Things Forgotten (Hardcover)

~ Thomas N. Tabback (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

After a traumatic experience, Bronx Police Officer Paul Kelly awakens in a hospital with no memory. His life and loved ones are all lost to him, but a specter from the past awakens him to an identity more than 3200 years ago. In a time when the heavens still touched the earth and man witnessed the might of God with plain eyes, there lived Nahar, son of Nahath, son of Reuel. Through Nahar's eyes, Paul is about to recall events that would forever change the world, for he dwelt in the Jordan Valley of Canaan, as a chosen people prepared to cross the river into their Promised Land.

Prepare for an incredible journey as Nahar sweeps you into the historical events of the Israelite Conquest of Canaan, and discover the mystery of Nahar s connection with Paul.

About the Author

Thomas Tabback was born in North Carolina while his father was stationed with the Army at Fort Bragg. Later, his parents moved to Arizona where he grew up and discovered his passion for writing at an early age. When he was 12, he wrote his first short story and never put down the pen.

With his debut novel, Things Forgotten, Thomas ambitiously seeks to tell a story centered over 3200 years ago, the period of the Israelite Conquest of Canaan. It is a tale of the timeless struggle between good and evil, and the parallels between the lives of ancient peoples and those of us today. Together with his passion for ancient and biblical history, these are the themes which have shaped Thomas as a writer over the last two decades. His writing style is steeped in rich history and the essence of the human spirit, qualities that will surely linger with his readers.

Thomas and his wife of 13 years met and married while they worked a summer job at Universal Studios Hollywood. They now live in Austin, TX with their four children, where he writes amidst the beauty of the Hill Country. He is now writing the sequel to Things Forgotten, which he has already titled Rebellion. All he will say about it is that the journey has only just begun.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: PearlGate; First Edition edition (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976974002
• ISBN-13: 978-0976974000
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #968,986 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably one of the best debut novels I've ever read..., November 22, 2008

By	Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Great, February 23, 2009

By	M. Shepherd (Kentucky) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Things Forgotten is well worth the time, January 26, 2009

By	Ben Mattison - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.