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Two Steps #2
Two Steps Onward
Three years after life got in the way of their long-distance relationship, Californian illustrator Zoe and English engineer Martin have an unexpected opportunity to reunite: a second chance to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims in Europe.
This time, they won’t be walking the famous Camino de Santiago to north-west Spain but the less-travelled Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome, the mountainous path down from rural France.
And rather than each setting off solo, they will accompany Zoe’s old friend Camille—who, despite her terminal illness, insists she will walk the whole sixteen hundred kilometres to seek an audience with the Pope—and her not-so-ex-husband, Gilbert, who sees the trip as a gourmet tour. Then Bernhard, Martin’s young nemesis from the previous trek, shows up, along with Martin’s daughter, Sarah, who is having a quarter-life crisis and doesn’t exactly hit it off with Zoe…
Two Steps Onward is the wise, witty and wine-filled follow-up to Two Steps Forward, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist’s bestselling novel about walking the Camino. It’s about helping the people you love, and knowing when to let go. Figuring out what you really want in life. And seizing your chances, before it’s too late.
This time, they won’t be walking the famous Camino de Santiago to north-west Spain but the less-travelled Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome, the mountainous path down from rural France.
And rather than each setting off solo, they will accompany Zoe’s old friend Camille—who, despite her terminal illness, insists she will walk the whole sixteen hundred kilometres to seek an audience with the Pope—and her not-so-ex-husband, Gilbert, who sees the trip as a gourmet tour. Then Bernhard, Martin’s young nemesis from the previous trek, shows up, along with Martin’s daughter, Sarah, who is having a quarter-life crisis and doesn’t exactly hit it off with Zoe…
Two Steps Onward is the wise, witty and wine-filled follow-up to Two Steps Forward, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist’s bestselling novel about walking the Camino. It’s about helping the people you love, and knowing when to let go. Figuring out what you really want in life. And seizing your chances, before it’s too late.
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
About the author
Graeme Simsion
27 books5,694 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 156 reviews
February 19, 2021
As the (co)-author, of course I'm going to give it 5 stars - we wouldn't let our publisher go to print if we weren't 5-star happy.
It's a sequel, and if you haven't read TWO STEPS FORWARD, we'd suggest you do that first, unless you really don't want to read about Spain of the Camino de Santiago. If you like the first book, you'll probably like the sequel: if not...well, life's short and we don't need one-star reviews. Everybody wins.
What people like about these books: the settings, the sense of ordinary people doing something adventurous yet possible, the genuine possibility of doing it themselves. And we've had quite a few people say they've been motivated to make big changes in their lives. Walk the Camino, re-think relationships, move to a new country...
Those who haven't enjoyed Two Steps Forward find it a bit slow starting, the romcom being only a subplot, not front and centre, the focus on personal drama and growth rather than (say) a serial killer on the trail!
Two Steps Forward got a lot of nice reviews in the media: with the above in mind, we hope you'll read it and find your way to this book next.
Graeme
It's a sequel, and if you haven't read TWO STEPS FORWARD, we'd suggest you do that first, unless you really don't want to read about Spain of the Camino de Santiago. If you like the first book, you'll probably like the sequel: if not...well, life's short and we don't need one-star reviews. Everybody wins.
What people like about these books: the settings, the sense of ordinary people doing something adventurous yet possible, the genuine possibility of doing it themselves. And we've had quite a few people say they've been motivated to make big changes in their lives. Walk the Camino, re-think relationships, move to a new country...
Those who haven't enjoyed Two Steps Forward find it a bit slow starting, the romcom being only a subplot, not front and centre, the focus on personal drama and growth rather than (say) a serial killer on the trail!
Two Steps Forward got a lot of nice reviews in the media: with the above in mind, we hope you'll read it and find your way to this book next.
Graeme
June 2, 2021
Three years after Zoe and Martin met and fell in love walking the Camino de Santiago they are once again on another journey. One that will not only take them on a physical journey walking a thousand miles through France and Italy, but also on a deeply personal journey as they reflect on their lives and what they most want from the future.
After they fell in love while walking the Camino de Santiago, Martin and Zoe were unable to maintain a long distance relationship with his work and daughter in Sheffield and Zoe's life in San Francisco. But now they have answered a call from Zoe's old college friend Camille who has decided to walk from her home in Cluny to Rome on the Chemin de Assise. For Camille who is Catholic and suffering from a terminal illness this will be a spiritual journey, one she wants to share with Zoe who once helped her during a time of trouble. Camille's separated husband, Gilbert will support her on the walk and they are also joined by Martin's troubled medical student daughter, Sarah and Bernhard, a young German Engineer Zoe and Martin met on the Camino.
I very much enjoyed following the group of six as they walked through southern France into Italy and south to Rome. An excellent map is provided to show the route with the many places they passed through or spent the night. Gilbert is a wine merchant and a man who enjoys his food so for him the journey is very much about the regional wine and food. The authors' personal experience of the walk, the places they stayed and the people they met very much colours and enriches the sights and sounds of the journey.
The dynamics between the group also provides an interesting backdrop to the walk as alliances form and they work through the physical and emotional strains of the journey to come together as a team to support Camille. The journey is narrated alternately by Zoe and Martin as they observe and interact with the others, reconnect and work out what they want to do after they get to Rome. Before the end of the journey every member of the team will be changed in some way and ready to make a change to their lives. An engrossing and inspiring read with a satisfying ending.
With many thanks to the authors and Text Publishing for a copy to read
After they fell in love while walking the Camino de Santiago, Martin and Zoe were unable to maintain a long distance relationship with his work and daughter in Sheffield and Zoe's life in San Francisco. But now they have answered a call from Zoe's old college friend Camille who has decided to walk from her home in Cluny to Rome on the Chemin de Assise. For Camille who is Catholic and suffering from a terminal illness this will be a spiritual journey, one she wants to share with Zoe who once helped her during a time of trouble. Camille's separated husband, Gilbert will support her on the walk and they are also joined by Martin's troubled medical student daughter, Sarah and Bernhard, a young German Engineer Zoe and Martin met on the Camino.
I very much enjoyed following the group of six as they walked through southern France into Italy and south to Rome. An excellent map is provided to show the route with the many places they passed through or spent the night. Gilbert is a wine merchant and a man who enjoys his food so for him the journey is very much about the regional wine and food. The authors' personal experience of the walk, the places they stayed and the people they met very much colours and enriches the sights and sounds of the journey.
The dynamics between the group also provides an interesting backdrop to the walk as alliances form and they work through the physical and emotional strains of the journey to come together as a team to support Camille. The journey is narrated alternately by Zoe and Martin as they observe and interact with the others, reconnect and work out what they want to do after they get to Rome. Before the end of the journey every member of the team will be changed in some way and ready to make a change to their lives. An engrossing and inspiring read with a satisfying ending.
With many thanks to the authors and Text Publishing for a copy to read
June 5, 2021
Zoe and Martin are back together, this time walking 1600km through France and Italy. Their purpose is to accompany Zoe's sick friend Camille on her pilgrimage to Rome and hopefully even to the Pope himself. You do not have to have read the first book Two Steps Forward but it certainly makes thing more interesting if you have.
Two Steps Onward is written in the voices of Zoe and Martin in alternating chapters (I wonder if the authors also wrote that way, each being responsible for the same voice all the time). These two characters have obviously belonged together since the first book but every obstacle possible seems to be thrown in their path. As the book continues their relationship and the possibility for them to have a future together is tried and tested in many ways and it is impossible to be sure of the final outcome until the last chapter.
I enjoyed the relationships between all six members of the group and the experiences they shared. Some of it sounded very uncomfortable and not everything worked out for everybody, but it was always intriguing which made it very hard to put the book down.
Definitely a very entertaining book and there may even be a third one if the idea of Le Nid de la Palombe is followed up. I hope so. It would make a great story.
Two Steps Onward is written in the voices of Zoe and Martin in alternating chapters (I wonder if the authors also wrote that way, each being responsible for the same voice all the time). These two characters have obviously belonged together since the first book but every obstacle possible seems to be thrown in their path. As the book continues their relationship and the possibility for them to have a future together is tried and tested in many ways and it is impossible to be sure of the final outcome until the last chapter.
I enjoyed the relationships between all six members of the group and the experiences they shared. Some of it sounded very uncomfortable and not everything worked out for everybody, but it was always intriguing which made it very hard to put the book down.
Definitely a very entertaining book and there may even be a third one if the idea of Le Nid de la Palombe is followed up. I hope so. It would make a great story.
July 4, 2021
Reading this immediately after a re-read of Martin & Zoe's first adventure Two Steps Forward, it was starkly obvious that this sequel is a very different book. Not better or worse, just different.
Three years have passed since Martin and Zoe met and fell in love on the Chemin/Camino. They quickly brief us on what has happened in the interim, but this new story really begins with an email from Gilbert, husband of Zoe's French friend Camille, inviting her to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome for an audience with the Pope. The circumstances behind the invitation are sad and Zoe doesn't have much time to decide. But she doesn't need much time - of course she will join them! Thinking that Martin's cart might be required for the journey, she asks if he would come along too, and is disappointed when he declines. By the time she arrives back in Cluny, France, the party has grown to six and they set off on the Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome.
The day to day walking is what we expect from the previous book, but this time there's a lot more good wine in the evenings, courtesy of Gilbert (a wine rep), and a few extra hurdles caused by Camille's illness. Plus many, many more candles lit in churches along the way.
For me the big point of difference was that this story relies so much more on the inner lives of the characters. We grew to know and love them in the first book, and now we really get to know them as they work through issues of love, regret, allegiances and deceptions. It actually went quite deep at times.
The trade-off for this is that I felt the journey, or the places along the way, didn't get the same level of focus this time around. The reason for that became quite clear in the authors' acknowledgements, where they sketch out the details and circumstances of their own research trip. So I guess that's the difference between writing about a hike that you've done 2-3 times, vs a new route that you've only taken once, curtailed by a pandemic.
I felt like the story ended at a really promising point, with an exciting new undertaking providing scope for further adventures some time in the future.
Because I'd enjoyed my TSF re-read so much on audio, I opted to continue on to the audio version of Two Steps Onward, once again charmingly narrated by Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood and Jerome Pride (dreadful accents and all!).
Three years have passed since Martin and Zoe met and fell in love on the Chemin/Camino. They quickly brief us on what has happened in the interim, but this new story really begins with an email from Gilbert, husband of Zoe's French friend Camille, inviting her to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome for an audience with the Pope. The circumstances behind the invitation are sad and Zoe doesn't have much time to decide. But she doesn't need much time - of course she will join them! Thinking that Martin's cart might be required for the journey, she asks if he would come along too, and is disappointed when he declines. By the time she arrives back in Cluny, France, the party has grown to six and they set off on the Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome.
The day to day walking is what we expect from the previous book, but this time there's a lot more good wine in the evenings, courtesy of Gilbert (a wine rep), and a few extra hurdles caused by Camille's illness. Plus many, many more candles lit in churches along the way.
For me the big point of difference was that this story relies so much more on the inner lives of the characters. We grew to know and love them in the first book, and now we really get to know them as they work through issues of love, regret, allegiances and deceptions. It actually went quite deep at times.
The trade-off for this is that I felt the journey, or the places along the way, didn't get the same level of focus this time around. The reason for that became quite clear in the authors' acknowledgements, where they sketch out the details and circumstances of their own research trip. So I guess that's the difference between writing about a hike that you've done 2-3 times, vs a new route that you've only taken once, curtailed by a pandemic.
I felt like the story ended at a really promising point, with an exciting new undertaking providing scope for further adventures some time in the future.
Because I'd enjoyed my TSF re-read so much on audio, I opted to continue on to the audio version of Two Steps Onward, once again charmingly narrated by Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood and Jerome Pride (dreadful accents and all!).
May 26, 2021
Two Steps Onward is the follow-up to Two Steps Forward, by Australian husband and wife author team, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist. It only takes one email. Zoe Witt drops what she is doing and heads to France. Her best friend since college, Camille Morvan is making a pilgrimage from Cluny to Rome, for a papal audience, via the Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome. Diagnosed with a debilitating, ultimately terminal illness, does she seek a miracle? Gilbert, her now reconciled ex, is determined to get her there.
It’s over three years since Zoe walked the Camino de Santiago, but she has no hesitation in joining Camille, with whom she shares a significant life experience. She tries to enlist Martin Eden, the engineer who used his Camino to test his cart design, and simultaneously stole Zoe’s heart, for two reasons: his cart could be useful for Camille’s trek; and they might discover if their decision to abandon their long-distance love affair was the right one. Or not.
As tempting as walking (and perhaps more?) with Zoe is, Martin can’t, with any conscience, ditch his three-week commitment to Sarah, his twenty-year-old daughter, so he rejects the idea. But for Sarah, a med student frustrated with her course, nothing is set in stone and, mere days later, she and Martin are at Camille’s house in Cluny, ready to join the Chemin for three weeks of her Uni vacation. Zoe’s welcome to Martin is unambiguous.
The only fly in Martin’s ointment is the presence of Bernhard Muller, the German engineering student, who is delivering to Camille his modified version of Martin’s cart, the ”better” design. Neither cart ends up being required on the trip, but Bernhard, with his own Camino expertise, swells their pilgrim party to six.
A true pilgrim seeking to atone for some major past sins, Camille points out that, while all pledge their support, the group’s motivations differ: a former wine merchant, Gilbert won’t forgo the opportunity to taste fine wines and foods on the journey; Martin hopes to rekindle his relationship with Zoe, something she quickly accepts; Sarah and Bernhard are drawn by adventure.
Having walked most of her Camino alone, Zoe finds that spending eleven weeks in close company with five others is quite a different prospect. As the group walks, they gradually settle into routines, facing challenges that are not limited to the terrain and physical fitness (or lack thereof), but include friction between some of them, mismatched expectations regarding accommodation, food and drink, and the cognitive manifestations of Camille’s illness.
Bernhard summarises their developing cooperation thus: “Teams are not easy: there are predictable stages. First we form—Camille has the concept of the walk; Gilbert recruits Zoe; Zoe brings me and Martin, who brings Sarah. Then we norm—get to know each other, our strengths and limitations. ’‘And then we storm, right?’ Martin interjected. ‘We blow hard in different directions.’ Martin laughed. Which was nice, because I was expecting him to put Bernhard down. ‘And now,’ said Bernhard, ‘we are beginning to perform.’”
The narrative alternates between Martin and Zoe, and the male and female voices are well rendered; their different perspectives on the members of their party, their character and behaviour is interesting. Having walked themselves, the authors’ depiction of the Chemin experience is authentic and their characters have depth and appeal. There are some surprises in the plot, and in the sources of wise words and insightful observations. Readers will definitely appreciate the maps. This is both a thought-provoking and heart-warming read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
It’s over three years since Zoe walked the Camino de Santiago, but she has no hesitation in joining Camille, with whom she shares a significant life experience. She tries to enlist Martin Eden, the engineer who used his Camino to test his cart design, and simultaneously stole Zoe’s heart, for two reasons: his cart could be useful for Camille’s trek; and they might discover if their decision to abandon their long-distance love affair was the right one. Or not.
As tempting as walking (and perhaps more?) with Zoe is, Martin can’t, with any conscience, ditch his three-week commitment to Sarah, his twenty-year-old daughter, so he rejects the idea. But for Sarah, a med student frustrated with her course, nothing is set in stone and, mere days later, she and Martin are at Camille’s house in Cluny, ready to join the Chemin for three weeks of her Uni vacation. Zoe’s welcome to Martin is unambiguous.
The only fly in Martin’s ointment is the presence of Bernhard Muller, the German engineering student, who is delivering to Camille his modified version of Martin’s cart, the ”better” design. Neither cart ends up being required on the trip, but Bernhard, with his own Camino expertise, swells their pilgrim party to six.
A true pilgrim seeking to atone for some major past sins, Camille points out that, while all pledge their support, the group’s motivations differ: a former wine merchant, Gilbert won’t forgo the opportunity to taste fine wines and foods on the journey; Martin hopes to rekindle his relationship with Zoe, something she quickly accepts; Sarah and Bernhard are drawn by adventure.
Having walked most of her Camino alone, Zoe finds that spending eleven weeks in close company with five others is quite a different prospect. As the group walks, they gradually settle into routines, facing challenges that are not limited to the terrain and physical fitness (or lack thereof), but include friction between some of them, mismatched expectations regarding accommodation, food and drink, and the cognitive manifestations of Camille’s illness.
Bernhard summarises their developing cooperation thus: “Teams are not easy: there are predictable stages. First we form—Camille has the concept of the walk; Gilbert recruits Zoe; Zoe brings me and Martin, who brings Sarah. Then we norm—get to know each other, our strengths and limitations. ’‘And then we storm, right?’ Martin interjected. ‘We blow hard in different directions.’ Martin laughed. Which was nice, because I was expecting him to put Bernhard down. ‘And now,’ said Bernhard, ‘we are beginning to perform.’”
The narrative alternates between Martin and Zoe, and the male and female voices are well rendered; their different perspectives on the members of their party, their character and behaviour is interesting. Having walked themselves, the authors’ depiction of the Chemin experience is authentic and their characters have depth and appeal. There are some surprises in the plot, and in the sources of wise words and insightful observations. Readers will definitely appreciate the maps. This is both a thought-provoking and heart-warming read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
July 7, 2021
Ruim 3 jaar geleden liepen Zoë en Martin de Camino de Santiago, waar ze elkaar vonden, maar hun langeafstandsrelatie werkte helaas niet. Wanneer Camille, een oude vriendin van Zoë die worstelt met de ziekte MS, een pelgrimstocht naar Rome wil maken, krijgen ze een nieuwe kans. Ook Camilles ex-man Gilbert, Martins dochter Sarah en Bernhard, de jongen die tijdens de Camino had geholpen bij het ontwerp van Martins karretje, zullen hen vergezellen. Je volgt dit bonte gezelschap tijdens hun lange reis van Cluny naar Rome, over de Chemin d’Assise en de Via Francigena.
Alle wandelaars hebben een eigen motief om deze tocht te maken. Voor Camille is dit een spirituele, religieuze reis om boete te doen voor een zonde uit het verleden en om vergiffenis te vragen, een reis die ze wil delen met Zoë, aangezien zij in het verleden samen een aangrijpende gebeurtenis hebben meegemaakt. Zoë wil er voor haar vriendin zijn en haar steunen, maar hoopt toch ook op een weerzien met Martin om uit te zoeken of hun relatie nog een kans van slagen heeft. Gilbert is vastberaden om Camille te helpen, maar ziet dit ook als een kans om te genieten van de regionale gastronomie, Martin wil vooral graag bij Zoë zijn en Sarah en Bernhard zien de reis boven alles als een avontuur.
Onderweg krijgen de wandelaars te maken met verschillende uitdagingen en beproevingen, zowel fysieke als emotionele, onderlinge verhoudingen verschuiven en worden op de proef gesteld, iedereen leert zichzelf beter kennen en krijgt een kans om uit te vinden wat ze echt willen in het leven en met wie ze dat leven het liefst willen delen. Het wordt een reis vol uitdagende routes en zeer wisselende weersomstandigheden, bezinning, confrontaties, aannames, gezondheidsproblemen en lichamelijke ongemakken, dromen, steun, boetedoening, plezier, verdriet, acceptatie en vergiffenis.
Het verhaal wordt afwisselend verteld vanuit de perspectieven van Martin en Zoë, en door hun gesprekken, observaties, herinneringen en reflecties krijg je ook een beeld van de andere deelnemers aan de tocht, al had ik sommige personages graag nog beter leren kennen en vond ik het soms wat ongemakkelijk hoe er dikwijls vooral over Camille werd gesproken in plaats van met haar. Je kunt dit boek los lezen, maar ik raad toch aan om eerst ‘Camino’ te lezen, want hoewel er regelmatig kort wordt teruggegrepen op gebeurtenissen uit dat boek, biedt dat verhaal veel achtergrond waarop doorgegaan wordt.
Het grootste verschil tussen ‘Camino’ en ‘Roadtrip’ is voor mij dat in dit boek de beschrijvingen van de route en het echte wandelen wat meer naar de achtergrond lijken te zijn verschoven om plaats te maken voor de verdieping van karakters, de groepsdynamiek, het opsteken van kaarsjes langs de route en veel, heel veel passages over eten en drinken. Daardoor kon ik me soms wat minder goed inleven in de tocht die werd ondernomen, maar desondanks is dit zeker een mooi en vlot verhaal over vriendschap, liefde, hoop en doorzettingsvermogen, geschreven met emotie, humor en inlevingsvermogen. Een aanrader voor iedereen die benieuwd is hoe het verhaal van Zoë en Martin verdergaat. Bon courage!
3.5⭐️
Alle wandelaars hebben een eigen motief om deze tocht te maken. Voor Camille is dit een spirituele, religieuze reis om boete te doen voor een zonde uit het verleden en om vergiffenis te vragen, een reis die ze wil delen met Zoë, aangezien zij in het verleden samen een aangrijpende gebeurtenis hebben meegemaakt. Zoë wil er voor haar vriendin zijn en haar steunen, maar hoopt toch ook op een weerzien met Martin om uit te zoeken of hun relatie nog een kans van slagen heeft. Gilbert is vastberaden om Camille te helpen, maar ziet dit ook als een kans om te genieten van de regionale gastronomie, Martin wil vooral graag bij Zoë zijn en Sarah en Bernhard zien de reis boven alles als een avontuur.
Onderweg krijgen de wandelaars te maken met verschillende uitdagingen en beproevingen, zowel fysieke als emotionele, onderlinge verhoudingen verschuiven en worden op de proef gesteld, iedereen leert zichzelf beter kennen en krijgt een kans om uit te vinden wat ze echt willen in het leven en met wie ze dat leven het liefst willen delen. Het wordt een reis vol uitdagende routes en zeer wisselende weersomstandigheden, bezinning, confrontaties, aannames, gezondheidsproblemen en lichamelijke ongemakken, dromen, steun, boetedoening, plezier, verdriet, acceptatie en vergiffenis.
Het verhaal wordt afwisselend verteld vanuit de perspectieven van Martin en Zoë, en door hun gesprekken, observaties, herinneringen en reflecties krijg je ook een beeld van de andere deelnemers aan de tocht, al had ik sommige personages graag nog beter leren kennen en vond ik het soms wat ongemakkelijk hoe er dikwijls vooral over Camille werd gesproken in plaats van met haar. Je kunt dit boek los lezen, maar ik raad toch aan om eerst ‘Camino’ te lezen, want hoewel er regelmatig kort wordt teruggegrepen op gebeurtenissen uit dat boek, biedt dat verhaal veel achtergrond waarop doorgegaan wordt.
Het grootste verschil tussen ‘Camino’ en ‘Roadtrip’ is voor mij dat in dit boek de beschrijvingen van de route en het echte wandelen wat meer naar de achtergrond lijken te zijn verschoven om plaats te maken voor de verdieping van karakters, de groepsdynamiek, het opsteken van kaarsjes langs de route en veel, heel veel passages over eten en drinken. Daardoor kon ik me soms wat minder goed inleven in de tocht die werd ondernomen, maar desondanks is dit zeker een mooi en vlot verhaal over vriendschap, liefde, hoop en doorzettingsvermogen, geschreven met emotie, humor en inlevingsvermogen. Een aanrader voor iedereen die benieuwd is hoe het verhaal van Zoë en Martin verdergaat. Bon courage!
3.5⭐️
June 9, 2021
Two Steps Onward is the follow-up to Two Steps Forward, by Australian husband and wife author team, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist. The audio version is narrated by Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood and Jerome Pride. It only takes one email. Zoe Witt drops what she is doing and heads to France. Her best friend since college, Camille Morvan is making a pilgrimage from Cluny to Rome, for a papal audience, via the Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome. Diagnosed with a debilitating, ultimately terminal illness, does she seek a miracle? Gilbert, her now reconciled ex, is determined to get her there.
It’s over three years since Zoe walked the Camino de Santiago, but she has no hesitation in joining Camille, with whom she shares a significant life experience. She tries to enlist Martin Eden, the engineer who used his Camino to test his cart design, and simultaneously stole Zoe’s heart, for two reasons: his cart could be useful for Camille’s trek; and they might discover if their decision to abandon their long-distance love affair was the right one. Or not.
As tempting as walking (and perhaps more?) with Zoe is, Martin can’t, with any conscience, ditch his three-week commitment to Sarah, his twenty-year-old daughter, so he rejects the idea. But for Sarah, a med student frustrated with her course, nothing is set in stone and, mere days later, she and Martin are at Camille’s house in Cluny, ready to join the Chemin for three weeks of her Uni vacation. Zoe’s welcome to Martin is unambiguous.
The only fly in Martin’s ointment is the presence of Bernhard Muller, the German engineering student, who is delivering to Camille his modified version of Martin’s cart, the ”better” design. Neither cart ends up being required on the trip, but Bernhard, with his own Camino expertise, swells their pilgrim party to six.
A true pilgrim seeking to atone for some major past sins, Camille points out that, while all pledge their support, the group’s motivations differ: a former wine merchant, Gilbert won’t forgo the opportunity to taste fine wines and foods on the journey; Martin hopes to rekindle his relationship with Zoe, something she quickly accepts; Sarah and Bernhard are drawn by adventure.
Having walked most of her Camino alone, Zoe finds that spending eleven weeks in close company with five others is quite a different prospect. As the group walks, they gradually settle into routines, facing challenges that are not limited to the terrain and physical fitness (or lack thereof), but include friction between some of them, mismatched expectations regarding accommodation, food and drink, and the cognitive manifestations of Camille’s illness.
Bernhard summarises their developing cooperation thus: “Teams are not easy: there are predictable stages. First we form—Camille has the concept of the walk; Gilbert recruits Zoe; Zoe brings me and Martin, who brings Sarah. Then we norm—get to know each other, our strengths and limitations. ’‘And then we storm, right?’ Martin interjected. ‘We blow hard in different directions.’ Martin laughed. Which was nice, because I was expecting him to put Bernhard down. ‘And now,’ said Bernhard, ‘we are beginning to perform.’”
The narrative alternates between Martin and Zoe, and the male and female voices are well rendered; their different perspectives on the members of their party, their character and behaviour is interesting. Having walked themselves, the authors’ depiction of the Chemin experience is authentic and their characters have depth and appeal. There are some surprises in the plot, and in the sources of wise words and insightful observations. Readers will definitely appreciate the maps. This is both a thought-provoking and heart-warming read.
It’s over three years since Zoe walked the Camino de Santiago, but she has no hesitation in joining Camille, with whom she shares a significant life experience. She tries to enlist Martin Eden, the engineer who used his Camino to test his cart design, and simultaneously stole Zoe’s heart, for two reasons: his cart could be useful for Camille’s trek; and they might discover if their decision to abandon their long-distance love affair was the right one. Or not.
As tempting as walking (and perhaps more?) with Zoe is, Martin can’t, with any conscience, ditch his three-week commitment to Sarah, his twenty-year-old daughter, so he rejects the idea. But for Sarah, a med student frustrated with her course, nothing is set in stone and, mere days later, she and Martin are at Camille’s house in Cluny, ready to join the Chemin for three weeks of her Uni vacation. Zoe’s welcome to Martin is unambiguous.
The only fly in Martin’s ointment is the presence of Bernhard Muller, the German engineering student, who is delivering to Camille his modified version of Martin’s cart, the ”better” design. Neither cart ends up being required on the trip, but Bernhard, with his own Camino expertise, swells their pilgrim party to six.
A true pilgrim seeking to atone for some major past sins, Camille points out that, while all pledge their support, the group’s motivations differ: a former wine merchant, Gilbert won’t forgo the opportunity to taste fine wines and foods on the journey; Martin hopes to rekindle his relationship with Zoe, something she quickly accepts; Sarah and Bernhard are drawn by adventure.
Having walked most of her Camino alone, Zoe finds that spending eleven weeks in close company with five others is quite a different prospect. As the group walks, they gradually settle into routines, facing challenges that are not limited to the terrain and physical fitness (or lack thereof), but include friction between some of them, mismatched expectations regarding accommodation, food and drink, and the cognitive manifestations of Camille’s illness.
Bernhard summarises their developing cooperation thus: “Teams are not easy: there are predictable stages. First we form—Camille has the concept of the walk; Gilbert recruits Zoe; Zoe brings me and Martin, who brings Sarah. Then we norm—get to know each other, our strengths and limitations. ’‘And then we storm, right?’ Martin interjected. ‘We blow hard in different directions.’ Martin laughed. Which was nice, because I was expecting him to put Bernhard down. ‘And now,’ said Bernhard, ‘we are beginning to perform.’”
The narrative alternates between Martin and Zoe, and the male and female voices are well rendered; their different perspectives on the members of their party, their character and behaviour is interesting. Having walked themselves, the authors’ depiction of the Chemin experience is authentic and their characters have depth and appeal. There are some surprises in the plot, and in the sources of wise words and insightful observations. Readers will definitely appreciate the maps. This is both a thought-provoking and heart-warming read.
February 20, 2021
After relishing the Simsion/Buist travel-soul searching collaboration "Two Steps Forward" from a few years back, I wasn't sure if they could replicate the spark and spontaneity and freshness in their 2020 tale. But the evolution in their characters, the settings, the pace (of both spiritual reckoning and actual physical progress along the pilgrimage route) produced an effective blend of envy and enjoyment, especially given the fact that my read occurred right as the pandemic lockdown started to suffocate all prospects of 2020 travel. A writing duo who's next work will be eagerly awaited... Thanks Graeme and Anne for brightening my 2020!
February 19, 2021
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy. This book picks up the previous story (which you don't need to have read) and takes a very engaging approach to the tale of a journey. The people step out of the pages and the places come to life through the scrapes and excitement of the characters. I know the book was researched in close detail and that comes across clearly. It is a book that has a gentle yet compelling flow to it. As ever with Graeme and Anne's writing, the ending is not entirely predictable. At all predictable, actually. I will read it again!
June 23, 2021
I remember loving Two Steps Forward so was excited to read the sequel. Sadly, it was quite disappointing. The characters were a little infuriating and the drama between them seemed quite contrived.
September 27, 2021
Overall, I mainly finished this book because I remembered part 1 getting better towards the end (and because I'm a huge fan of the Rosie trilogy). Unfortunately, the end of this book seemed rushed and left me dissatisfied.
The level of description of the trip might appeal to some, but I found most of it really pointless. Do we really need to know what was on the dinner table every day? I get that the book is supposed to read like a diary, but there's a reason why most diaries are never published.
Usually I don't mind a change of perspective, but here I kept getting confused whether I was reading Martin or Zoe. Despite incidental stereotypical ideas, their tone of voice was very similar (I just finished All the Ugly and Wonderful Things and it's just so much better in this regard).
Speaking of which... Zoe was truly infuriating in het ideas. Entirely self-centered and patronizing. As for the others - they were rather flat, one-sided. No wonder changing perspective made little difference. I did quite like Sarah and Bernhard and would love a spin-off about them.
The romance between Martin and Zoe lacks any credibility. They kept going on about how happy they are together, but there was very little evidence of it. Their communication was terrible and it's a miracle all of their assumptions didn't cause more drama.
As for the plot... you know how many books are a rollercoaster, or working towards a climax and then wrapping up nicely? This was more like a slightly wavy line that went nowhere. What could or should have been the climax mostly went unexplored.
So why not 1 star? It's not terribly written, it's an easy read. There are some nice bits and pieces and occasional wisdom. I loved the descriptions of the different hotels in Italy.
But I wish this book had the energy of the Rosie Project.
The level of description of the trip might appeal to some, but I found most of it really pointless. Do we really need to know what was on the dinner table every day? I get that the book is supposed to read like a diary, but there's a reason why most diaries are never published.
Usually I don't mind a change of perspective, but here I kept getting confused whether I was reading Martin or Zoe. Despite incidental stereotypical ideas, their tone of voice was very similar (I just finished All the Ugly and Wonderful Things and it's just so much better in this regard).
Speaking of which... Zoe was truly infuriating in het ideas. Entirely self-centered and patronizing. As for the others - they were rather flat, one-sided. No wonder changing perspective made little difference. I did quite like Sarah and Bernhard and would love a spin-off about them.
The romance between Martin and Zoe lacks any credibility. They kept going on about how happy they are together, but there was very little evidence of it. Their communication was terrible and it's a miracle all of their assumptions didn't cause more drama.
As for the plot... you know how many books are a rollercoaster, or working towards a climax and then wrapping up nicely? This was more like a slightly wavy line that went nowhere. What could or should have been the climax mostly went unexplored.
So why not 1 star? It's not terribly written, it's an easy read. There are some nice bits and pieces and occasional wisdom. I loved the descriptions of the different hotels in Italy.
But I wish this book had the energy of the Rosie Project.
February 19, 2021
Great read, fun follow on from the original.
June 6, 2021
Having read Two Steps Forward by husband and wife team, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist I was very excited to get the chance to read their second book and sequel, Two Steps Onward. I am delighted to say that I was not disappointed, in fact, I felt that Two Steps Forward was even better. While I don’t think it is essential to read the first before the second there is some reference to the first which, while mostly explained, it would be easier if you did read the first one first.
The Camino is their first walk and the Chemin is the second. The publisher’s blurb is excellent and I don’t want to do a repeat summary:
“Three years after life got in the way of their long-distance relationship, Californian illustrator Zoe and English engineer Martin have an unexpected opportunity to reunite: a second chance to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims in Europe.
This time, they won’t be walking the famous Camino de Santiago to north-west Spain but the less-travelled Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome, the mountainous path down from rural France.
And rather than each setting off solo, they will accompany Zoe’s old friend Camille—who, despite her terminal illness, insists she will walk the whole sixteen hundred kilometres to seek an audience with the Pope—and her not-so-ex-husband, Gilbert, who sees the trip as a gourmet tour. Then Bernhard, Martin’s young nemesis from the previous trek, shows up, along with Martin’s daughter, Sarah, who is having a quarter-life crisis and doesn’t exactly hit it off with Zoe…”
There is a wonderful mix of characters with lots of drama, but drama while walking over one thousand kilometres is quite different as they have time to reflect and work on what is happening to others, themselves and how each of them is reacting. A lot of issues are raised and there is certainly plenty food for thought! However, not all serious, with many moments where it is light hearted and amusing.
Great character development and so well written. A most enjoyable read which I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Text Publishing for a copy to read and review
The Camino is their first walk and the Chemin is the second. The publisher’s blurb is excellent and I don’t want to do a repeat summary:
“Three years after life got in the way of their long-distance relationship, Californian illustrator Zoe and English engineer Martin have an unexpected opportunity to reunite: a second chance to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims in Europe.
This time, they won’t be walking the famous Camino de Santiago to north-west Spain but the less-travelled Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena to Rome, the mountainous path down from rural France.
And rather than each setting off solo, they will accompany Zoe’s old friend Camille—who, despite her terminal illness, insists she will walk the whole sixteen hundred kilometres to seek an audience with the Pope—and her not-so-ex-husband, Gilbert, who sees the trip as a gourmet tour. Then Bernhard, Martin’s young nemesis from the previous trek, shows up, along with Martin’s daughter, Sarah, who is having a quarter-life crisis and doesn’t exactly hit it off with Zoe…”
There is a wonderful mix of characters with lots of drama, but drama while walking over one thousand kilometres is quite different as they have time to reflect and work on what is happening to others, themselves and how each of them is reacting. A lot of issues are raised and there is certainly plenty food for thought! However, not all serious, with many moments where it is light hearted and amusing.
Great character development and so well written. A most enjoyable read which I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Text Publishing for a copy to read and review
February 25, 2024
Wat een ontzettend slechte weergave van de ziekte MS. Als MS-patiënt kan ik hier niet achter staan.
Daarbuiten is het verder ook een grote tegenvaller na het eerste deel. Zelfs de slechtste soap op TV is nog vermakelijker.
Daarbuiten is het verder ook een grote tegenvaller na het eerste deel. Zelfs de slechtste soap op TV is nog vermakelijker.
June 15, 2021
This novel—my fifth by Simsion—has left me feeling like all is right with the world. It also left me wishing I'd known about the Chemin d’Assise and Camino de Santiago when I was young and fit enough to walk the routes and adaptable enough to benefit from the enlightenment I'd find on what must be a truly cathartic journey. This fictional account of six very different people was perhaps the next best thing.
Two Steps Onward is the follow-up to Simsion's earlier work, Two Steps Forward. If I had to describe this sequel in a word I'd say forgiveness. That's the focus (in my opinion) but what makes it special is the way he delivers with his blend of hilarity, profundity, and trepidation. He'll have you laughing one minute and crying the next. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but what an entertaining ride! I think I enjoyed "Onward" even more than I did "Forward" although both were exceptional. Simsion's writing style really strikes a chord with me that I just love!
Two Steps Onward is the follow-up to Simsion's earlier work, Two Steps Forward. If I had to describe this sequel in a word I'd say forgiveness. That's the focus (in my opinion) but what makes it special is the way he delivers with his blend of hilarity, profundity, and trepidation. He'll have you laughing one minute and crying the next. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but what an entertaining ride! I think I enjoyed "Onward" even more than I did "Forward" although both were exceptional. Simsion's writing style really strikes a chord with me that I just love!
June 21, 2021
Two Steps Onward (Text Publishing 2021) is the latest collaboration by couple Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion, both independent authors but also the co-writers of this follow-up novel to Two Steps Forward, released in 2017. That first book followed English engineer Martin and Californian artist Zoe as they met and separately completed the famous Camino de Santiago walk in Spain. In this new book we are reunited with Martin and Zoe as they again follow the pilgrims’ footsteps, this time through rural France to Rome, along the Chemin d’Assise and Via Francigena trails. The story is enriched by the inclusion on the journey of Zoe’s long-time friend Camille, with whom she shares a troubled history, and who insists she will walk the 1600 kms to seek an audience with the Pope, despite her life-threatening illness. Also included are Sarah, Martin’s adult daughter, who is recovering from a crisis and not getting along especially well with Zoe; Gilbert, Camille’s ex or not-so-ex-husband, who is treating the trip as a food and wine gourmet tour; and lastly Bernhard, Martin’s nemesis from the previous trek. Together this group of six each struggle with their own life difficulties and moral choices as they attempt to navigate not only the mountainous terrain, blisters, substandard accommodation and a sometimes inexcusable lack of wine or vegetarian options, but also as they become closer and more intimate with each other, using the walking time as talking time as they divulge secrets, explore dreams and share regrets. In this deliciously food and wine-filled rom-com, the weather, the elements and mother nature provide physical challenges for each character, while their emotional strength is also tested as they work out what they really want in life and what they are prepared to risk to achieve it. With wit and humour and wisdom, Buist and Simsion explore what many of us seek in life – love, friendship, hope, optimism and second chances. And as with the first book, the beauty of this novel is that because the authors have done this walk themselves, as readers we are able to immerse ourselves in the pilgrimage experience without leaving our armchairs. The details of the countryside, the food and the people are infectiously addictive, and inspirational for anyone who has considered such a walk themselves.
July 23, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
What a beautifully written book. Being unable to travel for the past 18 months has been difficult but this lovely book takes you on a journey, both physically and spiritually.
What a beautifully written book. Being unable to travel for the past 18 months has been difficult but this lovely book takes you on a journey, both physically and spiritually.
June 1, 2023
This was so good and had nearly everything I was missing from the first book, to the point where I would just recommend reading a synopsis and skipping straight to the sequel. There is still limited character development for the main couple and I still had to check the top of the page to see who was narrating quite a few times, as they both had nearly the same voice despite allegedly being such different people.
I loved the psychology and all the plot twists. The themes were developed really well: religion, subconscious motivation, the relationships between parents and adult children, living a day at a time and forgiveness. I really looked forward to reading more each day until it was finished.
I loved the psychology and all the plot twists. The themes were developed really well: religion, subconscious motivation, the relationships between parents and adult children, living a day at a time and forgiveness. I really looked forward to reading more each day until it was finished.
July 9, 2021
I enjoyed Two Steps Forward and now the sequel Two Steps Onward. A long pilgrim journey - loved following the maps at the front of the book. Only way I’d do the journey. Liked the way relationships developed, the outward and inward journeys. The way each character came to various realisations. Great teamwork from the two authors.
Read
July 19, 2021The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Two Steps Onward
'Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist’s titles Two Steps Forward and Two Steps Onward, in companion, offer a highly moving and rewarding reading experience. May require tissues.’
Booklover Book Reviews
'No aspect of living and how to live is passed over, as well as details of wine varieties you are unlikely to find in any other work of fiction.’
ArtsHub
'An escapist, gently witty read that'll appeal to armchair travellers counting down until international travel—to Europe and elsewhere—opens up again.'
West Australian
‘A much more intimate navigation of romantic love, friendly and familial, with a smaller coterie of characters but just as much heart.’
New Daily
'Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist’s titles Two Steps Forward and Two Steps Onward, in companion, offer a highly moving and rewarding reading experience. May require tissues.’
Booklover Book Reviews
'No aspect of living and how to live is passed over, as well as details of wine varieties you are unlikely to find in any other work of fiction.’
ArtsHub
'An escapist, gently witty read that'll appeal to armchair travellers counting down until international travel—to Europe and elsewhere—opens up again.'
West Australian
‘A much more intimate navigation of romantic love, friendly and familial, with a smaller coterie of characters but just as much heart.’
New Daily
April 25, 2022
iedereen in dit boek is vervelend
August 28, 2021
A little under four stars as this book dragged a bit in parts.
I really enjoyed it but it lacked the humour of Two Steps Forward and dealt with more serious issues. Zoe is walking this 1000 mile walk with her friend Camille who has MS and wants an audience with the pope. So this walk leads to Rome.
I enjoy these books as they make the walks real and when I can't walk them now, it's great to read them. The relationships were interesting but perhaps a bit too detailed. We have Camille's husband Gilbert, Camille, Zoe and Martin, and Martin's daughter Sarah and the inevitable Berhardt.
Interesting issues are explored among the walkers and some are resolved in a happy-sad way.
An interesting mix of spiritual values.
The characters are well depicted but I don't warm to Zoe - and she is one of the main characters.
All the same, a very pleasant read.
I really enjoyed it but it lacked the humour of Two Steps Forward and dealt with more serious issues. Zoe is walking this 1000 mile walk with her friend Camille who has MS and wants an audience with the pope. So this walk leads to Rome.
I enjoy these books as they make the walks real and when I can't walk them now, it's great to read them. The relationships were interesting but perhaps a bit too detailed. We have Camille's husband Gilbert, Camille, Zoe and Martin, and Martin's daughter Sarah and the inevitable Berhardt.
Interesting issues are explored among the walkers and some are resolved in a happy-sad way.
An interesting mix of spiritual values.
The characters are well depicted but I don't warm to Zoe - and she is one of the main characters.
All the same, a very pleasant read.
December 29, 2021
Een ontspannen laatste boek van het jaar (#50!) dat je meeneemt naar de wandelpaden van de Chemin Assise. Misschien niet een literaire hoogstandje, maar voor mij draait lezen er vooral om dat ik mee wordt genomen naar een andere wereld. En dat is gelukt. Het boek inspireert om een lange afstandsroute te gaan lopen. Wie weet ooit…
August 25, 2021
“Two steps forward”, dat in het Nederlands de fantasieloze titel ‘Camino’ kreeg (waarom doen uitgevers dat toch?!) is een van mijn favoriete boeken. Een boek dat las als een road movie, met veel wijsheden over het leven, psychologische observaties en de spanning van een ontluikende relatie. Dat het boek geen happy end had, vergaf ik de schrijver. Ik vond dat het het boek meer zeggingskracht gaf.
Toen ik eerder dit jaar vernam dat er vervolg was, deed ik wat elke rechtgeaarde calvinist zou doen: ik ‘spaarde het boek op’. Dwong mezelf om te wachten het te lezen. Om maar weer eens te bewijzen dat ik als volwassene zou slagen voor de ‘marshmellow-test’. Ondertussen woekerden de verwachtingen. En wie meer van mijn recensies heeft gelezen, weet: hoe hoger de verwachtingen, hoe groter de teleurstelling.
Graeme Simsion schreef met zijn debuut The Rosie Project een vermakelijk boek. Maar bovenal ook: een succesvol boek. Zo succesvol, dat hij besloot om min of meer hetzelfde boek, nog twee keer te schrijven. Eén bestseller schrijven, is een prestatie. Drie beststellers schrijven is een formule. Na het lezen van ‘Two steps onward’, het vervolg op ‘Two steps forward’, dat Simsion opnieuw samen schreef met zijn vrouw, realiseer ik me dat schrijven voor het echtpaar lopendebandwerk geworden is. Het verhaal brengt de twee - inmiddels voormalige - geliefden Martin en Zoe weer bij elkaar. Voor een bedevaartstocht (goh). En omzichtig verschijnen ook alle andere belangrijke personages uit het eerste deel weer ten tonele. De bestemming is veranderd van Santiago in Rome. De dramatische lotstijding die de aanleiding is voor de pelgrimage zorgt voor een nadrukkelijke zware deken over de voettocht. En Martin en Zoe? Die wringen zich in allerlei bochten om 300 pagina’s lang te vermijden dat ze nu wel gelukkig worden samen.
Er wordt in dit boek ont-zet-tend veel gezeurd. Zoveel, dat ik aan mijn eigen oordeel over het eerste deel ging twijfelen. Verwarde ik destijds het navelstaardige geneuzel met rake schetsen van de complexiteit van het leven? Was ik toen zo naïef - of ben ik nu zo cynisch? Het boek lijkt bovenal een aantal belegen stereotypen af te stoffen en op te poetsen. Ik zeg dit niet lichtvaardig en ik heb mezelf nooit eerder op deze gedachte betrapt, maar Simsion en Buist lijken vooral graag duidelijk te willen maken dat vrouwen enorm moeilijk kunnen doen. Kunnen zuigen en vanuit een schijnbesef van diepzinnigheid, ‘trouw zijn aan jezelf’ en een pseudologica die door moet gaan voor intuïtie, niets nalaten om hun eigen leven en dat van hun naasten moeilijk te maken. Ik wil hiermee niks negatiefs zeggen over vrouwen. Wel over de mysogynie van Buist en Simsion. Een mentale en emotionele worsteling: prima. Wat is een goede roman zonder? Maar het almaar stuivertje wisselen van worsteling en verlossing tijdens deze voettocht, bezorgde me blaren op mijn ogen. Alsof de eerste vijftig pagina’s vijf keer gekopiëerd waren om de indruk van een loutering, een proces te wekken. En vooral om ruim 300 pagina’s vol te schrijven.
Zelden schreef ik een boek zo geestdriftig de grond in. Grote vraag is dan ook: waarom toch drie sterren? Waarschijnlijk omdat ik weliswaar een snob ben, maar ook eens mens dat net als iedereen feilbaar is en ook gewoon ten prooi valt aan de trucjes van marketing boys. Het doorzien van een succesformule, betekent helaas niet meteen dat je immuun bent voor de ingrediënten die met een koevoet in dit boek zijn ingebracht om het ‘likeable’ te maken. De personages zijn vervelend, maar de auteurs laten hen net binnen de grenzen blijven van wat de tolerantie van de lezer aankan. Daardoor zijn ze net niet onuitstaanbaar maar vooral ‘menselijk’. Het uitgestelde happy end van het eerste boek, hangt hier als een wortel steeds boven de volgende pagina. Door het gezucht en geweeklaag word je in spanning gehouden of dat goede einde er wel echt zal komen. Er gaat iemand dood - reuring! En het geloof, met name het Katholieke - krijgt ervan langs. Zo kwam het althans op mij over, want verstokte fabeltjes over zonden en boete doen, lijken gaandeweg steeds meer een wig te drijven tussen de personages in het boek.
Het is goed dat ik het gelezen heb en ik acht mezelf zelfs in staat om een onvermijdelijk derde deel ook op mijn nachtkastje te leggen.
Lees vooral het eerste deel, Two steps forward - dat durf ik zelfs nu nog te zeggen. Vergeet dit tweede deel en, als je er net als ik toch intrapt en dit vervolg leest - laat mij dan even weten of het nou aan mij ligt of dat je enthousiasme over deze zuchtende stappers ook bij elke tussenstop op de route iets verder afneemt.
Toen ik eerder dit jaar vernam dat er vervolg was, deed ik wat elke rechtgeaarde calvinist zou doen: ik ‘spaarde het boek op’. Dwong mezelf om te wachten het te lezen. Om maar weer eens te bewijzen dat ik als volwassene zou slagen voor de ‘marshmellow-test’. Ondertussen woekerden de verwachtingen. En wie meer van mijn recensies heeft gelezen, weet: hoe hoger de verwachtingen, hoe groter de teleurstelling.
Graeme Simsion schreef met zijn debuut The Rosie Project een vermakelijk boek. Maar bovenal ook: een succesvol boek. Zo succesvol, dat hij besloot om min of meer hetzelfde boek, nog twee keer te schrijven. Eén bestseller schrijven, is een prestatie. Drie beststellers schrijven is een formule. Na het lezen van ‘Two steps onward’, het vervolg op ‘Two steps forward’, dat Simsion opnieuw samen schreef met zijn vrouw, realiseer ik me dat schrijven voor het echtpaar lopendebandwerk geworden is. Het verhaal brengt de twee - inmiddels voormalige - geliefden Martin en Zoe weer bij elkaar. Voor een bedevaartstocht (goh). En omzichtig verschijnen ook alle andere belangrijke personages uit het eerste deel weer ten tonele. De bestemming is veranderd van Santiago in Rome. De dramatische lotstijding die de aanleiding is voor de pelgrimage zorgt voor een nadrukkelijke zware deken over de voettocht. En Martin en Zoe? Die wringen zich in allerlei bochten om 300 pagina’s lang te vermijden dat ze nu wel gelukkig worden samen.
Er wordt in dit boek ont-zet-tend veel gezeurd. Zoveel, dat ik aan mijn eigen oordeel over het eerste deel ging twijfelen. Verwarde ik destijds het navelstaardige geneuzel met rake schetsen van de complexiteit van het leven? Was ik toen zo naïef - of ben ik nu zo cynisch? Het boek lijkt bovenal een aantal belegen stereotypen af te stoffen en op te poetsen. Ik zeg dit niet lichtvaardig en ik heb mezelf nooit eerder op deze gedachte betrapt, maar Simsion en Buist lijken vooral graag duidelijk te willen maken dat vrouwen enorm moeilijk kunnen doen. Kunnen zuigen en vanuit een schijnbesef van diepzinnigheid, ‘trouw zijn aan jezelf’ en een pseudologica die door moet gaan voor intuïtie, niets nalaten om hun eigen leven en dat van hun naasten moeilijk te maken. Ik wil hiermee niks negatiefs zeggen over vrouwen. Wel over de mysogynie van Buist en Simsion. Een mentale en emotionele worsteling: prima. Wat is een goede roman zonder? Maar het almaar stuivertje wisselen van worsteling en verlossing tijdens deze voettocht, bezorgde me blaren op mijn ogen. Alsof de eerste vijftig pagina’s vijf keer gekopiëerd waren om de indruk van een loutering, een proces te wekken. En vooral om ruim 300 pagina’s vol te schrijven.
Zelden schreef ik een boek zo geestdriftig de grond in. Grote vraag is dan ook: waarom toch drie sterren? Waarschijnlijk omdat ik weliswaar een snob ben, maar ook eens mens dat net als iedereen feilbaar is en ook gewoon ten prooi valt aan de trucjes van marketing boys. Het doorzien van een succesformule, betekent helaas niet meteen dat je immuun bent voor de ingrediënten die met een koevoet in dit boek zijn ingebracht om het ‘likeable’ te maken. De personages zijn vervelend, maar de auteurs laten hen net binnen de grenzen blijven van wat de tolerantie van de lezer aankan. Daardoor zijn ze net niet onuitstaanbaar maar vooral ‘menselijk’. Het uitgestelde happy end van het eerste boek, hangt hier als een wortel steeds boven de volgende pagina. Door het gezucht en geweeklaag word je in spanning gehouden of dat goede einde er wel echt zal komen. Er gaat iemand dood - reuring! En het geloof, met name het Katholieke - krijgt ervan langs. Zo kwam het althans op mij over, want verstokte fabeltjes over zonden en boete doen, lijken gaandeweg steeds meer een wig te drijven tussen de personages in het boek.
Het is goed dat ik het gelezen heb en ik acht mezelf zelfs in staat om een onvermijdelijk derde deel ook op mijn nachtkastje te leggen.
Lees vooral het eerste deel, Two steps forward - dat durf ik zelfs nu nog te zeggen. Vergeet dit tweede deel en, als je er net als ik toch intrapt en dit vervolg leest - laat mij dan even weten of het nou aan mij ligt of dat je enthousiasme over deze zuchtende stappers ook bij elke tussenstop op de route iets verder afneemt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
I found this book in my mail box, what a nice surprise from the publisher! I enjoyed this book and am envious of the freedom of travel in this pre- COVID story. How I would love to travel to Europe again. This story picks up the tale of Zoe and Martin three years after 'Two Steps Forward', I like that you get to read in both their voices again.
June 3, 2021
This didn’t have quite as much charm as Two Steps Forward but it was so nice to be back hiking trails with Zoe and Martin. These two characters seem very good at coming up with reasons why they can’t be together when it’s so clear that they should be. The discussions about Camille’s MS didn’t always sit comfortably with me and I would have liked to hear more directly from Camille. Reading this really had me yearning to do some hiking and by the end I was won over. I enjoyed being on the Italian trails with this unlikely group of misfits.
June 19, 2021
Having read Two Steps Forward a couple of years ago, and enjoying it so much, I was thrilled recently to discover a sequel, bought it and finished reading yesterday. Two brilliant books which tell stories, but go much deeper into the personalities of the characters, and have many lessons about life. I felt that I was on the journey to Rome with the six travellers, and in fact, would love to experience on of these walks.
Thoroughly recommend both books, but read them in order.
Well done Graham and Anne.
Thoroughly recommend both books, but read them in order.
Well done Graham and Anne.
July 17, 2022
Mwah. Vond de eerste twee boeken van het Rosie verhaal zo leuk, maar de daarna geschreven boeken halen het niet daarbij. Het was mij te langdradig. Er werden geen knopen doorgehakt en er zaten nog veel losse eindjes. Had meer willen weten over de ouders van Zoë en de ex-vrouw van Martin. De laatste schokkende gebeurtenis vond ik ook wat flauw. Beetje makkelijk weggeschreven.
February 2, 2022
Het boek sukkelt voor tot er iets heftige gebeurt waarna er een Deus ex machina volgt. 😴
May 21, 2023
Hij werd een beetje langdradig en wat een egoïstische trut is die Camille op den duur, je gaat zo iemand gewoon haten op het eind 😂
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