Never Look Back

A Powerful Tale of Survival, Love, and New Beginnings

Never Look Back by Lesley Pearse, published in 2000 by Penguin Books, is an epic historical novel that follows one woman’s extraordinary journey from the slums of London to the untamed frontiers of America. With her trademark emotional depth and gripping storytelling, Pearse delivers a sweeping saga of resilience, courage, and hope.

The story centers on Matilda, a spirited young woman forced to flee England after being falsely accused of a crime. Alone and vulnerable, she embarks on a dangerous voyage to New York, determined to build a new life in a strange land. Along the way, she faces hardship and heartbreak but also discovers friendship, freedom, and a love that challenges everything she thought she knew.

Set in the mid-19th century, Never Look Back is rich in historical detail and filled with unforgettable characters. From gritty tenement streets to the sweeping landscapes of the American West, Pearse captures the beauty and brutality of a changing world—and the strength it takes to survive within it.

This is a must-read for fans of emotionally charged historical fiction and heroines who never give up, no matter the odds. A deeply moving story that stays with you long after the final page.