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Only Forward, Never Back
For anyone who has ever wanted to take the life they’ve built... and blow it to smithereens.
Three strangers looking for fresh starts leave it all behind.
Harper lands in Toronto. His plan? To make himself a respectable adult life and stop being such a screw-up.
Adrian arrives in Rome. He's a 21-year-old bundle of insecurity and inhibition who wants to trick a handsome Italian into being his boyfriend.
Natalie, a habitual escape artist, flees to London and leaves behind past missteps and misdeeds.
Far from home, these three New Zealanders are free to start over. They have all the pieces they need to build their perfect lives. Now, one by one, watch them implode.
Only Forward, Never Back is a darkly comedic novel. It’s part expat travelogue, part comedy of errors. Most importantly, it’s about not letting the pain of the past go wasted while using it to move your life forward, not backwards.
Three strangers looking for fresh starts leave it all behind.
Harper lands in Toronto. His plan? To make himself a respectable adult life and stop being such a screw-up.
Adrian arrives in Rome. He's a 21-year-old bundle of insecurity and inhibition who wants to trick a handsome Italian into being his boyfriend.
Natalie, a habitual escape artist, flees to London and leaves behind past missteps and misdeeds.
Far from home, these three New Zealanders are free to start over. They have all the pieces they need to build their perfect lives. Now, one by one, watch them implode.
Only Forward, Never Back is a darkly comedic novel. It’s part expat travelogue, part comedy of errors. Most importantly, it’s about not letting the pain of the past go wasted while using it to move your life forward, not backwards.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2021
8 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 28, 2023
An exercise in living
I enjoyed the writing style of Andrew Sarto, the refreshing way he exposed truths about life without being overly extreme. I highlighted several passages for my own personal journal and perhaps for my own sake as a different perspective. Interesting story line about three individuals and their experiences in independent living or escapism. Different perspectives on things many of us go through, or witness secondhand. “Only Forward, Never Back “ was a cathartic story that I needed even at the age of 72. Definitely worth reading. No graphic sex or violence.
I enjoyed the writing style of Andrew Sarto, the refreshing way he exposed truths about life without being overly extreme. I highlighted several passages for my own personal journal and perhaps for my own sake as a different perspective. Interesting story line about three individuals and their experiences in independent living or escapism. Different perspectives on things many of us go through, or witness secondhand. “Only Forward, Never Back “ was a cathartic story that I needed even at the age of 72. Definitely worth reading. No graphic sex or violence.
December 21, 2021
Andrew Sarto introduces us to three New Zealanders moving to new countries to start life afresh in this fascinating debut novel. Harper moves to Toronto, Canada, Adrian to Rome, and Natalie takes off to London. Written in the third person point of view, "Only Forward, Never Back" follow each on their trajectory of life as they face challenges, successes, and new risks.
Penned with clarity and precision, Sarto presents us with flawed and relatable characters as they make the best of their new circumstances. He borrows from his experiences in different countries, an aspect readers will find rewarding as they flip through the pages. The resoluteness of the three characters reminded me that, the path to survival and joy, like all journeys, begins with one brave step.
The author additionally inserts healthy doses of chortle-inducing humor across the chapters making this buoyant tale an addictive gem. I enjoyed reading this book and definitely a must-read for fans who love solid standalone novels.
Penned with clarity and precision, Sarto presents us with flawed and relatable characters as they make the best of their new circumstances. He borrows from his experiences in different countries, an aspect readers will find rewarding as they flip through the pages. The resoluteness of the three characters reminded me that, the path to survival and joy, like all journeys, begins with one brave step.
The author additionally inserts healthy doses of chortle-inducing humor across the chapters making this buoyant tale an addictive gem. I enjoyed reading this book and definitely a must-read for fans who love solid standalone novels.
December 20, 2021
Don’t be fooled by the self-help-esque title—‘Only Forward, Never Back: Or How to Stop Your Life From Imploding,’ by author Andrew Sarto, is a fresh, contemporary take on the tried and true coming-of-age template.
Save for their country of origin (New Zealand), the only thing Harper, Adrian, and Natalie have in common is a shared desire to start over. It’s an aspiration that leads the trio in different directions all around the world: Adrian heads to Italy, Natalie books a flight to London, and Harper winds up across the pond in Toronto. From there, the three twenty-something protagonists each embark on a long and winding path in pursuit of, well, ‘something’ different from what they had. Along the way, each learns a lesson (or three) about the healing power of moving onward and upward. While progress is rarely a straight line, author Andrew Sarto succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations each of these character faces. The results, occassionaly heart-breaking, ultimately reward readers with a round of uplifting conclusions.
From cover to cover, ‘Only Forward, Never Back’ is, above all else, a highly-entertaining read. Sarto leans heavily on his experience as a travel writer, infusing his novel with a jetsetting aesthetic. From the lively, authentic dialogue to the head-scratching minutiae of gen-z romance, the former-New Zealander writes with an authority that feels earned. Additionally, the fact that each of these storylines is supported by a fully-formed character is a pretty impressive feat. And by bouncing around from one character to another, Sarto’s narrative takes on a cinematic feel, unraveling like a series of ‘slice-of-life’ vignettes.
With that all being said, while Sarto is clearly an accomplished writer, the fact that none of these stories intersect feels like a missed opportunity. Be it Harper’s misguided attempt to ‘grow up’ or Adrian’s ongoing struggles with self-sabotage, one can’t help but wonder if a little cross-pollination between the character arcs wouldn’t have yielded some opportunities for shared growth. That minor gripe aside, ‘Only Forward, Never Back’ is highly recommended—a story about very real people embarking on very real adventures that is sure to inspire readers from all walks of life.
Save for their country of origin (New Zealand), the only thing Harper, Adrian, and Natalie have in common is a shared desire to start over. It’s an aspiration that leads the trio in different directions all around the world: Adrian heads to Italy, Natalie books a flight to London, and Harper winds up across the pond in Toronto. From there, the three twenty-something protagonists each embark on a long and winding path in pursuit of, well, ‘something’ different from what they had. Along the way, each learns a lesson (or three) about the healing power of moving onward and upward. While progress is rarely a straight line, author Andrew Sarto succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations each of these character faces. The results, occassionaly heart-breaking, ultimately reward readers with a round of uplifting conclusions.
From cover to cover, ‘Only Forward, Never Back’ is, above all else, a highly-entertaining read. Sarto leans heavily on his experience as a travel writer, infusing his novel with a jetsetting aesthetic. From the lively, authentic dialogue to the head-scratching minutiae of gen-z romance, the former-New Zealander writes with an authority that feels earned. Additionally, the fact that each of these storylines is supported by a fully-formed character is a pretty impressive feat. And by bouncing around from one character to another, Sarto’s narrative takes on a cinematic feel, unraveling like a series of ‘slice-of-life’ vignettes.
With that all being said, while Sarto is clearly an accomplished writer, the fact that none of these stories intersect feels like a missed opportunity. Be it Harper’s misguided attempt to ‘grow up’ or Adrian’s ongoing struggles with self-sabotage, one can’t help but wonder if a little cross-pollination between the character arcs wouldn’t have yielded some opportunities for shared growth. That minor gripe aside, ‘Only Forward, Never Back’ is highly recommended—a story about very real people embarking on very real adventures that is sure to inspire readers from all walks of life.
January 18, 2022
This was very unexpected as I thought I was going to be reading a self growth non fiction and it turned out to be a lovely novel. I found the story really enjoyable and the characters were highly relatable, each going on their own journey of personal growth and overcoming many challenges. The human element was really highlighted in each of them, with flaws revealed as they battle their way through everything life throws at them on their way to a fresh start.
Although not quite what I was expecting, the novel is almost like a self growth guide, but following others on their journey as opposed to the author speaking to you as the reader and going on your own. Who knows, perhaps this is a new reflective method of growth, if you see someone else do it, maybe you'll do it somewhat differently and learn from their mistakes.
The setup of the three parallel stories would lend itself really nicely to a stage play! Something to explore.
Although not quite what I was expecting, the novel is almost like a self growth guide, but following others on their journey as opposed to the author speaking to you as the reader and going on your own. Who knows, perhaps this is a new reflective method of growth, if you see someone else do it, maybe you'll do it somewhat differently and learn from their mistakes.
The setup of the three parallel stories would lend itself really nicely to a stage play! Something to explore.
January 4, 2022
Only Forward, Never Back is a relatable coming-of-age story about three unrelated New Zealanders who each have moved to a new country for a fresh start. Adrian is starting over in Italy, Natalie is in London and Harper has moved to Toronto. The character's each have a different reason for their fresh start and all experience different struggles and successes. Each chapter switches between the three characters as they attempt to make a new life in their chosen city. Andrew Sarto's characters are well-written, very relatable in their flaws, and often times frustrating (looking at you Harper). The story is ultimately one of personal growth, finding yourself and the journey forward. I really enjoyed this book and recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and thoughtful read.
December 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, it is an interesting coming of age novel about finding yourself, experiencing the journey and moving forward with your life. The premise itself was intriguing and I found myself reading this very quickly as I was hooked from the beginning. The characters were well developed and very human, I found the three main ones relatable and was interested in the progress they each made. Each of the countries that each of the characters go to is rich and well described, painting a realistic representation for the reader.
If you are in the mood for a fun and thoughtful read I would definitely recommend this book.
If you are in the mood for a fun and thoughtful read I would definitely recommend this book.
January 5, 2022
This novel was an unexpected surprise. I'm not sure what I thought I was getting when I started, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journeys of Natalie, Adrian, and Harper - three young people traveling/living abroad from their New Zealand home. Natalie is living in London, escaping a toxic relationship - Adrian is in Italy looking for love - and Harper is in Toronto... they are all trying to figure out their lives in an unknown place. My favorite story was Natalie, although I did enjoy Adrian as well and his quest for love. I was captivated by their struggles and strength to keep moving forward. 5/5 stars
February 9, 2021
Throughly the storyline and read
March 1, 2021
I really loved and enjoyed Only Forward, Never Back
April 8, 2021
Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway copy.
February 25, 2021
Touching and Thought Provoking
It was such a fluid and relatable story of three amazing characters, located at different parts of the world, who had to rise up and do ultimately what the heart demands. It was wonderfully written and put us into the minds of these characters, what they were going through and why they did things, however painful it was. It was a great read.
It was such a fluid and relatable story of three amazing characters, located at different parts of the world, who had to rise up and do ultimately what the heart demands. It was wonderfully written and put us into the minds of these characters, what they were going through and why they did things, however painful it was. It was a great read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews