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Never Look Back cover art

Never Look Back

By: Lesley Pearse
Narrated by: Holli Dempsey
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Summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Never Look Back by Lesley Pearse, read by Holli Dempsey. 

One good deed takes her into another world....

Sixteen-year-old Matilda is a poor Covent Garden flower girl until the day she saves the life of Tabitha, a minister's daughter. Welcomed into Tabitha's family, Matilda is offered the chance of a lifetime.

She leaves behind London's slums and enters the darkest corners of New York. From there she travels across the plains to the Wild West, where San Francisco is in the grip of the gold rush. 

Streetwise and strong-willed, Matilda forges a new life for herself and Tabitha among pioneers like Captain James Russell - a man to whom she is deeply attracted. Yet a civil war will soon rip apart this new nation. 

Can Matilda and those she loves brave separation and carry on, never looking back? 

©2018 Lesley Pearse (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"With characters it is impossible not to care about...this is storytelling at its very best." (Daily Mail)

"Lose yourself in this epic saga." (Bella)

What listeners say about Never Look Back

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I feel like I've been on a journey, an epic one

And boy it was a twisted road! This book had me laughing and crying. I feel in love with every character. Charming, beautiful, strong lead character. I love all these books but this one is my MOST favorite!

Don't read if you want a sappy love story. Its more than that. So much more than that.

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5 people found this helpful

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Inspiring, and totally addictive

Does the story remain fixed in time and place? = No
Does the story have a multi layered approach surrounding the main character ? = Yes
Is it sad ? Happy ? engaging ? funny ? realistic ? = Absolutely yes
Does one learn historical information through the depths explored as characters over time are introduced? = yes

Should I listen? =Absolutely yes.
Why? = It's a stunning book that just can't be put down. I loved everything about it and you feel as if you go on one heck of an historical, social, economical, political journey discovering so much about life, hardships, compassion and caring for one's fellow man.

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4 people found this helpful

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Wow!

This author is brilliant. I have loved every one of her books but even cried in this one. They are all beautifully narrated and I have learned so much from each one of them. Simply brilliant.

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3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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A most depressing story

Matti is a determined, intelligent and resourceful woman. She is brave, compassionate and strong. Yet she is plagued by misfortune. There were many times in the book I just wanted to give up and stop. The pure injustice of someone who never let her misfortune get her down not being able to catch a break. A previous reviewer mentioned that there was too much death in this book and I agree. I could see how most of them drove the story in the direction it was supposed to go but the last one. The last one was too much. It did nothing to drive Matti further but to add a final sadness to her life.

Not a book I would recommend unless you are in a particularly positive place in your life. It leaves you wondering what the point of it all was. She may have died a rich woman but there was no happy ending for her.

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2 people found this helpful

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A great listen

lots of highs & lows, making you smile & cry. But Matty certainly led an interesting life

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2 people found this helpful

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Excellent

Another wonderful and informative story from Lesley Pearse. Narration was perfect which made for easy listening.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • 03-03-24

the story telling

wonderfully written, and read. a must to listen. didn't want it to end. hats off to Lesley Pearse.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Absolutely fabulous story.

A real tear jerker. Following the story of a ragged half starved little Mattie through her amazing life to becoming a wealthy woman.
Never once forgetting her roots. Perfect narration bringing each of the many characters to life.

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  • Overall
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An enthralling and gripping story eagerly listen to.

Although well written it was spoilt by the unnecessary bad language used in certain situations. Apart from that an enjoyable tale..

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  • Overall
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So many stories

This book is amazing. Loads of different stories all in one and about the amazing Matty. Cannot recommend it enough. I was enthralled from beginning to end.

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