Customer Reviews

Things Forgotten

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I was contacted by PearlGate Publishing awhile back, and offered a copy of Things Forgotten, a debut novel by Thomas N. Tabback. The premise sounded somewhat interesting, but debut novels are normally such that I try and keep my expectations in check. Turns out that I need not have worried... Tabback has written an incredible novel, made even more so by it being his first try. I was mesmerized by the story, and eagerly looked forward to picking it up each night for reading...

The story starts and ends with a cop by the name of Paul Kelly. He's a New York officer who has seen his share of death and evil. One night while out with his partner, they venture into an alley to follow what looks to be two individuals dragging a body towards a car. Everything looks to be under control, until one of the men pulls a gun, kills Kelly's partner, and pulls the trigger on a point-blank shot to Kelly's head. What should be the end of his life only serves to launch him back in time nearly 3200 years, back to when the nation of Israel was leaving Egypt and was starting to settle the land of Canaan as their own. Kelly drifts out of the hospital and becomes Nahar, someone who has a past as a veteran warrior but who wants nothing more than to just live in peace. He's forcibly conscripted by the Canaanites to fight the Hebrew invasion, but gets captured during the first attack on his position. Taken as a slave, Nahar should be put to death for his killing of one of the Israelites, but Jain (his master) can't shake the feeling that Nahar has something more to offer the Hebrews. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, agrees that God has marked Nahar for something special, and permits him to live. Nahar can't figure out why he's being spared, and tries numerous times to make his escape to head back to his own land. These escapes continually fail, and he slowly starts to become somewhat accepting of his new tribe and life.

Throughout all this captivity, Nahar is haunted by vivid nightmares involving the ritualistic slaying of his family by Baal priests when he was young. Min, an Egyptian leader, is an ever-present evil in Nahar's existence, and is offering Nahar the chance to join him and share in the riches and pleasures of life. Nahar know however, that giving in to Min is unthinkable, and that constant temptation binds him even closer to his Israelite "family". Nahar is conflicted as to what his real purpose is in life, and whether or not he truly believes in the God of Israel. All this leads up to a confrontation between good and evil, where Nahar has to remember his past and do what is right regardless of the outcome.

A 500 page novel by a first-time writer isn't usually a good sign. In this case, Tabback could have gone 700 and I would have been perfectly happy. It's not until the end of the book that you start to understand the Paul Kelly character in relation to Nahar, as 95% of the book takes place 3200 years ago. Still, the ending and merger of the characters back into the present is a nice ending, and sets the stage for additional books (which I *will* be reading). Tabback paints a detailed and rich picture of life in the land of Canaan, going to war against the inhabitants to claim the land. In no time at all, the characters become real people that had me caring deeply as to what happened to them. The love interest between Nahar and Tirzah is also played perfectly, walking the line between customs of the time and the reality of someone who has fallen deeply in love with a very independent woman. All in all, I loved the book...

Tabback is writing a second book to follow this called Rebellion. It will be a must-read for me when it comes out. If it's anything like Things Forgotten, it'll be a memorable read.

A good portion of the novel takes place in or around Israel, well before the coming of Christ and Muhammad. After reading the book's flap, I wasn't sure if this story was going to have a religious bent to it or not. For, I had picked up this book for entertainment value (and wasn't looking to be preached at). I was not disappointed, it's just a great adventure novel. Yes, there is definitely a religious/spiritual aspect to the story that I believe some readers may find to be in the same vein as `The Force' in "Star Wars".

I'm impressed with the author's research. Not just on the historical/Biblical characters, times, and places - He masterly weaves (without overdoing it) the geography, climate, and vegetation of the period into this rich adventurous tale. As with other great books that you can't put down, there can be dry spells. I only found one place in the book, where I thought it was starting to drag on. But within 2 pages, I was pulled back in, going off in another twist in the story.

Nicely done and I'm looking forward to reading more adventure novels from Thomas N. Tabback.

Outstanding writing! The book draws you right in from the beginning and keeps you on your toes until the very end. I don't usually read a lot of books and 500 pages seemed intimidating to me at first. However, this book was so engaging I read the entire book in a week and wished that there was more. I can't wait for "Rebellion" to come out and will be purchasing it as soon as it's released.

Rarely does a book by a seasoned author capture my interest like this one did, let alone a fairly new one. Tabback brought to life characters from an ancient era and made them so real I had to go find out more. I am very hungry for the next. This is the difference between good authors, and great ones.

This is a definite thumbs up. I couldn't wait to make more "reading time" for this book and you won't be able to either!

I just finished reading Thomas Tabback's debut novel "Things Forgotten" and must say it is a very enjoyable read. At almost 500 pages it was a bit intimidating, but quickly became convinced it was well worth the time. The book starts off following a typical day in the life of a present-day Bronx cop named Paul Kelley. When an event on the beat tragically leads to Paul getting shot in the head and rushed to the hospital in a coma, the reader suddenly finds himself following the life of Nahar, a simple farmer in ancient Canaan. The transition is abrupt and unexplained, and was somewhat distracting for me until the end of the book, where it comes full circle. It leads the reader to realize that people are all human and face the same emotions, choices, and consequences regardless of the time period in which they live.

We join Nahar just as the Hebrews, after being released from slavery in Egypt and wandering through the wilderness, are about to start their invasion of ancient Canaan. Much to his dismay, Nahar finds himself a captive of the Hebrew and he becomes a witness and eventual participant to historical events as the Hebrew, against all odds, conquer Canaan. An ordinary farmer with an unusual background finds himself in a position to influence a turning point in history. As I read this book, the Old Testament stories learned in Sunday School suddenly came alive with the emotions, danger, and uncertain outcomes of actually being in the center of the action.

The book is replete with historical references, effortlessly weaving names, places, customs, and historical events into the story line. For those who want to follow the historical angle more closely, there is a section of maps in the front of the book and a detailed glossary at the end. The historical research done for this novel is impressive. The only thing I found a bit annoying was people praying to God in King James English.

While it is a well-researched historical novel that helps teach history in an enjoyable way, it is also a very interesting and exciting novel, with continuous action and romance that hold your attention throughout the book. I found myself looking forward to picking the book up to read each night. Even after 500 pages I would have welcomed more.

I am very much looking forward to "Rebellion," the sequel, and will definitely be buying it as soon as it is available.

Wow! Things Forgotten is simply an incredibly well-written book. It is a better read than most of the NY Times bestsellers list. I don't finish many books of this length simply because they can't hold my attention that long. However, Tabback does a masterful job of hooking the reader and holding their attention. I would recommend this book to the most discriminating reader. A great investment of my time.

I stumbled on this novel because a mysterious stranger dropped it off at my front door. He told my wife that he thinks we would like it. I sensed that a book that had anonymous followers might be something special. Well, it did not disappoint. From the very beginning I was drawn in. Things Forgotten had everything a terrific novel has: adventure, action, romance, comradery, heartbreak, mystery, suspense. But most importantly this book taught faith, hope, manhood, and what it means to love and respect God. The genius of the book was in its extremely effective ability to transport the reader back in time 3000+ years to the time of the book of Joshua. While reading, I felt I could strongly relate to the main character and the people of that time. And toward the end of the novel I felt a bond with these characters similar to what I felt to Han, Princess Leia, and Luke the first time I watched Star Wars as a kid. I even teared up slightly at certain points and I don't think I've ever done that while reading a book.

After finishing the book I wanted to learn more and am now reading the book of Joshua.

I highly recommend this book. Mr Tabback, please write more. And thank you very much, mysterious stranger!

I found Things Forgotten an engrossing read. It combines a great story, fast paced action and historical context from ancient Canaan - I didn't realize how much I learned until I got to the Glossary! All the elements of a great novel. I highly recommend it.