I’ve been trying to write my review of Two Steps Forward since June.
Yup, June. That’s how long ago I read this book. I usually read and prep my reviews a few weeks in advance, but six months is really stretching it.
It’s hard to see a story for what it actually is and not the hopes you were pinning on it. I first fell in love with author Graeme Simsion’s writing with The Rosie Project, which took the world by storm and, if you remember, made it onto my Quick Look Books list of Powerhouse Books. One of the reasons I loved The Rosie Project is that the author’s individual voice and keen sense of humor stood out to me from so many other literary works out there.
I’ve been searching for those same characteristics in his other novels, and I had very high hopes for Two Steps Forward, despite the fact that I didn’t love his previous novel, The Best of Adam Sharp. Traces of Simsion’s signature humor and wit make it into his newest work, but there’s not enough of what originally pulled me toward his writing to keep me as enamored as Rosie did.
That’s not that I didn’t like Two Steps Forward. Because I did. I just didn’t love it. My original notes on this book say “if this were a novel by any other author, I’d probably not have finished it. Not because it was bad; just because it was not particularly noteworthy.”
At the time I wrote that (back in June), that’s really how I felt. However, since I’ve had more time to reflect on Two Steps Forward, I feel that I can now see the book as an individual work with its own merits, instead of one that’s held up against a book that ended up being an interrnational bestseller.
Two Steps Forward is actually written by Simsion and his wife, Anne Buist, who is a published author in her own right. Right off the bat, I admire the fact that this is a husband-and-wife writing team. When I was in school, I would physically be in pain whenever teachers had us write stories in pairs – or, even worse, in groups. *shudder*
Because I’m such a Type A personality, I can’t imagine handing over 50% of creative control to someone else. Not even someone I love. …Ummm, especially someone I love. I’m pretty sure Husband and I would be filing for divorce within 24 hours of collaborating on just a paragraph if we tried this same venture. So, more power to Simsion and Buist for writing an engaging and inspired book together, without killing each other and while keeping their marriage in tact.
This novel covers many topics, but the central plotline follows two main characters – Martin and Zoe – who randomly decide to walk this thing called the “Chemin” in French, and the “Camino de Santiago” in Spanish. The Chemin/Camino is a looooong walking trail that was originally used by pilgrims traveling from France to Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Northwest Spain. Making this pilgrimage is a real thing that real people do, including the authors, and it was great to learn about something I had only heard of in passing before.
Although “making a pilgrimage” is usually a religious endeavor, many non-religious people walk the Chemin these days, for a variety of reasons: to get over a loss, to find inspiration, to clear one’s head, to find purpose in life, to fondly reflect, etc. It’s kind of like the Hotel California of walking adventures – “some [walk] to remember; some [walk] to forget.” Everyone has his or her own reason for walking this beast of a trail that crosses through two countries, and while it’s definitely tough work, it also seems to be incredibly rewarding for those who manage it.
The story is told alternately by Martin and Zoe, who are separately making the pilgrimage for their own (non-religious) reasons. They encounter colorful characters along the way, as well as meet each other, and a little love story starts to blossom, though that really takes backseat to the rest of the action, which includes lots of humorous, quirky side plots to move the book along. It’s a story about finding love, but not only romantic love; a lot of emphasis is placed on finding love for one’s self.
I imagine it’s hard to write a book about walking, and the authors do a good job of providing more entertainment than just the beautiful scenery that the pilgrims encounter on the Chemin. Even if you’re not an avid walker, the idea of walking for miles and miles begins to grow on you; with nothing to concentrate on but your steps and your own thoughts, you confront – and often shake off – whatever it is that drove you to embark upon this mad adventure in the first place. It covers both the literal and metaphorical challenges of stretching your limits.
And, not gonna lie – one of the BEST benefits of walking this Chemin seems to be the weight loss. You walk and walk and walk, and the pounds just shed right off. So, enjoy your copious amounts of brie and baguette at night! Eat that lamb stew made with rich red wine! Have two cream-stuffed, buttery pastry desserts! EAT IT ALL. Because you’re going to burn it off completely tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. It’s enough to make a girl wanna buy some hiking boots and jump on the next plane to France.
Almost. I need flush toilets in my life, and while the characters weren’t roughing it 24/7, there are definitely some times in the book when peeing in a bush (in January. in the snow.) is the only viable option.
Imma stay here. Thanks.
That said, Two Steps Forward reminds you that you can live without “the necessities” we’ve all come to rely on, and that sometimes we need that reminder to truly enjoy the smaller things in life that can bring us just as much, if not more happiness.
The characters are tackling the Chemin in winter, which, I think we can all agree, is not the ideal time to begin a 500-mile walk. The pilgrims admirably brave the wintry elements each day, and when they finally get to their stopping points, their enjoyment of the simple creature comforts we often take for granted is palpable. Hygge abounds as the characters enjoy lots of warm baths to ease their aching muscles, hearty meals served with good French and Spanish wine beside a roaring fire, and, on occasion, the pleasure of a soft bed instead of the hard ground for a restorative night’s sleep.
The happiness and satisfaction that can be found by sitting down with friends to enjoy a good meal, drink, and conversation is another key aspect of a hyggeligt life (you’re welcome for the adjectival form of hygge), and Two Steps Forward plays this up, as well. A pilgrim on the Chemin can do his own thing, but you eventually meet up with the same people walking the trail, so you’re constantly parting then reuniting with your newfound friends. Making the pilgrimage is a bonding experience, and the walkers form a little makeshift family that bolsters spirits after a long day of walking alone on the trail. This novel reminds you to savor moments of solitude and companionship; both are needed for a balanced life.
Overall, Two Steps Forward is entertaining and fun, light and breezy, though it confronts some grim topics at various points. I did feel it went on a little long toward the end (though maybe that’s to parallel how long walking the Chemin can feel?) and that the storyline went a little off the rails, but all was eventually tied up nicely in a way I appreciated for not being too cliché. While it’s not consistently laugh-out-loud funny like The Rosie Project, this particular novel offers inspiration, heart, and some fleeting thoughts about leaving it all behind to walk a centuries-old pilgrimage route in the dead of winter. For that ability alone, this book is worth the read.
Have you read Two Steps Forward? Or, even better, have you ever walked or do you plan to walk a pilgrimage like Zoe and Martin did? I would love to hear about it below!
And, stay tuned for my book-inspired recipe: Mushroom Thyme Pasta!
One, kuddos for writing a book review for something from JUNE. I feel you. If a book is taking me forever to read, get through, or life just gets in the way, it’s nearly impossible. Forget even being able to write a coherent review or having any passion left for it.
I have not read this title but bookish confession for books on walking: I loved Bill Bryson’s a Walk In The Woods. He was witty, funny, and relatable. That is how I would hike too. And Katz is a classic goofball friend.
BUT, I could not get through The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. I wanted to LOVE this title so badly. I fell head over heels for the idea, but I found myself bored to death. I skimmed to the end just to see if he made it. The moral and message was great. The execution, not so much. It was all the rage/bestselling so I felt like a putz. I even tried it twice. What are you going to do?! Put it down, for good. Your review of Two Steps Forward definitely reminded me of Fry.
Thanks for the honest review. I think I might leave this one off of my list.
I tried reading Bryson’s THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING (http://www.wellreadtart.com/2018/09/11/review-road-little-dribbling/), and while I got a nice little scone recipe out of it, it was a DNF for me. Which was disappointing since I REALLY loved his sense of humor. The historical facts just got a little much for me. I do want to try reading something else of his, though, in the hopes that it’s not as dry and has more of the humor that attracted me during the first few pages.
I feel ya about hating on the praised bestsellers. I just had three DNF in a row, all of which were highly anticipated new releases from bestselling authors. I feel like a monster. Stay tuned in the next few weeks for those reviews. The books weren’t horrible, so my reviews won’t massacre them, but I’m definitely honest with my level of non-interest. 😉
I always hate when I read a book by an author that I really like and the book turns out to be a disappointment. I guess every book they write can’t please us all.
I know, right? I have to remember, both as a reviewer and a writer, not everything can be an international bestseller. 😉
Exactly the same feeling. Regretting the style / humour of the Rosie trilogy and thus not totally convinced.
Hi, Ann! Yes, I’ve read a few other books by this author now, and none of them equal The Rose Project…not even the final installment in that series! Still good books, of course, but none of that same wit.