Never Walk Back

by Adam J. Shafer

"All Ruth Casper wants is to make her mark on the world, but in the post-Civil War South she's considered a person of no consequence. After witnessing a speeding locomotive massacre a herd of wild elk, she conjures up the design for an improved railroad brake. It's based on an invention that her husband, Henry, a tinkerer and a dreamer, has been unable to bring to reality. Ruth encourages him to construct the brake, and the two of them undergo a perilous trip north to Washington to have it patented. There they encounter Augustus Windom, the man-child heir to his father's railroad empire, who's obsessed with establishing his own legacy. When he decides that he'd rather steal Henry's creation than pay for it honestly, the three of them set upon a collision course with each other that has far-reaching consequences. Rich in historical details, this novel will appeal equally to railroad enthusiasts and readers who enjoy stories about women who chase their dreams with boldness and grit"--

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to get through this one pretty quickly, as is the case for me when I'm into a plot- and character-driven book. The chapters are a reasonable length, so you can finish one in a single short sitting. I had no prior interest in trains or even really this era of history (post-Revolutionary War), but I kept coming back to it to find out what was going to happen next. The main character, Ruth, was fun (and funny!) to follow: strong and driven, smart and no-nonsense. I like a lady who won't take any crap from anyone. The other main character that we get to know fairly well is Augustus, the antagonist; he's a terrible person, yet I couldn't help feeling some sympathy for him, with all of his insecurities and the circumstances that made him what he was. One element of the story that I found interesting was that the author chose to make Ruth and her husband Henry Confederates -- he was even a soldier in the war. There isn't much exploration of this detail, though. Ruth and Henry were simply loners who were dirt poor folks living off the land following the war, and Ruth's bit of inspiration regarding the repurposing of an otherwise worthless invention Henry had made bring about all their subsequent adventures.

There were some parts that were predictable about the story, but overall it was an enjoyable read. Clearly a lot of research went into it; I was frequently looking up words that were used in the book that are archaic today. So put your phone on mute, but keep it nearby.

[Sandy]

Put Adam Shafer's debut novel on your must-read list! It's a well-written and thoroughly researched work of historical fiction. Never Walk Back is captivating from the very first chapter and doesn't let up, a real page-turner that's sure to delight a wide array of readers.

[K.P. Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In rural post-Civil War Tennessee, Henry and Ruth Casper struggle to scrape by. When Henry has a stroke of genius—an idea for a new kind of air brake which will allow locomotives to stop in record time—Ruth convinces him to seize the opportunity to capitalize on his invention. They travel to Baltimore to convince the wealthy Augustus Windom to be their investor. Unfortunately, Windom has other ideas, and the Caspers must use whatever limited resources are at their disposal to protect their design.

Henry, Ruth, and Windom are each individually complex characters, flawed and sympathetic in their own ways. The story is well told, full of distinctive historical details, with plot shifts and twists that keep the reader guessing. A thoroughly entertaining debut novel.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story! (I received an ebook edition of Never Walk Back from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. This did NOT influence my review.)

I started this book expecting - well, I'm not quite sure what, but definitely something lighter - and received a story of the American West, as dark and swarthy as it really was.

In post-civil-war South, Ruth and Henry Caspar (Henry a damaged veteran) struggle to make enough to eat. They design an improved railway brake and head to Washington to the patent office. More would hint at spoilers, but just let me say again, what a story!

The publisher says "Rich in historical details, this novel will appeal equally to railroad enthusiasts and readers who enjoy stories about women who chase their dreams with boldness and grit".

Amen to that.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Adam J. Shafer, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of Never Walk Back that I won in the Giveaway.

The start of Never Walk Back starts as two stores that seem totally separate stories and end as a extremely interesting mix to one plot. Ruth is a determined, strong woman with a determination to make a mark and difference in her life.

The descriptions of life after the Civil War seemed so realistic and adds to the enjoyment of the story. Derails of rail travel, the great differences between the rich and most of the population and tools used in the time period was well researched.

Although Never Walk Backis a historical fiction, as a person that enjoys history, it is very satisfying read.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this Kindle book from Goodreads.com in exchange for an honest review. Ruth and Henry are living a hard scrabble life in the 1860’s. Henry is a man with a lot of ideas but doesn’t follow through with them which irritates Ruth. When Henry invents a way to stop trains with an air brake Ruth insists they get a patent and leave a name for themselves. Thus begins their journey.

Augustus inherits his father’s railroad company. Although he is rich beyond imagination he works to steal the air brake design rather than give Henry his due because that is the way his father had always run the business.

The story revolves around Ruth fighting for what is rightly theirs.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry and Ruth Casper are struggling after the Civil War. They created a locomotive braking system and try to get it patented with surprising results.

This is a good book with a strong female lead character. It takes place at a time when females could not have their name on property or inventions. I do like historical fiction with strong female leads.
Reading this book will give you a perspective on this time period in history.

Thank you to #goodreads, #alliumpressofchicag, and #AdamJShafer for the copy of this book.

[Lisa Kappel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real treat. It's a simple story, with a simple premise: down and out good guys, Ruth and Henry are taken advantage of the bad guy, Augustus Windom. Set at the end of the Civil War, the added benefit is a unique sense of time and place.

What sets this book apart, and makes it so worth reading are the dialogues and monologues of the characters. Each has been given such a distinct voice that you feel like you're there with them. It's been a long time since I got weepy at the end of a book, the emotion was not manipulated, just good writing.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author describes it in his end notes, Never Walk Back is a “western in spirit.” It is historically interesting, suspenseful, emotional, and unexpectedly funny. The rich character development and pithy dialogue reminded me of what I love about George Eliot’s writing. The story is honest about the harshness and cruelties of living, and in its core are compassion and hope. A fun but substantive read.

[Lisa Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written and well researched. I love that it is character driven and has a fun use of the English language, peppering in language specific to a different time without it being overdone. I love a strong female lead. The story and the characters will stay with me.

[Joan Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep on keepin on

Determination pays off. A nobody becomes a somebody because she won't give up. A good lesson for when you want to give up

[Doreen Ashbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and well written. I thought the story lagged every once in a while, but drew to a nice conclusion. Some really nice characters and a few really nasty ones.

[Amy Pallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

what an absolutely fun read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy a book with a strong female protagonist and an underdog: this book offers both. I found myself rooting for Ruth and admiring her determination and perseverance.

[A.D. Nauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Shafer's Never Walk Back is historical fiction at its best--vivid and thought-provoking, with memorable characters and action that will take your breath away!

[Jaclyn Shelton Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth is bold, strong, and unrefined. She is tired of watching life pass her by, knowing she was meant for more. So she goes after it—motivating those she needs help from and fighting back against every challenge. And she does it her way. This is a wonderful novel, rich in historical detail with characters that come alive. You’ll be immersed in the post-civil war U.S. and be thinking about Ruth, Henry, and Augustus long after you read the final page.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam J. Shafer has journeyed back to nineteenth-century America and beckons you to journey there with him. Do yourself a favor and join him. The characters you meet will stay with you long after you finish this wonderful book. Probably the most satisfying book I've read.