These Nameless Things

Dan has lived in the village in the shadow of the mountain since he escaped from the pit beneath the mountain. The village used to house hundreds of people, and there was singing and joy and contentment. But slowly, the inhabitants of the village have left. Heading to the east, they say. There are but a handful of people remaining, and one more is set to leave when a mysterious woman drops into Dan's life. She tells him she has come from the mountain, and his brother is the last one left there. His twin brother, Adam.

Shawn Smucker has, yet again, crafted a story that has a dreamlike, yet irresistible, quality about it. This is not a quick, light read. At times it moves very slowly indeed. But it is a thought-provoking read that prompts the reader to consider how hard it is to be completely honest, even with oneself, and how far one might go for the good of someone he loves. Grace and forgiveness, and the hope of redemption.

My one disappointment with the story was Adam's character. His role in the story was covered in fairly short order, and given the description of the journey of others up from the pit, his seemed remarkably quick for his having been there the longest. I'll keep my theory as to why that is to myself, as I don't want to spoil anything for other readers.

Shawn Smucker is one of a handful of authors whose latest I will pick up without hesitating, because I know it will be a beneficial experience to read whatever tale he spins. These Nameless Things stays true to my experience of his work, and is deserving of the time it may take you to read and savor it.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy from the publisher. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't like.

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.