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About this item
Highlights
- Before Dan opened his door to find a wounded woman who had escaped from the tormentors in the mountain, his life had become rather quiet.
- About the Author: Shawn Smucker is the award-winning author of Light from Distant Stars, the young adult novels The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There, and the memoir Once We Were Strangers.
- 336 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
Dan escaped captivity from the mountain long ago, but believes his brother is still there and waits each day in a nearby town for his escape. What Dan doesn't realize is that the rest of the townspeople are also waiting--but for reasons he never imagined.Book Synopsis
Before Dan opened his door to find a wounded woman who had escaped from the tormentors in the mountain, his life had become rather quiet. He and the eight other people in the mostly abandoned town had become friends. They spent peaceful evenings around the campfire and even made vague plans to journey east one day and leave the ominous mountain behind.But the woman's arrival changes everything.
Who is she? How does she know so much about Dan's brother, who is still held captive in the mountain? Why are long-forgotten memories rising to the surface? And why does Dan feel so compelled to keep her presence in his house a secret?
Visionary writer Shawn Smucker is back with an unsettling story that invites us to consider two challenging questions: To what lengths will we go to assuage our own guilt? and Is there a limit to the things we will do for the people we love?
From the Back Cover
"Powerful, startling. . . . This book is a wonder."--Susie Finkbeiner, author of Stories That Bind Us and All Manner of Things"Ultimately a survival story--how we survive the evils we have both committed and omitted on our terrible and beautiful journey home."--John Blase, poet and author
"A poetic, heartfelt meditation on guilt, grief, grace, and forgiveness, reminiscent of both Dante's Inferno and Lost."--Anne Bogel, creator of Modern Mrs Darcy and the What Should I Read Next? podcast
"Beauty and melancholy and hope and weight woven together. Not to be missed."--Andi Cumbo-Floyd, author of the Steele Secrets series
***
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 can recall one thing--his escape meant leaving his brother behind.
With each day that passes, Dan waits with the 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 into question. As Dan struggles to know who to trust, he is caught once again in a paralyzing moral dilemma:
How far will he go to save the people he loves?
Shawn Smucker is the award-winning author of Light from Distant Stars, the young adult novels The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There, and the memoir Once We Were Strangers. He lives with his wife and six children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You can find him online at www.shawnsmucker.com.
About the Author
Shawn Smucker is the award-winning author of Light from Distant Stars, the young adult novels The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There, and the memoir Once We Were Strangers. He lives with his wife and six children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You can find him online at www.shawnsmucker.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.4 Inches (W) x .9 Inches (D)
Weight: .66 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Sub-Genre: Christian
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Number of Pages: 336
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Theme: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Street Date: June 30, 2020
TCIN: 79515522
UPC: 9780800735302
Item Number (DPCI): 247-37-8415
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.9 inches length x 5.4 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.66 pounds
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5 out of 5 stars with 15 ratings
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4.8 out of 5 stars with 27 reviews
100% would recommend
3 recommendations
Powerful & Thought-Provoking!
4 out of 5 stars
Connie Saunders - 5 years ago
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 with 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.
Mesmerising
5 out of 5 stars
TessaT - 5 years ago
I read this book in 48 hours, & that's not because I had nothing to do. The pace and suspense is incredible.
Mesmerizing and unsettling at the same time, it is a haunting survival story which wakes up themes of guilt & forgiveness, love & sacrifice.
My husband is likely tired of hearing me talk about this book; I can't stop thinking about it but also don't want to give spoilers in case he picks it up. It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a fictional story so much. Will definitely be reading it again soon, despite my long tbr list.
"We smell like exhaustion. . . Yet somehow we also sound like hope,"; his writing voice is magnetic.
In the world of information overload, fiction is your friend, especially during stressful times. Get a copy, & then lend it to a friend.
This book is so powerful!
4 out of 5 stars
Kmthompson - 5 years ago
I loved this book for so many reasons and it was so so hard to put it down. I read it in 3 days, that’s how good it is. It’s such a beautiful story of redemption that reminded me of my own life and how God redeemed my life and story. There were so many powerful moments in this book that took my breath away and made me think deeper. I still think about this book even though I finished it. That’s when you know a book is good and has had an impact on your life - when you think about it for days, weeks later. Definitely give this book a chance, it’s incredible.
The Author's Best Work Yet
5 out of 5 stars
amykiane - 5 years ago
With These Nameless Things, Shawn Smucker gives us his best work to date. His writing just keeps getting better.
With the same other-worldly and supernatural essence to the story like his previous books, These Nameless Things made me feel what the characters were going through physically and emotionally. The imagery of each scene and how he shows you what each character, especially the main character, is going through evoked such an emotional response I would some times catch my breath.
While I read fiction as my escape, in the midst of all that is going on right now in the world, These Nameless Things reminded me that forgiving not only others but ourselves brings healing and where there is healing there is always hope.
(no review title)
5 out of 5 stars
Alison Treat - 5 years ago
An eerily beautiful and mysterious novel, rich in symbolism. Each new twist gave me chills. The themes of guilt, forgiveness, grace, and eternity were expertly woven into the fabric of the story. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
An Enchanting Journey of Hope!
5 out of 5 stars
cckidwell73 - 5 years ago
A story of hope. A story of forgiveness. A story of redemption. Best-selling author Shawn Smucker’s latest novel, These Nameless Things, takes readers on a journey that’s ripe with mystery and woven together with rich language, beautiful imagery, and characters that the reader comes to care about along the way. Highly recommended! Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the publisher.
(no review title)
5 out of 5 stars
SueBee19 - 5 years ago
These Nameless Things was the first book that I have read by Shawn Smucker. I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down! I had to know what was going to happen next. It define makes you think about life....guilt, mistakes, forgiveness....I will be definitely reading more of his books!
Modern Day Pilgrim's Progress
5 out of 5 stars
Ps1819grits - 5 years ago
These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker is a book you won’t be able to put down until you’re finished. And it will leave you wanting more of the story! I finished this book in less than 24 hours and was captured from the first chapter! Eerily suspenseful, very captivating, superbly written, seamless flow through the entire book! Every emotion is felt as the pages melt away!
A beautiful story that reminds me of Pilgrim’s Progress, you will hang on to every word as this story of survival unfolds! These Nameless Things pulls the reader in and makes one feel as if they were right there in the little village themselves! What does the mountain hold? Where did these people come from? What happened to their past and their families?
Read it. You will be in “wow” status with your breath taken away!
A Great Study of People
5 out of 5 stars
Andrea - 5 years ago
First of all, you need to know this is strongly influenced by Dante’s Inferno. If you know that going into it, you won’t be surprised by the plot or setting. Having just recently listened to a podcast do a review of The Divine Comedy over several episodes, I really enjoyed the setting and plot of this book.
It does not have a lot action, but it does have a lot of character and feeling. We have time to sit and feel with these characters. Sometimes we are sitting alone with a character and sometimes we are sitting amongst a group of characters. So it isn’t really the story of one person. It is a little bit about everyone contributing to the whole even when they aren’t trying to be a part of the whole.
This will make you think about guilt, forgiveness, truth, grace, past and present, the connections between people, and the space to process all of this. This is a great study of people.
A beautiful, heart-wrenching read.
5 out of 5 stars
Esther_Filbrun - 5 years ago
This book came at a very inconvenient time in my life, but after following the author for multiple years and enjoying his work, I knew I wanted to read his books. And oh—what a pleasure to finally get to do so! Shawn Smucker has told a tale with many threads, but woven together so skillfully that I doubt you could come away with anything less than hope—even though the story itself sometimes seems to lack that very element.
What I loved about this story the most was the characters. They shone here, in both their strengths and their imperfections. And though I feel like not a lot happened in the first part of the book, the characters and descriptions pulled me through, making me want to keep reading. Badly. Even when I really didn’t have time. I’m fairly certain I read the first third of this book in about one sitting—forgetting about everything else. Thankfully, dinner somehow still managed to get on the table in time that night!
In many ways, this book was one after my own heart. It shows how much unforgiven hurts can lead us to be stuck where we are, and only through forgiveness can we find the way forward. There are many deep things touched on in this story, and if you enjoy reading fantasy with a depth of truth to it, I’d recommend you check this out. Some parts of the setting are weird, but in the end, it’s one that I think a lot of us can learn from. And that’s not counting the fact that the way this story was written is achingly beautiful and almost merits a discussion in its own right!
Overall, I recommend this book. It isn’t necessarily a Christian story (although, if you’re like me, you will probably find a few allegories along the way), but it is a relatively clean read. I enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to trying out other books by this author.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
Thought Provoking
4 out of 5 stars
JLT - 5 years ago
I discovered Shawn Smucker from a podcast, and like learning about him and his wife's writing process. I really enjoyed the slow, yet compelling unfolding of the story. The characters were both likable and relatable. The storyline makes you think, yet the ending was satisfying. Perfect for those who enjoy a slow burn with payoff.
Enjoyable and Thought-provoking
4 out of 5 stars
AmpersAms - 5 years ago
I found this book to be both enjoyable and deeply thought-provoking, as is true of everything I've read from this author so far. Most of all, I was impressed by how it explores the profound and far-reaching effects of the choices we make in life and of the butterfly effect that occurs when we are willing to take responsibility for them, as well as when we are not.
A Look at The Things We Leave Behind
5 out of 5 stars
mana1024 - 5 years ago
I finished this book in two days! Simply - wow. I cannot get over Shawn's ability to pull us into another place. The characters feel real, the story pulls on your senses. You react, you feel, you anticipate and at the end go back to see how all the threads weaved together to create something so incredible and spellbinding. Another truly remarkable masterpiece. This is one you won't be able to put down, the story lingers and you get drawn into the characters and the desire of a man to save his brother, all the while realizing the ties that bind are not always as clear-cut as we'd imagined.
A book you will want to read again!
5 out of 5 stars
jkl - 5 years ago
Though I just finished reading These Nameless Things, I'm already planning on reading it again.
There are some books that, though their stories are captivating, you leave them behind when you close the story after the final page. These Nameless Things is the opposite of that. After finishing the book, my mind is constantly drawn back to the story found within its pages. From the first sentence to the final, the story is captivating and absolutely unforgettable. Though I know reviews should include more of the "why" someone loves the book, I don't trust myself to tell details, for fear of giving away too much. These Nameless Things is suspenseful, full of wonder, full of heartache, and yet somehow still full of hope. It is all the things I hope to find when I read a fiction book, and I can't wait for more of my friends to read it so we can discuss it!
Deep and Wide, A Mysterious Read
5 out of 5 stars
KChripczuk - 5 years ago
"These Nameless Things" will have you asking questions from page one. The pace is fast and the mystery at the heart of the book unfolds slowly, drawing you into its depth. This is one you'll want to re-read for sure and add it to your book discussion list for summer or fall!
Mysterious and Surprising
5 out of 5 stars
Sarah - 5 years ago
These Nameless Things is mysterious and surprising, a shrouded journey in which we can only ever see far enough to put one foot in front of the other, but when we turn and look back, we gasp in recognition of where we’ve come. A page-turner, a thought-provoker, and, ultimately, a heart-warmer. Reading this book is a little bit like watching the television show Lost, except that that show made me constantly doubt whether the script writers had any idea how it would all hang together. In Shawn Smucker’s deft and capable hands, I never doubted.
Another Powerful Read by Smucker!
4 out of 5 stars
EmilyP - 5 years ago
I am a relatively new reader of Smucker's work, having only read one other of his prior to "These Nameless Things," but I can say with full assurance that he is an author I will continue to follow. Smucker's works are challenging, ethereal, and reach each reader differently.
"These Nameless Things" is a story that sounds familiar, yet isn't one you've experienced before. The main protagonist, Dan, has a pretty uneventful life until the winds begin to shift, bringing an unexpected visitor from the mountain right to his front door. Will he help her? Or will he choose to turn away, keeping the status quo of the community he's learned to love?
Dan still searches the horizon every day for his brother, who is lost inside the mountain. As he begins to resume his quest of finding Adam, he realizes the great cost of his rescue mission. Self reflection of the years prior to his arrival in the small community leads Dan to question everyone and everything he holds dear--including Adam.
Will Dan finally face the shards of difficult memories that keep pressing forward? What will accepting his complicity in Adam's deeds before life in the village mean in the eventual end? Should Dan stay where he is comfortable, or move forward into the future, no matter the cost? All these questions are answered in "These Nameless Things."
Although it's not what I first anticipated, it was worth the investment! This book will take you to a different world in order to remind us all of the saving power of grace and second chances for freedom. Smucker's books continue to remind me that some stories don't always wrap up with a neat bow, but can hold powerful reminders of the importance of this life--one that can be at once difficult but beautiful.
Beautiful
4 out of 5 stars
Jess Westbrook - 5 years ago
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. I finished the book this morning and I have been pondering what I want to say about it. Firstly, this is the first book I have read by Shawn Smucker. It is beautifully written and incredibly thought provoking. It makes you ponder how far you would go for someone you love while also discussing forgiveness. Are you willing to forgive others, truly forgive them for what they’ve done? What about yourself? It is definitely a book that will stay with me for sometime.
Powerful Book
5 out of 5 stars
Jeanie - 5 years ago
These Nameless Things is a powerful story of love and forgiveness. It reminds me of C. S. Lewis's The Great Divorce. The characters are relatable and realistic, and the writing is so beautiful and evocative. This story sticks with you long after you close the book, which I love.
Powerful and engaging
5 out of 5 stars
jsher - 5 years ago
A mysterious, suspenseful, engaging story about guilt, memory, fear, and delving into what you least want to remember. The characters, particularly the main character, Dan, came to life for me, and the action kept me guessing and thinking deeply about guilt, forgiveness, sacrifice, and trust. Shawn Smucker, with a nod to Dante's Inferno, takes us on a spiritual journey with folks like us from the depths of our own personal demons toward where God wants us. This book will encourage deep thoughts, late-night read-a-thons, and, finally, hope despite, or perhaps because of, change. Highly recommended.