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jdsutter's review against another edition
3.0
I have really enjoyed Smucker's previous three novels and I was quite excited for this one. I wanted to like this book, but I don't know if I can. When I reached the end all I was left with were so many questions that I'm really struggling with how to feel about it.
I found the beginnings of the story confusing and I kept hoping that something would happen to clear things up somewhere along the way, but that moment never came. There was one scene toward the end that offered a slight hint at what in the world was actually happening, but it was so vague and full of ambiguity that all it did was incite more questions in my mind.
On the positive side, Shawn Smucker has a wonderful way with words. He has a way of storytelling that compels and entices you to keep reading. His characters and their emotions, feelings, and motivations are so vivid that they just come to life as you turn the pages. This is what made me stick with this book even though I had no idea what was going on.
There is something about These Nameless Things that feels vaguely reminiscent of MacDonald's At the Back of the North Wind, although the stories are very different. I can't quite put my finger on what makes me draw that comparison.
Ultimately, this is a haunting tale that has an ever-present sense of foreboding as you make your way through the pages. It left me dissatisfied, confused, and bewildered as I searched for the meaning and tried to make sense of it all. I was overcome with a tremendous feeling of melancholy as I closed the book and simply pondered it for several minutes.
While I can without hesitation recommend Shawn Smucker's prior works of fiction, I would say that unless you really enjoy unresolved stories, are completely fine with obscurity, and enjoy puzzling over a text the way one might over a piece of poetry that needs interpreting, then you might want to pass on this one.
2.5 stars
I found the beginnings of the story confusing and I kept hoping that something would happen to clear things up somewhere along the way, but that moment never came. There was one scene toward the end that offered a slight hint at what in the world was actually happening, but it was so vague and full of ambiguity that all it did was incite more questions in my mind.
On the positive side, Shawn Smucker has a wonderful way with words. He has a way of storytelling that compels and entices you to keep reading. His characters and their emotions, feelings, and motivations are so vivid that they just come to life as you turn the pages. This is what made me stick with this book even though I had no idea what was going on.
There is something about These Nameless Things that feels vaguely reminiscent of MacDonald's At the Back of the North Wind, although the stories are very different. I can't quite put my finger on what makes me draw that comparison.
Ultimately, this is a haunting tale that has an ever-present sense of foreboding as you make your way through the pages. It left me dissatisfied, confused, and bewildered as I searched for the meaning and tried to make sense of it all. I was overcome with a tremendous feeling of melancholy as I closed the book and simply pondered it for several minutes.
While I can without hesitation recommend Shawn Smucker's prior works of fiction, I would say that unless you really enjoy unresolved stories, are completely fine with obscurity, and enjoy puzzling over a text the way one might over a piece of poetry that needs interpreting, then you might want to pass on this one.
2.5 stars
carmelitasita's review against another edition
2.0
I received the ARC in a giveaway. I wanted to like this book, but found myself getting more and more impatient with it. By the last few chapters, I was speed reading just to get through. The writing is fine, but I wasn’t enamoured by the vague and foggy story/premise. It wasn’t until the main protagonist had to cross a river that I finally understood what was going on. I usually like to go into books fairly ignorant of what they are, but if I had known that this was sort of based on The Inferno, I may have had a bit more patience.
The last book I read that dealt with lost memory and a journey into the unknown was The Unburied Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro. That one fared better, because the story had a strong underpinning and gradually became clearer and clearer. This one? Not so much.
The last book I read that dealt with lost memory and a journey into the unknown was The Unburied Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro. That one fared better, because the story had a strong underpinning and gradually became clearer and clearer. This one? Not so much.
nicoletwalters's review against another edition
5.0
The best book to date by a master storyteller of our time. This book deserves a place on your shelf next to the classics it's style and depth reflect. As I was pulled into the heart of the characters and into the depths of the mountain with each page, I battled reading quickly to discover the trajectory of the story. Instead, I slowed my reading to savor the captivating character development and mystery that unfolded gracefully into an ending that stays on your mind for days to come. I will be reading again soon so I can also savor the untold depths of the quiet wisdom that is the undercurrent of Smuckers' books. You will get engrossed in the story and your belief about pain, redemption, and hope will be challenged.
the_lawyer_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a chilling nod to Dante’s Inferno and keeps you guessing before coming to a satisfying conclusion. It is incredibly well-written, which meant I flew through it in a couple of hours, as I was desperate to find answers! It is unclear who Dan can trust and, whilst questioning each character’s motives, the book also addresses questions of guilt, hope and shame. The mountain, which looms over the village, gave me chills every time it was mentioned. It is atmospheric and unique – well worth a read! Thank you to @lovebookstours @revellbooks and @shawnsmucker for my copy in exchange for an honest review!
michellef's review against another edition
2.0
These Nameless Things is a Christian speculative novel by author Shawn Smucker.
Well, it's always hard to write a review for a book I didn't absolutely love. So this book is one of those. I kept waiting for the book to get into salvation but it seemed to focus more on the negatives and left me with a lot of questions. It appears the characters were eventually heading east. Was that to be heaven? I must say I am more confused after reading this book than I was when I began it.
The author says in his author note that he has always found 'Dante's Inferno' intriguing. I haven't read this book so maybe that is why I am at a loss with this book and expected more. I feel like it's good writing especially if it would have focused more on salvation. I couldn't decide if I want to give the book 1* or 2**. However, because I believe the author is a good writer I did give it 2** in my review.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Well, it's always hard to write a review for a book I didn't absolutely love. So this book is one of those. I kept waiting for the book to get into salvation but it seemed to focus more on the negatives and left me with a lot of questions. It appears the characters were eventually heading east. Was that to be heaven? I must say I am more confused after reading this book than I was when I began it.
The author says in his author note that he has always found 'Dante's Inferno' intriguing. I haven't read this book so maybe that is why I am at a loss with this book and expected more. I feel like it's good writing especially if it would have focused more on salvation. I couldn't decide if I want to give the book 1* or 2**. However, because I believe the author is a good writer I did give it 2** in my review.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
tammiegitt's review against another edition
5.0
“These Nameless Things” lives in the space between what's happened and what's yet to come, what's known and yet to be known and the grace and forgiveness that winds through it all.
Shawn Smucker slowly and naturally reveals the secrets of a mysterious village at the foot of a mountain through the first through the first part of the novel before launching into an adventure in the second half that changes the lives of the villagers forever.
The setting of the novel, particularly in the second half, has a dreamlike, ethereal feel, but it deals throughout with the grit and heartache of walking through grief, pain and forgiveness.
“These Nameless Things” is a beautiful, spellbinding book that I know I will read again.
Shawn Smucker slowly and naturally reveals the secrets of a mysterious village at the foot of a mountain through the first through the first part of the novel before launching into an adventure in the second half that changes the lives of the villagers forever.
The setting of the novel, particularly in the second half, has a dreamlike, ethereal feel, but it deals throughout with the grit and heartache of walking through grief, pain and forgiveness.
“These Nameless Things” is a beautiful, spellbinding book that I know I will read again.
sassybookishmama's review against another edition
2.0
This is my first book by this author and I think he did an excellent job in his writing style however it was not my cup of tea. I wanted to like it so badly because the description is so intriguing and that cover just draws you in but I just could not get into it. The story is very much allegorical.
Dan is the main character and the one mainly telling the story. He once was a captive of the mountain but now he lives with the sole purpose of guiding others who have escaped the mountain into a new life. He also struggles with the fact that his brother is still in the mountain. I am honestly not going to give you more on the story because although there were other characters but you they don't truly delve into them and you don't find out what happens to them. (Again... so many questions).
I don't know if it was my mood or just the fact that the book gives you more questions than answers but I just was not into this book at all but I never liked Dante's Inferno and this is somewhat like that. I kept reading hoping I would start to enjoy it but I never did. At the end I was very disappointed that I was left with more questions than when I started and perhaps that may be that's the feeling the author wanted you to have at the end. I personally did not like that. I also felt that there was no real explanation on the redemption theme.
This is obviously just my personal review on the book and you may think differently and I hope you do! If you enjoy allegorical, dystopian and speculative books then this is definitely the read for you. Like I said before Shawn Smucker knows his style of writing an does a superb job in it however it was just not my type of book.
Dan is the main character and the one mainly telling the story. He once was a captive of the mountain but now he lives with the sole purpose of guiding others who have escaped the mountain into a new life. He also struggles with the fact that his brother is still in the mountain. I am honestly not going to give you more on the story because although there were other characters but you they don't truly delve into them and you don't find out what happens to them. (Again... so many questions).
I don't know if it was my mood or just the fact that the book gives you more questions than answers but I just was not into this book at all but I never liked Dante's Inferno and this is somewhat like that. I kept reading hoping I would start to enjoy it but I never did. At the end I was very disappointed that I was left with more questions than when I started and perhaps that may be that's the feeling the author wanted you to have at the end. I personally did not like that. I also felt that there was no real explanation on the redemption theme.
This is obviously just my personal review on the book and you may think differently and I hope you do! If you enjoy allegorical, dystopian and speculative books then this is definitely the read for you. Like I said before Shawn Smucker knows his style of writing an does a superb job in it however it was just not my type of book.
staceylovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker is a thought provoking read in a class by itself! I will be pondering this book for a long time to come.
I received an ecopy from the publisher. The opinion expressed is my own.
I received an ecopy from the publisher. The opinion expressed is my own.
lmbartelt's review against another edition
5.0
I have never been so drawn in by a story that left me feeling so disturbed and unsettled for most of it.
I read an early copy of this book because I'll read anything Shawn Smucker writes. I was disoriented from the first page. "WHAT is happening?" I kept asking myself. And with every page I turned, I was hoping for more understanding. What I got were more questions.
This probably sounds like a negative review of the story, but this disorientation is a strength because I could feel it along with the characters.
This book was like feeling your way in the dark through an unfamiliar house. At first, you inch along, afraid you're going to bang your shin on an end table or knock a picture frame off the wall. But then your eyes adjust and you start to see the shadowy outlines around you and a path opens up.
I hit that "eyes adjusted" point about two-thirds of the way through the book, and now I want to go back and re-read the whole thing.
You won't find many stories like this. And I hope you'll consider that the highest of compliments.
I read an early copy of this book because I'll read anything Shawn Smucker writes. I was disoriented from the first page. "WHAT is happening?" I kept asking myself. And with every page I turned, I was hoping for more understanding. What I got were more questions.
This probably sounds like a negative review of the story, but this disorientation is a strength because I could feel it along with the characters.
This book was like feeling your way in the dark through an unfamiliar house. At first, you inch along, afraid you're going to bang your shin on an end table or knock a picture frame off the wall. But then your eyes adjust and you start to see the shadowy outlines around you and a path opens up.
I hit that "eyes adjusted" point about two-thirds of the way through the book, and now I want to go back and re-read the whole thing.
You won't find many stories like this. And I hope you'll consider that the highest of compliments.
craftymanatee's review against another edition
3.0
While well written and unique in its setting and story, I also found it highly predictable from the beginning. I'm not one to give up on a book though so I read all the way through in 4 days. If you're looking for an easy read with some thought-provoking bits centered on how sin and grief can overtake us, then this is the book.
I received this book from as a reviewer from Baker Publishing Group. All words are my own.
I received this book from as a reviewer from Baker Publishing Group. All words are my own.