it’s flat as the proverbial tortilla. And it is much too long—having two writers write alternate chapters is another good idea, but it made the story immensely slow to develop, going round and around for a long time, not getting anywhere and nothing of interest happening at all. Even the supporting cast—selfish Bernhard and the giddy Brazilians—did nothing for me, they were all as under-developed, as vapid and uninteresting, as the main pair. It’s been such a dull read, it’s taken me forever to plough through and, having finally finished it (at last), I find almost nothing memorable in it at all. Frankly, the current BBC series in which a bunch of moaning minor celebrities walk the Camino has a world more depth, interest and genuine emotion in it than this novel and tells the tale far more entertainingly too.
July 24, 2019
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 book is about two characters, Zoe and Martian who decide to take this journey separately to heal. The book took me forever to read and I didn't really care for it. I felt it was boring. I shouldn't be surprised that I didn't like it since the same author wrote The Rosie Project and I didn't like that either. The story kept going on forever and the characters were annoying with the constant never getting together... which would have been fine but it wasn't romantic or full filling, just really annoying.
The book is about two characters, Zoe and Martian who decide to take this journey separately to heal. The book took me forever to read and I didn't really care for it. I felt it was boring. I shouldn't be surprised that I didn't like it since the same author wrote The Rosie Project and I didn't like that either. The story kept going on forever and the characters were annoying with the constant never getting together... which would have been fine but it wasn't romantic or full filling, just really annoying.
July 22, 2022
‘Simsion and Australian psychiatrist Buist have written an insightful study of loss, grief, and the possibility of romance after.’
Library Journal
‘This is the sort of book that you can easily imagine being filmed, with strong set pieces, gorgeous scenery, and lots of heart and humour.’
Booktopian
‘The leisurely paced novel explores themes of forgiveness and self-discovery with gentle humour…A feel-good, mature romance that explores what we need to let go of to move forward.’
Books+Publishing
‘I enjoyed every moment of this informative, funny and sweet novel.’
Readings
‘A novel of mature love and self-discovery set against the scenic backdrop of the pilgrims’ walk.’
Age
‘There’s so much to love about this novel, which is smart and funny and full of the awkwardness and adrenaline of adventure and new romance.’
Whimn
‘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.’
Herald Sun
‘Fans of The Rosie Project might recognise shades of Don Tillman…Compelling reading…[A] cast of entertaining and eccentric characters…The book’s momentum never flags…[An] entertaining and refreshingly unpredictable romance.’
Sydney Morning Herald
‘Sometimes, you just have to feel—to go with what the Way or a book like this one makes you feel. This one made me feel uplifted. I hope it does the same for you too.’
Pop.edit.lit.
‘Simsion and Buist are Camino veterans who add detail and authority to their novel.’
Adelaide Advertiser
‘Simsion and Buist are Camino veterans, adding detail and authority to their novel.’
Daily Telegraph
i>‘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
Library Journal
‘This is the sort of book that you can easily imagine being filmed, with strong set pieces, gorgeous scenery, and lots of heart and humour.’
Booktopian
‘The leisurely paced novel explores themes of forgiveness and self-discovery with gentle humour…A feel-good, mature romance that explores what we need to let go of to move forward.’
Books+Publishing
‘I enjoyed every moment of this informative, funny and sweet novel.’
Readings
‘A novel of mature love and self-discovery set against the scenic backdrop of the pilgrims’ walk.’
Age
‘There’s so much to love about this novel, which is smart and funny and full of the awkwardness and adrenaline of adventure and new romance.’
Whimn
‘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.’
Herald Sun
‘Fans of The Rosie Project might recognise shades of Don Tillman…Compelling reading…[A] cast of entertaining and eccentric characters…The book’s momentum never flags…[An] entertaining and refreshingly unpredictable romance.’
Sydney Morning Herald
‘Sometimes, you just have to feel—to go with what the Way or a book like this one makes you feel. This one made me feel uplifted. I hope it does the same for you too.’
Pop.edit.lit.
‘Simsion and Buist are Camino veterans who add detail and authority to their novel.’
Adelaide Advertiser
‘Simsion and Buist are Camino veterans, adding detail and authority to their novel.’
Daily Telegraph
i>‘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
October 20, 2018
4.5
It was a treat to read this book! As I progressed more deeply in my reading, I became increasingly enthralled. I had heard of the Camino or the Way, a centuries old pilgrimage traversing much of France and Spain, but the narrative by these authors did much to familiarize me with the routes and the myriad reasons of people to undertake these treks. Whether one is a pelerin , a peregrino , or a pilgrim, the reasons for the walk varied widely. It seemed that the religious pilgrimage was rare. The sense of community, friendship and sharing was remarkable among the people traveling on foot..
It was a pleasure to view the scenery through the travelers' eyes, to feel the senses as they did and to understand the rationale for such a radical means for travel. Another benefit of reading this account was to improve my French and to learn some Spanish.
It was good to learn that the authors are long-term married partners, had traversed the camino a number of times and had truly shared the well-organized writing of this book.
By all means, I recommend the film, The Way, which was mentioned in this book. It is not the story of these people, but of a man deep in grief, who sought healing through this extreme measure. The tale beautifully demonstrates the expanses of lovely scenery and the development of caring friendship among the walkers.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441912/
It was a treat to read this book! As I progressed more deeply in my reading, I became increasingly enthralled. I had heard of the Camino or the Way, a centuries old pilgrimage traversing much of France and Spain, but the narrative by these authors did much to familiarize me with the routes and the myriad reasons of people to undertake these treks. Whether one is a pelerin , a peregrino , or a pilgrim, the reasons for the walk varied widely. It seemed that the religious pilgrimage was rare. The sense of community, friendship and sharing was remarkable among the people traveling on foot..
It was a pleasure to view the scenery through the travelers' eyes, to feel the senses as they did and to understand the rationale for such a radical means for travel. Another benefit of reading this account was to improve my French and to learn some Spanish.
It was good to learn that the authors are long-term married partners, had traversed the camino a number of times and had truly shared the well-organized writing of this book.
By all means, I recommend the film, The Way, which was mentioned in this book. It is not the story of these people, but of a man deep in grief, who sought healing through this extreme measure. The tale beautifully demonstrates the expanses of lovely scenery and the development of caring friendship among the walkers.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441912/
October 16, 2019
Lovely love story about two wandering souls. A common journey told alternatingly out of his and her perspective. Beautifully written. The stories literally suck you in and it's like you're walking the camino yourself!
I think this book is not as well known as The Rosie Project by the same author, but it is at least just as good. Different but wonderful!
Great read! Highly recommended!
I think this book is not as well known as The Rosie Project by the same author, but it is at least just as good. Different but wonderful!
Great read! Highly recommended!
April 5, 2021
Two Steps Forward is a novel written by Australian husband and wife author team, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist. The audio version is narrated by Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood and Jerome Pride. When Zoe and Martin arrive in France, neither of them does so with the Camino de Santiago in mind. Engineer, Dr Martin Eden has just gone through an acrimonious divorce, giving up his home and job for a temporary teaching position in Cluny. An aspiring artist whose fledgling career was aborted by marriage and the birth of her two (now adult) daughters, Zoe Witt is a recent widow. Her husband’s sudden death brought some unpleasant surprises and she’s in Cluny looking up a college friend while she comes to terms with her grief and life’s new realities.
Somewhat uncomfortable with her friend’s matchmaking efforts, and feeling the need for solitude, Zoe surprises herself with a decision to walk the Chemin from Cluny to the Spanish border. Martin’s impetus is far from spiritual: after a chance encounter with a Dutch pilgrim, he is going to road-test a pilgrim cart he has designed and hopes to sell; in fact, needs to sell as he is jobless, homeless and penniless! And with a seventeen-year-old daughter about to attend university.
As their paths cross and recross, American Zoe and British Martin, along with a bunch of Brazilians, Germans and other Americans, go (despite some friction and/or frisson) from strangers to a camaraderie (and occasionally, something more) that seems not uncommon with those sharing this life-changing experience.
There’s plenty of humour in the dialogue and the interactions between characters: miscommunications, misunderstandings and omissions of the whole truth, as well as a bit of (almost) slapstick comedy add to the enjoyment. The male and female voices are well rendered, and the story also illustrates the wide spectrum of pilgrims attracted to Camino, with their myriad of reasons for walking.
Buist and Simsion give the reader a tale about a group of ordinary people with ordinary life problems who discover that often best advice comes from strangers whose perspective is not coloured by emotions. The “spiritual journey” aspect is well handled, never becoming overwhelming or heavy on “message” but still given enough gravitas to be thought-provoking. The only things missing from this delightful novel are the images of Zoe’s cartoons and Martin’s cart. Very entertaining!
Somewhat uncomfortable with her friend’s matchmaking efforts, and feeling the need for solitude, Zoe surprises herself with a decision to walk the Chemin from Cluny to the Spanish border. Martin’s impetus is far from spiritual: after a chance encounter with a Dutch pilgrim, he is going to road-test a pilgrim cart he has designed and hopes to sell; in fact, needs to sell as he is jobless, homeless and penniless! And with a seventeen-year-old daughter about to attend university.
As their paths cross and recross, American Zoe and British Martin, along with a bunch of Brazilians, Germans and other Americans, go (despite some friction and/or frisson) from strangers to a camaraderie (and occasionally, something more) that seems not uncommon with those sharing this life-changing experience.
There’s plenty of humour in the dialogue and the interactions between characters: miscommunications, misunderstandings and omissions of the whole truth, as well as a bit of (almost) slapstick comedy add to the enjoyment. The male and female voices are well rendered, and the story also illustrates the wide spectrum of pilgrims attracted to Camino, with their myriad of reasons for walking.
Buist and Simsion give the reader a tale about a group of ordinary people with ordinary life problems who discover that often best advice comes from strangers whose perspective is not coloured by emotions. The “spiritual journey” aspect is well handled, never becoming overwhelming or heavy on “message” but still given enough gravitas to be thought-provoking. The only things missing from this delightful novel are the images of Zoe’s cartoons and Martin’s cart. Very entertaining!
June 28, 2017
As good as the Rosie Project, this collaborative husband/wife writing team effort is just as easy to recommend.
Told in alternating chapters, we follow Martin (recently divorced Brit) & Zoe (recently widowed American) as they traverse part of the Camino trail from France to Spain. They don't set off together, their paths only cross occasionally, & they are both walking for very different reasons - but they both have important lessons to learn, some even from each other.
A well written, humorous book, that nonetheless has deep emotional depths that will bring tears to your eyes.
Highly recommended, for Graeme & Anne fans, Camino travellers, or anyone just after a novel you won't want to put down!
Told in alternating chapters, we follow Martin (recently divorced Brit) & Zoe (recently widowed American) as they traverse part of the Camino trail from France to Spain. They don't set off together, their paths only cross occasionally, & they are both walking for very different reasons - but they both have important lessons to learn, some even from each other.
A well written, humorous book, that nonetheless has deep emotional depths that will bring tears to your eyes.
Highly recommended, for Graeme & Anne fans, Camino travellers, or anyone just after a novel you won't want to put down!
July 8, 2019
Beautifully written diary of two travelers whose paths cross repeatedly. A love story and a journey to finding oneself. Inspiring! I want to walk the Camino to Santiago de Compostella myself now!
May 28, 2018
What a beautiful story! I have loved everything Simsion has written, and while this book is quite different than his other work, it is just as wonderful. It is a quiet and contemplative story of perseverance, testing the limits of both the physical and mental self, family, and overcoming loss. The France/Spain setting is amazing, and I have been fascinated of the stories of the pilgramages made on the Chemin/Camino since a family friend made the journey several years ago. In the back pages of this book I learned that the authors are married, and wrote the book based on their experiences doing this walk. TWO STEPS FORWARD is not a gripping page turner, but instead is a tale that works its way into your heart and won't let go. It was a truly wonderful reading experience for me.
September 13, 2025
Це не бойовик і не шедевр, від якого перехопить подих чи ти будеш ридати пів ночі. Просто історія двох людей, що поруч йдуть 2 тисячі км. Трохи міняються, девчому лишаються собі вірними, щось починають розуміти краще...
Але для мене вона була важливою і цікавою тим, що, по-перше, це про Каміно, а по-друге, про те, яким може бути життя в 45+. Готуюся)))) (і до першого, і до другого)
Але для мене вона була важливою і цікавою тим, що, по-перше, це про Каміно, а по-друге, про те, яким може бути життя в 45+. Готуюся)))) (і до першого, і до другого)
April 14, 2018
Every year, thousands of walkers follow a centuries old pilgrim route from France to Spain. The Chemin, also known as the Camino de Santiago, is walked by people who are hoping to experience the life changing effects that the journey is well known to bring to people who complete it. Zoe has come to France still reeling from her husband's sudden death. Martin is recovering from a messy divorce. They both set off the pilgrimage alone but seem to keep bumping into one another while staying in the small towns along the route. This is a story of pushing yourself to the limit in order to learn more about yourself and maybe others.
The Chemin is not something I had heard about before reading this novel and I really found the whole concept fascinating. It really sounds like an incredible accomplishment to complete the journey. Unfortunately, the pace of this book was so slow at times it almost felt like you were out there walking the many kilometers yourself instead of reading a pleasant book. I wasn't a big fan of Zoe as a character but by the end she was definitely more tolerable. I do like the different positive messages of this book but there were just too many times when I was bored to really give this a good recommendation.
I won a free copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
The Chemin is not something I had heard about before reading this novel and I really found the whole concept fascinating. It really sounds like an incredible accomplishment to complete the journey. Unfortunately, the pace of this book was so slow at times it almost felt like you were out there walking the many kilometers yourself instead of reading a pleasant book. I wasn't a big fan of Zoe as a character but by the end she was definitely more tolerable. I do like the different positive messages of this book but there were just too many times when I was bored to really give this a good recommendation.
I won a free copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
February 23, 2018
This was an entertaining read and reignited my interest in walking the Camino. I enjoyed following Martin and Zoe on their journey to Santiago. It was filled with many wonderful characters just like you would expect to meet on the walk. Both authors personal experience with The Way is quite evident with the attention to detail and the descriptions of the many villages and accomodation places visited along the way. As well as the wonderful friendships that can develop. The Camino has a way of bringing people from all sorts of walks of life and all over the world, together and it bonds them in a way nothing else can. That was perfectly captured here. It also reflected the many and varied reasons people choose to walk the Camino and what it teaches them along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this for the insight it gave to the Camino and also for the light, fun and romantic story. Anyone contemplating doing the Camino would enjoy this not so much as a guide book but just as inspiration to follow their dream. This has been on my bucket list for a long time and now having read this book, it has just affirmed for me my desire to one day walk it. Thanks to Graeme and Anne for sharing their passion with us and for giving us a great read in the process.
September 11, 2017
**3.5 stars**
I wanted to really love this book and although I did enjoy it, it just didn't reach that height.
I've read a few books about travels on the Camino Trail (not all non fiction) and maybe I was expecting more of the same.
If your looking for a book where people lost in life find their way while on the trail, then this is a good one.
If your looking for a book more about the trail and it's trials and tribulations then this may fall short.
Thank you to Text Publishing and Goodreads for a copy to read and review.
I wanted to really love this book and although I did enjoy it, it just didn't reach that height.
I've read a few books about travels on the Camino Trail (not all non fiction) and maybe I was expecting more of the same.
If your looking for a book where people lost in life find their way while on the trail, then this is a good one.
If your looking for a book more about the trail and it's trials and tribulations then this may fall short.
Thank you to Text Publishing and Goodreads for a copy to read and review.
July 18, 2020
{ 1 star }
Wow. Legitimately so bad. It takes so much for me to give a book 1 star but I have legitimately nothing good to say about this book. It was incredibly dry and boring, the entire thing could've been shortened into a 100 page novel and still packed the same punch, maybe even more.
Wow. Legitimately so bad. It takes so much for me to give a book 1 star but I have legitimately nothing good to say about this book. It was incredibly dry and boring, the entire thing could've been shortened into a 100 page novel and still packed the same punch, maybe even more.
August 1, 2025
Het tweede boek van de boekenclub, uitgekozen door Merel. Niet zo'n vlot boek, en ook niet echt geschreven om mijn aandacht erbij te houden. Ik ben er dan ook net zo moeizaam doorheen gegaan als zij over die wandeltocht. Het kan denk ik wel heel leuk en herkenbaar kan zijn als je de camino gelopen hebt, maar voor mij nu vooral wat langdradig. Die gast en zijn karretje zijn echt om gek van te worden.
July 15, 2025
Eerste luisterboek is een feit. Kon het niet opbrengen het zelf te lezen, maar met voorlezen op 2x snelheid was het dragelijk. Niet helemaal mijn ding 🥲 Eerste helft ging voor gevoel alleen maar over karig eten en zoeken van een muffe slaapplaats. Tweede helft was beter en had wat meer diepgang. (Fysieke) romantiek tussen 50-ers is ook niet helemaal mijn cup of tea. Wel benieuwd hoe anderen het boek hebben beleefd.
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