The Same Backward as Forward Summary, Characters and Themes

The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a tragic, enemies-to-lovers romance novel, set within her popular Inheritance Games universe. The story serves as a prequel to the main series, focusing on the history between Hannah Rooney (Avery Grambs’s mother) and Tobias “Toby” Hawthorne II.

After a devastating explosion that seems to take her sister’s life, Hannah finds herself caring for Toby, who is linked to the dangerous and mysterious Hawthorne family. As the tension builds between them, Hannah grapples with her past, her grief, and her feelings for Toby. The novel explores themes of revenge, love, and forgiveness, with Hannah’s internal conflict serving as a pivotal part of the narrative.

Summary

At the beginning of the novel, Hannah lives a quiet life in a small town, hiding from the world and keeping her distance from others. She prefers to remain unnoticed, a stark contrast to her sister, Kaylie, who is wild and carefree.

While at a local bar one evening, the two sisters encounter a group of young men, one of whom, Toby, catches Hannah’s eye. Toby’s charm and confidence make an impression on Hannah, but she quickly dismisses him, recognizing him as trouble.

As the night progresses, the sisters leave the bar, but Kaylie unexpectedly steals a wallet. Unbeknownst to Hannah, this small act sets in motion a series of dangerous events tied to the wealthy and powerful Hawthorne family.

Later, Hannah’s life takes a darker turn when her estranged mother, Eden Rooney, arrives at her apartment with an injured cousin, Rory. Eden demands that Hannah perform a makeshift surgery on Rory’s wounds, which were caused by a fight at a bar.

While treating Rory, Eden reveals disturbing news: the men from the bar, including Toby, are involved in dangerous dealings with the Hawthorne family. It’s clear that the Rooneys, despite their apparent separation, are still deeply connected to these sinister activities, and Hannah is not exempt from this world.

The story takes a tense turn when Hannah learns that a massive explosion has occurred on Hawthorne Island, home to the Hawthorne mansion. The news reports no survivors, but Hannah cannot shake the feeling that something is wrong, especially when Jackson, a local fisherman, reveals that he saw one of the Hawthorne boys on the island before the explosion.

Hannah becomes more anxious, and her fears grow as Jackson appears at her door, telling her that he found Toby alive after being thrown into the ocean when the mansion exploded. He brings Toby to his remote shack, where the two of them try to save him, even though they fear the dangerous consequences of their actions.

As Hannah cares for Toby’s injuries, she’s conflicted. Part of her wants to let him die for the role he may have played in her sister’s death, while another part feels compelled to save him, as it is her duty as a nurse.

Toby’s condition worsens, but when he regains consciousness, his arrogance and memory loss complicate matters. He doesn’t remember his own name, and he mocks Hannah, calling her “palindrome girl” after a brief interaction they had at the bar.

Days pass, and Toby’s recovery continues to unfold in unexpected ways. Despite his initial reluctance to cooperate, he and Hannah develop a strained but growing connection.

She continues to tend to his wounds, torn between her anger toward him for his possible role in her sister’s death and the desire to help him recover. As Toby’s memory begins to return in fragments, the complicated dynamics between them deepen.

Hannah learns that Toby’s involvement with the Hawthorne family is far more dangerous than she initially realized.

Toby, now fully aware of his identity, becomes more manipulative, trying to get under Hannah’s skin. His physical recovery progresses, but his mental games intensify.

He challenges Hannah to puzzles and games, which add layers of tension to their relationship. However, as their time together grows shorter and the danger surrounding them increases, they share moments of emotional closeness that blur the line between animosity and something more complicated.

Toby’s past catches up with both of them, and as his health improves, he becomes determined to leave. The tension between him and Hannah reaches its peak as they share a kiss during a rainstorm, but both of them know that this connection is fleeting.

Toby writes a final letter to Hannah, urging her to move on and leave her dangerous life behind. This message, coupled with his departure, forces Hannah to confront her own emotions and the unresolved grief over her sister’s death.

Hannah decides to leave Rockaway Watch for her own safety, moving to New Castle, Connecticut. She starts a new life and gives birth to a daughter, Avery, named after a suggestion from Toby.

Despite her desire for a fresh start, the memories of Toby and their time together haunt her. Three months later, a mysterious woman appears at Hannah’s workplace, offering an unsettling message about Toby’s father seeking her out.

Though Hannah is determined to protect herself and her daughter, the lingering threat of Toby’s past continues to follow her, suggesting that the dangers of her old life may never fully dissipate.

As time passes, Hannah becomes resolute in her determination to protect Avery and raise her away from the shadows of her past. However, the novel ends with a sense of uncertainty about the future, with Hannah vowing to continue her life with love and resilience, despite the haunting presence of her former life and Toby’s legacy.

Characters

Hannah Rooney

Hannah is the protagonist of The Same Backward as Forward, and her journey is both physical and emotional. At twenty, she is already used to a life of solitude, distancing herself from others to avoid the vulnerability that comes with intimacy.

Her family, particularly her sister Kaylie, are deeply involved in dangerous and secretive activities, but Hannah has tried to stay away from that world. However, after the explosion on Hawthorne Island, she is forced to confront her past and the consequences of her family’s actions.

Throughout the story, she struggles with the deep grief of losing her sister, her complex feelings toward her estranged mother, and her conflicting emotions about her growing connection to Toby Hawthorne. Despite her emotional turmoil, Hannah shows remarkable strength and determination, especially when caring for Toby after his injuries.

Her journey is one of self-discovery, coming to terms with her grief, and navigating her feelings of love, anger, and revenge. She is a character marked by internal conflict, torn between her sense of duty, her desire for justice, and her evolving feelings for Toby.

Toby “Harry” Hawthorne

Toby Hawthorne, often referred to by Hannah as “Harry” during his recovery, is a complex character whose past and identity unravel throughout the novel. Initially introduced as a wealthy and arrogant young man involved in dangerous dealings with the Hawthorne family, Toby’s character is initially defined by his pride and privilege.

However, after the explosion on Hawthorne Island, he suffers severe injuries that leave him with memory loss, which complicates the narrative and his relationship with Hannah. As he recovers, Toby’s arrogance fades, and his vulnerability becomes more apparent.

Despite his initial behavior, he grows more dependent on Hannah for care, leading to a tension-filled dynamic between them. His gradual recollection of his identity as a Hawthorne, combined with his struggle to reconcile his past actions, adds layers to his character.

Throughout the novel, Toby wrestles with feelings of guilt, fear, and confusion, as his memories return and he faces the consequences of his past. His relationship with Hannah evolves from antagonism to an intense emotional and physical bond, complicated by their shared history and his role in the events that led to Kaylie’s death.

Kaylie Rooney

Kaylie Rooney, although deceased before the events of the novel, plays a significant role in shaping Hannah’s motivations and emotional state. As Hannah’s carefree and reckless sister, Kaylie represents everything that Hannah has tried to avoid: attention, danger, and chaos.

Her tragic death, which Hannah initially believes to be linked to the explosion on Hawthorne Island, becomes a focal point of Hannah’s grief and anger. Through flashbacks and Hannah’s memories, Kaylie is portrayed as a free spirit, living life on her own terms, often without regard for the consequences.

Her death serves as a catalyst for much of the novel’s emotional depth, propelling Hannah into a journey of self-reflection and vengeance. The complicated feelings that Hannah harbors towards Kaylie—both love and resentment—underscore the complexities of sibling relationships, especially when grief and unresolved emotions are involved.

Eden Rooney

Eden Rooney, Hannah’s estranged mother, is a character who embodies secrecy, power, and manipulation. Her relationship with Hannah is strained, marked by years of neglect and emotional distance.

Eden’s sudden appearance in Hannah’s life with her injured cousin Rory sets in motion the novel’s central conflict. Throughout the story, Eden remains an elusive figure, appearing at crucial moments to remind Hannah of her family’s dangerous ties to the Hawthorne family.

Despite her harsh and controlling nature, Eden is a mother who, in her own way, seeks to protect Hannah from the dark world she has always been a part of. However, her actions often have the opposite effect, driving Hannah further away and forcing her to reckon with the toxic legacy of their family.

Eden represents the complexities of motherhood and the damaging effects of family loyalty, pushing Hannah to decide whether she will continue to follow in her mother’s footsteps or break free from the past.

Jackson

Jackson is a local fisherman who plays a pivotal role in the narrative as both a reluctant ally and a source of emotional tension for Hannah. While he is initially portrayed as a man who distrusts others and keeps to himself, Jackson develops a begrudging respect for Hannah, especially as they share a sense of isolation from the world around them.

His connection to the Hawthorne family is primarily through his knowledge of the explosion and the events surrounding it, which he shares with Hannah as she begins to investigate further. Jackson’s role in the story is that of a protector, trying to keep both Hannah and Toby safe, even if it means putting himself at risk.

Throughout the novel, he serves as a grounding force for Hannah, often offering practical advice and a safe space for her to process her emotions. Despite his stoic exterior, Jackson’s own emotional struggles emerge, particularly in relation to his feelings for Hannah.

His role in the story is that of a steady, if sometimes frustrating, figure who represents a simpler life outside the complexities of the Hawthorne family drama.

Rory

Rory, Hannah’s cousin, is introduced early in the novel when he is brought to Hannah for medical care after a bar fight. His presence in the story is crucial as it further ties Hannah to the violent and dangerous world of the Rooney family.

Rory is portrayed as reckless and, like much of the Rooney family, involved in illicit activities. Though his role in the story is somewhat secondary to the main conflict, his interactions with Hannah reveal the deep-rooted violence and secrecy that pervades the family dynamics.

Rory serves as a reminder of the dangers that come with being part of the Rooney family, and his injuries serve as a catalyst for the events that follow.

Avery

Avery, the daughter Hannah names after Toby’s suggestion, represents both hope and the continuation of Hannah’s journey toward healing. Despite the heavy toll of her past, Avery symbolizes the future and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of violence and secrecy that has defined Hannah’s life.

As Hannah navigates her relationship with Toby and the trauma surrounding her sister’s death, Avery becomes a beacon of light, offering her the chance to live a life without the same burdens. However, as the novel ends, Avery also serves as a reminder of the uncertainty that lies ahead, with the lingering threat of Toby’s past casting a shadow over their future.

Avery’s presence in the story underscores the theme of resilience and the idea that, even in the face of dark memories, there is always the potential for renewal and growth.

Themes

Grief and Loss

Grief is a powerful and pervasive theme in The Same Backward as Forward, shaping the protagonist Hannah’s journey through the narrative. At the core of her story is the devastating loss of her sister, Kaylie, whose tragic death sends Hannah into a spiral of emotional turmoil.

Her grief is not just the sorrow of losing a loved one but also an overwhelming sense of betrayal and abandonment. Kaylie’s death is tied to the explosion on Hawthorne Island, and while Hannah feels deep sorrow, her grief is complicated by the circumstances surrounding it—especially her growing suspicion that it might have been avoidable or caused by someone she knows.

Throughout the novel, grief is intricately linked with guilt, particularly Hannah’s guilt for not having been able to save her sister. As she navigates her emotions, the loss of Kaylie constantly hovers over her actions, influencing her relationships with those around her, including the complex dynamic she shares with Toby Hawthorne.

Hannah’s grief is not confined to the past; it evolves, manifesting in different forms as the story unfolds. Her interactions with Toby reveal a deeper, unresolved sorrow.

Even as she resents him for his role in her sister’s death, there is a part of her that seeks closure through him. Her relationship with Toby becomes a way to cope with her loss, despite the tension and anger that arise between them.

In moments of quiet reflection and in their more charged exchanges, Hannah’s grief simmers to the surface. In the end, it becomes clear that she is not only grieving for Kaylie but also for the life she could have had—one free of the darkness of family secrets and violence.

The novel paints grief as a long-term companion, something that can never fully be let go of but must be carried and confronted in order for healing to occur.

Family and Legacy

The theme of family and its complex dynamics is central to the plot of The Same Backward as Forward, particularly in how family ties shape the protagonist’s decisions and emotional state. From the very beginning, Hannah’s relationship with her family is fraught with tension, secrecy, and manipulation.

Her estranged relationship with her mother, Eden, reflects the toxic nature of the Rooney family, who are deeply involved in dangerous dealings. As Hannah grapples with her grief over Kaylie’s death, she must also come to terms with the realization that her family has been a source of much of her pain.

Her mother’s sudden appearance in her life, demanding that she care for an injured cousin, Rory, brings this toxic legacy to the forefront.

Hannah is forced to confront the ways in which her family’s actions have shaped her identity. Her family’s reputation and violent history cannot be ignored, no matter how much she tries to distance herself from them.

The presence of the Hawthorne family further complicates matters, as their own secrets and connections to the Rooney family make Hannah’s world even more entangled. In caring for Toby (Harry), who is deeply connected to the Hawthorne family, Hannah finds herself bound by an unspoken code of loyalty to family, despite her personal reservations.

This internal conflict highlights the theme of legacy—how the actions and reputations of previous generations shape the lives of their descendants.

The weight of family expectations is also evident in how Hannah deals with the aftermath of the explosion. She feels trapped by the burden of her family’s legacy, unsure of how to break free from the dangerous web that they’ve woven.

In the end, the theme of family and legacy is about understanding the difficult choice between staying loyal to one’s roots and forging a new path. Hannah’s decision to leave Rockaway Watch and start a new life with her daughter, Avery, signifies her attempt to break the cycle and redefine her own legacy, free from the shadows of her past.

Revenge and Forgiveness

The Same Backward as Forward explores the tension between revenge and forgiveness, which forms a significant part of the protagonist’s inner conflict. At the heart of Hannah’s struggle is her desire to make those responsible for her sister’s death pay for their actions.

Her anger toward Toby, who she initially holds responsible for Kaylie’s death, drives much of her emotional turmoil. As she cares for him, though, this desire for revenge slowly transforms.

The more she interacts with Toby, the more she realizes that revenge might not bring her the peace she craves. His memory loss and the physical vulnerability he exhibits complicate her feelings toward him, as her desire for retribution clashes with her instinct to help him survive.

Hannah’s journey through this internal conflict illustrates the complexity of the human experience with vengeance and the difficulty in forgiving those who have caused immense pain. In caring for Toby, Hannah is forced to reckon with her own motivations.

She wants him to suffer, yet she is also compelled by her compassion and sense of duty. The moments where she debates letting him die reflect her anger, while her choice to save him signals the internal battle between revenge and forgiveness.

Ultimately, the relationship between Hannah and Toby becomes a slow path toward understanding and, in a way, forgiveness. Her decision to help him, despite her deep-seated resentment, demonstrates that true forgiveness is not a simple act—it is a process that requires time, reflection, and a willingness to let go of past hurts.

The theme of revenge and forgiveness is not just about the relationship between Hannah and Toby; it also extends to the broader context of family and legacy. As Hannah comes to understand the full scope of the dangerous world her family inhabits, she must confront the reality that the cycle of pain and revenge has persisted through generations.

In the end, the novel suggests that forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting or excusing the past; it is about choosing to break the cycle of vengeance in order to move forward and heal.

Identity and Self-Discovery

The theme of identity and self-discovery plays a significant role in The Same Backward as Forward, as the protagonist grapples with the complexities of who she is in the face of tragedy, family expectations, and unexpected relationships. Throughout the novel, Hannah is in search of her own identity, often feeling overshadowed by the events surrounding her sister’s death and the toxic influence of her family.

The internal conflict that Hannah experiences is rooted in her struggle to understand herself outside of the context of her family’s violence and her sister’s tragic fate.

Hannah’s relationship with Toby plays a crucial role in her journey toward self-discovery. As she cares for him and navigates her feelings of anger and betrayal, she also begins to question who she is in relation to him.

Their emotional and physical closeness forces her to confront her grief, her anger, and her own desires. As she unravels the complexities of her emotions, Hannah realizes that her identity cannot simply be defined by her family’s actions or her sister’s death.

She learns to separate herself from the expectations placed on her by others and starts to forge her own path.

By the end of the novel, Hannah’s sense of self has evolved significantly. Her decision to leave Rockaway Watch and start a new life with her daughter represents a form of self-empowerment.

She recognizes that in order to truly move forward and heal, she must take ownership of her own narrative, free from the suffocating grip of the past. The novel suggests that identity is a constantly evolving process, one that requires both self-acceptance and the courage to redefine oneself in the face of adversity.