These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker

ABOUT THE BOOK

Once held captive and tortured on a mysterious mountain, Dan was lucky to have made it out alive. But freedom comes at a cost. Left with little memory of the horrific ordeal, Dan remembers one thing—his escape meant having to leave his brother behind.With each day that passes, Dan waits with other survivors in hope of his brother’s escape. But just as long-forgotten memories start rising to the surface, the sudden appearance of a wounded woman throws everything further into question. As Dan struggles to know whom to trust, he is caught once again in a paralyzing moral dilemma—but this time, will he choose to save his own life or his brother’s life?

A poignant tale of the bonds of brotherhood, These Nameless Things will have readers frantically flipping pages for answers in this thought-provoking narrative.

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is a book that definitely made me think! In his author's note, Shawn Smucker talks about how Dante's Inferno influenced this story and even though I haven't read that classic, I am certainly intrigued with this book and its themes of grief, guilt, hope, and forgiveness. Dan is a person consumed by doubts and guilt and he blames himself for a tragedy that occurred because he allowed his brother Adam to fly a plane while he was under the influence of alcohol. After Dan and several others flee a mountain village that sounds a lot like purgatory, Dan feels even more guilt because he left his brother behind to endure the torture of that place. Even as he dreads the thought of returning, he can't forget that his brother is still there and he feels that he is the one who must save him.

Smucker has created several memorable characters for These Nameless Things but two are especially intriguing to me. Kathy is a deceitful person who isn't as she seems and Abe is patient, wise, and forgiving. Much of the first part of this book relates to Dan's efforts to save Adam and the second half shows the travelers regaining memories of their past lives as they journey to a land that promises love and forgiveness. I must say that the ending scenes are especially poignant and thought-provoking!

I had many questions left unanswered and I'm sure there will be many interpretations of this story. I recommend These Nameless Things to all who enjoy fantasy and allegorical fiction.

I received a copy of this book through the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to post a positive review and the views expressed are my own opinion.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Smucker is an author and co-writer who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He has also written the award-winning novel, The Day the Angels Fell, its sequel, The Edge of Over There, and Light from Distant Stars. 

You can find out more about him at his Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram

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