Intriguing and griping.

I really liked this book, probably because I am interested in reincarnation but it does hold its own as great listen even if you aren't interested in reincarnation.

I did feel that it lost its way at the last three chapters and could have had a better ending, but still gripping.

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Unexpected & Inspiring

Where does The Forgetting Time rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best

What did you like best about this story?

The mixture of original narrative mixed with what seemed like non fictional accounts of the subject, well researched and well written

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me think about the story long after I had finished it

Any additional comments?

I have seen comments with people being put off in the first chapter - don't be fooled! The first chapter is nothing like the rest. I had no idea what I was in for until the core of the story became apparent a few chapters in. This is an unexpected and very original work, definitely worth keeping with if you're skeptical at first.

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2 people found this helpful

Fascinating

A captivating story narrated by master storytellers who really differentiate the diverse characters. I believe that this enhanced the story a great deal and would definitely choose to listen rather than read the text. Definitely prompted me to undertake further reading into cases of children reporting past lives whilst in no way compromising my Christian faith. I will certainly seek out other books by this author.

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1 person found this helpful

Don't be put off by negative reviews

Would you consider the audio edition of The Forgetting Time to be better than the print version?

I wouldn't know - I have never had the print version. The audiobook does the job as you're doing other things.

What other book might you compare The Forgetting Time to, and why?

I have never read a theme like this before to compare it with, however it was refreshing and different

Which character – as performed by Susan Bennett and David Pittu – was your favourite?

Jerry - David Pittu was the better of the two narrators. Whilst good, Susan sometimes sounded a little simpering. However Davids voice and tone was strong and firm and I felt was able to portray Jerry's thoughts and feelings well - an intellectual man resigned to his fate with little fear and only a need to get to the end of this case. I could feel this though Davids reading

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I did feel like I should have been moved a little more by the whole thing, but for a first novel I thought the author still did quite well to stir emotions

Any additional comments?

There was a review or two further down that put me off by saying, 'the storyline was obvious and I guessed the ending by the middle'.. If I'm honest I don't really understand what else can be wanted from this book as I think it's clear from the beginning where the story has to go with this kind of theme, but it doesn't really take away from the story and I still enjoyed it for what it was.
I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because I wasn't keen on the woman narrator and I felt there was more to Janey that wasn't portrayed through her reading, and I did expect to feel more emotion by the end which I feel could have been achieved if written a little differently.

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1 person found this helpful

OK but annoying narration

the story was good and interesting, but the really annoying american accent was very distracting.

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1 person found this helpful

Thought provoking and very moving

wonderfully written book which held my attention throughout. found myself brought to tears a few times. An interesting subject dealt with brilliantly.

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Very different thought provoking

This book explores reincarnation and how to manage past lives seeping into present one.

Note to reader: To ultimately appreciate this work one must seek to suspend any scepticism on reincarnation and read this as the work of fiction it is

This book is set in New York and tells the story of Janie and her young son Noah. Janie has sex with a stranger on a beach with Noah being the result. Noah is ‘different’ He feels he is not ‘home’ and wants to go there. He also asks for his other mother and says he really misses her. Noah talks about another life and experiences that he has never seen or experienced in his current life. He talks about being held under water and being shot with a gun. He is terrified of water and goes ‘nuts’ if put in the bath.
Eventually his nursery manager intervenes and states she is going to call Child Protection services. Janie placates her and compromises by agreeing to seek therapy for Noah.
Therapy begins and with no clear answers until one psychiatrist gives a tentative diagnosis of early onset Schizophrenia. He prescribes medication which Janie is loath to give Noah.
Janie is concerned that there may be a hereditary linkage to this which she cannot prove as she has no knowledge of Noah’s paternal link.
Janie seeks help on the internet (as you do). Dr Jerome Anderson who has vast experience on past life regression was the result. However, Anderson has his own agenda. He has recently been diagnosed with a form of early onset dementia affecting his speech. He wants to achieve peer approval and proof for his theories which has so far proved very elusive. Time is now in short supply for Dr Anderson.
Anderson speaks to Noah and feels he can find his past family.
This story explores the selfless love of a mother for her son and how she will do almost anything to help him. The journey ahead is painful for both Noah and Janie in different ways. Thrown into the mix is a murder mystery.
I would never have picked up this book having read the synopsis. I chose it as on Richard and Judy bestseller list. I am so glad I did It was a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it. I felt the narrative aided the delivery of the story.

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3 people found this helpful

Brilliant and thought provoking.

Would you listen to The Forgetting Time again? Why?

I shall listen to it again, I very much enjoyed it, and it's very beautifully written.

What did you like best about this story?

The writing is the most impressive part, the story moves along and it's full of case histories which I had the feeling were true life although I'm assuming the main story wasn't.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The first chapter was strangely my favourite, but I enjoyed the whole book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Bit long for that but I was gripped.

Any additional comments?

If you are very against the theory that people reincarnate into new bodies after they have died, then there's no point in reading this, but if you are open to the idea you are going to enjoy this facinating book and want to study the subject more deeply. It's not preachy but it does require an open mind.

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2 people found this helpful

Do you believe in life after death?

Finished listening to this book in about two days. Thought provoking and at times emotional, it was difficult to consider the challenges each character faces. But each of us could be any of the characters - you can empathise with them all. A great listen, well written and marvellously narrated.

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Well written, quick read, fascinating subject

I really enjoyed this book. The topic is reincarnation which has always been a fascinating one to me, but the story is also about motherhood and relationships, and the way people's lives impact on other people's lives, in ways they don't even realise. This was just what I needed to get me reading again. In terms of the narration I enjoyed the 2 different voices telling the story from various viewpoints, and both voices were not irritating to me in any way!

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1 person found this helpful