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The Circle of Conversation
THE CIRCLE OF CONVERSATION is the first book in Claude Nougat's series LUNA RISING (originally called "Fear of the Past" when first published in 2011 and re-released under the title "The Phoenix Heritage" in 2012). This is a fully revised second edition.
This is both a coming of age story and a family saga, raising the central question of nature vs. nurture.
Is it a curse to be too brilliant? For Tony Luna it is. He finishes school at fifteen and dives into a career designing complex video games. By the time he's nineteen, he's burned out like a man three times his age. And he's lonely. He wants out. He yearns for a world filled with real people and not avatars. His father who died when he was a kid used to talk to him about his homeland, Sicily, and how his family, the Lunas, fought many battles in the Middle Ages, making a name for themselves and a big fortune on the way - a fortune that however vanished in the early 1900s, leaving his father penniless.
Tony sets off for Sicily. Walking around the old town of Syracuse, he drifts into a palazzo with a strange name over the door, the "Circle of Conversation”, filled with people in disguise. But this is no costume ball. The Circle is a place out of Time, dark and humid, where the ghosts of his ancestors mill about and converse, waiting for Judgment Day – among them, a beautiful woman with deep, black eyes that promise love. But the door slams shut behind him, Tony is trapped. His trip to Sicily, meant as a simple voyage of self-discovery, has turned into a nightmare. How can he shake off the past and find himself?
This is both a coming of age story and a family saga, raising the central question of nature vs. nurture.
Is it a curse to be too brilliant? For Tony Luna it is. He finishes school at fifteen and dives into a career designing complex video games. By the time he's nineteen, he's burned out like a man three times his age. And he's lonely. He wants out. He yearns for a world filled with real people and not avatars. His father who died when he was a kid used to talk to him about his homeland, Sicily, and how his family, the Lunas, fought many battles in the Middle Ages, making a name for themselves and a big fortune on the way - a fortune that however vanished in the early 1900s, leaving his father penniless.
Tony sets off for Sicily. Walking around the old town of Syracuse, he drifts into a palazzo with a strange name over the door, the "Circle of Conversation”, filled with people in disguise. But this is no costume ball. The Circle is a place out of Time, dark and humid, where the ghosts of his ancestors mill about and converse, waiting for Judgment Day – among them, a beautiful woman with deep, black eyes that promise love. But the door slams shut behind him, Tony is trapped. His trip to Sicily, meant as a simple voyage of self-discovery, has turned into a nightmare. How can he shake off the past and find himself?
- GenresContemporary Romance
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2011
2 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Claude Forthomme
11 books109 followersNougat is a pen name. Real name: Claude Forthomme. Senior Editor Impakter Magazine, since 2014, covering social issues across the world and book reviews (only books I like!) All my articles on the magazine listed here:
https://impakter.com/author/claude-fo...
Born in Belgium, raised on three continents and tri-lingual, a Columbia University graduate (economics), I tried a variety of jobs from banking to teaching before joining the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome. Worked there 25 years, first on evaluation of aid projects and ended as Director for Europe and Central Asia.
From 2004, I worked for the Order of Malta as deputy observer to FAO and other Rome-based UN agencies - retired in 2018. And I continue with my two lifelong passions: writing fiction and figurative painting.
On the writing side: An award-winning children's book (1991) and a critically acclaimed novel set in Sicily (2007), both published in Italy (written in Italian); from 2011 onward, 6 titles in English, available on Amazon (published under pen name Claude Nougat).
On the painting side: From 2005 to 2015, a member of Artistes Indépendants (Paris) - participated in 14 collective shows, including two one-man shows in Paris and Rome.
Happily married and living in Italy.
Blog: http://claudenougat.blogspot.com
Hope to see you on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ClaudeNougatA...
Also on Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter.
I am the moderator of a Goodreads Group discussing Boomer literature, at http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8...
Boomer Lit Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/BoomerLit
Boomer Lit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BoomerLit
https://impakter.com/author/claude-fo...
Born in Belgium, raised on three continents and tri-lingual, a Columbia University graduate (economics), I tried a variety of jobs from banking to teaching before joining the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome. Worked there 25 years, first on evaluation of aid projects and ended as Director for Europe and Central Asia.
From 2004, I worked for the Order of Malta as deputy observer to FAO and other Rome-based UN agencies - retired in 2018. And I continue with my two lifelong passions: writing fiction and figurative painting.
On the writing side: An award-winning children's book (1991) and a critically acclaimed novel set in Sicily (2007), both published in Italy (written in Italian); from 2011 onward, 6 titles in English, available on Amazon (published under pen name Claude Nougat).
On the painting side: From 2005 to 2015, a member of Artistes Indépendants (Paris) - participated in 14 collective shows, including two one-man shows in Paris and Rome.
Happily married and living in Italy.
Blog: http://claudenougat.blogspot.com
Hope to see you on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ClaudeNougatA...
Also on Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter.
I am the moderator of a Goodreads Group discussing Boomer literature, at http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8...
Boomer Lit Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/BoomerLit
Boomer Lit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BoomerLit
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 23, 2012
The author, Claude Nougat has written a very clever story-within-a-story. The book has three distinct parts, “Forget the Past”, “Reclaim the Present”, and then “Remember the Future”. Overall, I found the plot of the book to be interesting. Sometimes the “plays” seem almost a parody of the characters. The third part, “Remember the Future”, was the most enjoyable part of the book.
The book combines elements of mystery, time travel, and the searching of family history into the Forget The Past trilogy. Antonio Bellomo who lives in Montreal, is the main character and is extremely intelligent but finds himself in a stage of ‘burnout’ before age eighteen. He is a natural born computer hacker and a genius programmer for video game software.
Antonio finished school at age thirteen and now overnight he feels like an old man. He woke up one morning and felt he could not get out of bed. He did not want to open his computer. After calling into the office ‘sick’, he stays in bed for a week and then decides to quit his job and to go visit his mother. His dad had died many years before, and he has not been close with his mom. The visit with his mother does not go smoothly because of her complaining and telling him that he is lazy.
Antonio felt he needed to go to Sicily and try to find an old family palace which was lost centuries ago due to his great grandfather’s gambling. He travels to Ortigia and visits the palace, but is surprised to find it is a museum with no pictures or any indication that the palace was ever owned by his ancestors. With great disappointment, he finishes the tour of the palace and walks around the old town from street to street. He has gotten hot, hungry and tired. As he is using his smartphone to try and locate his lodging, he sees an odd building. It is painted a baby blue and has columns. There are two very unusual stone lions sitting on the roof with an eagle carved between them. The lion statues held a white stone banner between them which was inscribed, “Circolo di Conversazione” or The Circle of Conversation. The guidebook did not list this building and now Antonio is intrigued. He walks to the door and looks for a bell. There was a large copper handle which moved easily as he held it and pushed on the door.
Now begins a shocking journey and you may ask yourself, “Is he alive, or is he dead?”
Join Antonio as he learns of his ancestors and past historic events and how they have intertwined with people and personalities. What if...you fell in desperate love with someone from the distant past, and you continue to see her eyes within a different person in a different time, in each century and generation you visit? Is memory genetically inherited? Can you save yourself from past events? What about the future ... and a virtual world of life which can be interactive with internet social clubs...Read the book for answers!
The book combines elements of mystery, time travel, and the searching of family history into the Forget The Past trilogy. Antonio Bellomo who lives in Montreal, is the main character and is extremely intelligent but finds himself in a stage of ‘burnout’ before age eighteen. He is a natural born computer hacker and a genius programmer for video game software.
Antonio finished school at age thirteen and now overnight he feels like an old man. He woke up one morning and felt he could not get out of bed. He did not want to open his computer. After calling into the office ‘sick’, he stays in bed for a week and then decides to quit his job and to go visit his mother. His dad had died many years before, and he has not been close with his mom. The visit with his mother does not go smoothly because of her complaining and telling him that he is lazy.
Antonio felt he needed to go to Sicily and try to find an old family palace which was lost centuries ago due to his great grandfather’s gambling. He travels to Ortigia and visits the palace, but is surprised to find it is a museum with no pictures or any indication that the palace was ever owned by his ancestors. With great disappointment, he finishes the tour of the palace and walks around the old town from street to street. He has gotten hot, hungry and tired. As he is using his smartphone to try and locate his lodging, he sees an odd building. It is painted a baby blue and has columns. There are two very unusual stone lions sitting on the roof with an eagle carved between them. The lion statues held a white stone banner between them which was inscribed, “Circolo di Conversazione” or The Circle of Conversation. The guidebook did not list this building and now Antonio is intrigued. He walks to the door and looks for a bell. There was a large copper handle which moved easily as he held it and pushed on the door.
Now begins a shocking journey and you may ask yourself, “Is he alive, or is he dead?”
Join Antonio as he learns of his ancestors and past historic events and how they have intertwined with people and personalities. What if...you fell in desperate love with someone from the distant past, and you continue to see her eyes within a different person in a different time, in each century and generation you visit? Is memory genetically inherited? Can you save yourself from past events? What about the future ... and a virtual world of life which can be interactive with internet social clubs...Read the book for answers!
January 10, 2012
This is a pretty interesting story - history and romance intertwined in a fantasy setting. Its a story of one man's search for meaning - only to realize later on that the key to that understanding lies in his past - but first he must figure out the connection. Its entertaining being carried from one story to another - learning at the same time with the protagonist as facts about his past unravels before him . Its like this book is a compilation of life's drama - each chapter bringing me some kind of realization. It definitely made me hooked - as I am introduced to different characters who all have a very engaging life story to tell. The plot is never boring, and despite being truly unusual - its something believable. Its also easy to follow irregardless of the vast cast and the never-ending dialogues.
This book may seem to only tell us of the lives of the characters, one at a time. But the author filled each story with meanings - of understanding the different faces of love and sacrifices, and of realizing that what's important for one person may not be the same for another. Some may value beauty, money, honor or security above everything else. But some people live for love - and that love can stretch through centuries.
The only thing I didn't like much about this book - is that Tony is so skeptical about where he is and of what's being presented to him. I just felt like its either he is being stupid to see or proud to admit that there is something supernatural going on around him.
But overall, this for me, is definitely one of my best reads. The story is unique, enjoyable, plus its well-written.
This book may seem to only tell us of the lives of the characters, one at a time. But the author filled each story with meanings - of understanding the different faces of love and sacrifices, and of realizing that what's important for one person may not be the same for another. Some may value beauty, money, honor or security above everything else. But some people live for love - and that love can stretch through centuries.
The only thing I didn't like much about this book - is that Tony is so skeptical about where he is and of what's being presented to him. I just felt like its either he is being stupid to see or proud to admit that there is something supernatural going on around him.
But overall, this for me, is definitely one of my best reads. The story is unique, enjoyable, plus its well-written.
April 21, 2016
I’ve read other works by Nougat and know that among her many talents she’s an artist. Believe me when I say she’s an artist with words as well as paints and brushes. LUNA RISING is no exception.
New York computer whizz-kid, Tony Luna, is burnt out at the tender age of 19. Working since his mid-teens as a video games developer he makes the sudden decision—against his mother’s wishes—to quit and investigate his late father’s Sicilian aristocratic ancestry.
So far, nothing unusual. As far as the story goes, anyway. The writing is a different matter. It’s lovely. The language embraced me and took me into the story, away from my own setting and into Tony’s.
This book is not a quick read. Originally three novellas the author has rolled them into one very-satisfyingly long read. I love a big book and much to my regret these are now hard to find.
Mind you, to keep you reading big books need to be good.
And this one is good. I found the phrase ‘tour de force’ playing around in my mind and I don’t think I’m wrong.
It has so many elements in its exploration of the present entwined with the past that presents lessons that Tony needs to learn for the future that I find it hard to put it into any genre. I notice that in Amazon’s best-selling lists it’s categorised under Visionary, Metaphysical, Horror, and Occult. One could add Fantasy, Computing, Crime—and probably more than I can conjure up.
This is a story that defies easy labelling and that's part of its beauty and appeal. There is so much going on it totally occupies the mind.
New York computer whizz-kid, Tony Luna, is burnt out at the tender age of 19. Working since his mid-teens as a video games developer he makes the sudden decision—against his mother’s wishes—to quit and investigate his late father’s Sicilian aristocratic ancestry.
So far, nothing unusual. As far as the story goes, anyway. The writing is a different matter. It’s lovely. The language embraced me and took me into the story, away from my own setting and into Tony’s.
This book is not a quick read. Originally three novellas the author has rolled them into one very-satisfyingly long read. I love a big book and much to my regret these are now hard to find.
Mind you, to keep you reading big books need to be good.
And this one is good. I found the phrase ‘tour de force’ playing around in my mind and I don’t think I’m wrong.
It has so many elements in its exploration of the present entwined with the past that presents lessons that Tony needs to learn for the future that I find it hard to put it into any genre. I notice that in Amazon’s best-selling lists it’s categorised under Visionary, Metaphysical, Horror, and Occult. One could add Fantasy, Computing, Crime—and probably more than I can conjure up.
This is a story that defies easy labelling and that's part of its beauty and appeal. There is so much going on it totally occupies the mind.
April 30, 2012
I have to admit that I loved this series for all the reasons I had not expected. The first one being the novel's effort of describing various technological domains. Next, well thought-out plot. Last, excellent writing.
Tony is now trying to live his present life and wants to win the heart of the girl, he loves - Lucia. The concept of integrating "Second Life" with "Facebook" is interesting. All the tech words and concepts sounds fun to read. But, Tony has some really bad problems with his investors, who happen to be gangsters. Will Tony claim his present life and make it successful? Or would he do the same mistakes as his ancestors and bring down everything he loves?
I really have to appreciate the author for trying to give us an explanation for Tony's visits to his ancestors' past. Hats off!!! This novel also felt like a mystery novel, when the concept of hackers was thrown in. The newly introduced characters were really good, especially Billy, the security expert.
Am really glad that I picked up this series. Recommended!
A perfect ending to a beautifully written series!
Tony is now trying to live his present life and wants to win the heart of the girl, he loves - Lucia. The concept of integrating "Second Life" with "Facebook" is interesting. All the tech words and concepts sounds fun to read. But, Tony has some really bad problems with his investors, who happen to be gangsters. Will Tony claim his present life and make it successful? Or would he do the same mistakes as his ancestors and bring down everything he loves?
I really have to appreciate the author for trying to give us an explanation for Tony's visits to his ancestors' past. Hats off!!! This novel also felt like a mystery novel, when the concept of hackers was thrown in. The newly introduced characters were really good, especially Billy, the security expert.
Am really glad that I picked up this series. Recommended!
A perfect ending to a beautifully written series!
January 15, 2012
Are we products of the surroundings or of the past? This story takes nature v. nurture to the basic core of our existence. When Tony stumbles into a building filled with his ancestors, he learns their stories. Is his life intertwined with theirs, or is his life a product of his present day upbringing by his mother?
I really enjoyed this story because it made history come alive. When his ancestors told their stories it was through plays and you felt like that story really took place at that particular time. You could also feel Tony’s confusion and frustration while he was with his ancestors.
In the end the question becomes can he forget the past or even should he?
It is a quick read; I read it in a couple of days. This is book one of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to continue reading Tony’s story.
I really enjoyed this story because it made history come alive. When his ancestors told their stories it was through plays and you felt like that story really took place at that particular time. You could also feel Tony’s confusion and frustration while he was with his ancestors.
In the end the question becomes can he forget the past or even should he?
It is a quick read; I read it in a couple of days. This is book one of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to continue reading Tony’s story.
December 3, 2011
I found fascinating the author's approach to having the main character discover his family history. The book is a bit Alice in Wonderland, a bit Dante's Inferno, and a lot about coming of age and self-discovery.
Nougat's method of fleshing out her protagonist and his discovery of his past is inventive. She throws an amazing collection of characters at the reader, characters who run the gamut of human personality.
I enjoyed reading this book and have ordered the next in the series.
Nougat's method of fleshing out her protagonist and his discovery of his past is inventive. She throws an amazing collection of characters at the reader, characters who run the gamut of human personality.
I enjoyed reading this book and have ordered the next in the series.
April 20, 2012
Forget the Past (The Trilogy)
Claude Nougat
I think that Forget the Past is one of the most innovative themes I have encountered recently. The book has an intricate structure that defies categorization. I suppose that I’d have to call it fantasy but it is certainly nontraditional. The weakness in the book is in the character of Tony, who after the first novella sees everything in terms of the past. He even interacts with new characters, like his girlfriend Lucia, as if they are nothing more than current incarnations of people he loved in the past. Perhaps this is simply part of his youth and his lack of real life experience with people; relationships are often baffling to most prodigies. The book is structured as 3 novellas contained in one volume which chronicle the young adult experiences of Tony Bellamo, a brilliant 18-year-old American technology prodigy who has burnt out of his job creating and programming videogames. He quits his job and decides to explore his aristocratic paternal family roots in Sicily. His father, a romantic figure in Tony’s memory, died when Tony was quite young.
In Forget the Past, Tony, after having been disappointed at finding no traces of his family in the patriarchal palazzo that was lost years before his birth, stumbles into a wrinkle in time – a Conversation Club in his father’s home town. This club is actually a place outside of time, a limbo where all of his paternal ancestors still live, dressed in the finery of their day, reenacting scenes from their lives. Tony finds that he has lived before, loved the gorgeous countess Luiza and lost her, never really capitalizing on the life he could have had. He escapes from the Conversation Club before its destruction and still must face the life ahead of him.
Reclaim the Present, the second installment finds Tony having had a terrible accident while on a picnic with his new love, Lucia. The accident pulls him into the past, where he finds himself in the body of the family patriarch when the family fortunes were lost. Tony is able to see the causes but will he be able to help? Will he be stuck in 1908?
Part 3, Remember the Future, shows Tony back in the present day. Trying to create his own destiny and impress the woman he loves, Tony finds a job at the local university and creates a new form of social media based on the Conversation Club. Unfortunately, his new project, his lady love, and his life are threatened by his investors – Sicilian mafia and Russia mobsters.
PS The author has a background in IT and should develop the idea of the Conversation Club as outlined in Remember the Future. That would be amazing!
Claude Nougat
I think that Forget the Past is one of the most innovative themes I have encountered recently. The book has an intricate structure that defies categorization. I suppose that I’d have to call it fantasy but it is certainly nontraditional. The weakness in the book is in the character of Tony, who after the first novella sees everything in terms of the past. He even interacts with new characters, like his girlfriend Lucia, as if they are nothing more than current incarnations of people he loved in the past. Perhaps this is simply part of his youth and his lack of real life experience with people; relationships are often baffling to most prodigies. The book is structured as 3 novellas contained in one volume which chronicle the young adult experiences of Tony Bellamo, a brilliant 18-year-old American technology prodigy who has burnt out of his job creating and programming videogames. He quits his job and decides to explore his aristocratic paternal family roots in Sicily. His father, a romantic figure in Tony’s memory, died when Tony was quite young.
In Forget the Past, Tony, after having been disappointed at finding no traces of his family in the patriarchal palazzo that was lost years before his birth, stumbles into a wrinkle in time – a Conversation Club in his father’s home town. This club is actually a place outside of time, a limbo where all of his paternal ancestors still live, dressed in the finery of their day, reenacting scenes from their lives. Tony finds that he has lived before, loved the gorgeous countess Luiza and lost her, never really capitalizing on the life he could have had. He escapes from the Conversation Club before its destruction and still must face the life ahead of him.
Reclaim the Present, the second installment finds Tony having had a terrible accident while on a picnic with his new love, Lucia. The accident pulls him into the past, where he finds himself in the body of the family patriarch when the family fortunes were lost. Tony is able to see the causes but will he be able to help? Will he be stuck in 1908?
Part 3, Remember the Future, shows Tony back in the present day. Trying to create his own destiny and impress the woman he loves, Tony finds a job at the local university and creates a new form of social media based on the Conversation Club. Unfortunately, his new project, his lady love, and his life are threatened by his investors – Sicilian mafia and Russia mobsters.
PS The author has a background in IT and should develop the idea of the Conversation Club as outlined in Remember the Future. That would be amazing!
May 9, 2012
I think that Forget the Past is one of the most innovative themes I have encountered recently. The book has an intricate structure that defies categorization. I suppose that I’d have to call it fantasy but it is certainly nontraditional. The weakness in the book is in the character of Tony, who after the first novella sees everything in terms of the past. He even interacts with new characters, like his girlfriend Lucia, as if they are nothing more than current incarnations of people he loved in the past. Perhaps this is simply part of his youth and his lack of real life experience with people; relationships are often baffling to most prodigies. The book is structured as 3 novellas contained in one volume which chronicle the young adult experiences of Tony Bellamo, a brilliant 18-year-old American technology prodigy who has burnt out of his job creating and programming videogames. He quits his job and decides to explore his aristocratic paternal family roots in Sicily. His father, a romantic figure in Tony’s memory, died when Tony was quite young.
In Forget the Past, Tony, after having been disappointed at finding no traces of his family in the patriarchal palazzo that was lost years before his birth, stumbles into a wrinkle in time – a Conversation Club in his father’s home town. This club is actually a place outside of time, a limbo where all of his paternal ancestors still live, dressed in the finery of their day, reenacting scenes from their lives. Tony finds that he has lived before, loved the gorgeous countess Luiza and lost her, never really capitalizing on the life he could have had. He escapes from the Conversation Club before its destruction and still must face the life ahead of him.
Reclaim the Present, the second installment finds Tony having had a terrible accident while on a picnic with his new love, Lucia. The accident pulls him into the past, where he finds himself in the body of the family patriarch when the family fortunes were lost. Tony is able to see the causes but will he be able to help? Will he be stuck in 1908?
Part 3, Remember the Future, shows Tony back in the present day. Trying to create his own destiny and impress the woman he loves, Tony finds a job at the local university and creates a new form of social media based on the Conversation Club. Unfortunately, his new project, his lady love, and his life are threatened by his investors – Sicilian mafia and Russia mobsters.
PS The author has a background in IT and should develop the idea of the Conversation Club as outlined in Remember the Future. That would be amazing!
In Forget the Past, Tony, after having been disappointed at finding no traces of his family in the patriarchal palazzo that was lost years before his birth, stumbles into a wrinkle in time – a Conversation Club in his father’s home town. This club is actually a place outside of time, a limbo where all of his paternal ancestors still live, dressed in the finery of their day, reenacting scenes from their lives. Tony finds that he has lived before, loved the gorgeous countess Luiza and lost her, never really capitalizing on the life he could have had. He escapes from the Conversation Club before its destruction and still must face the life ahead of him.
Reclaim the Present, the second installment finds Tony having had a terrible accident while on a picnic with his new love, Lucia. The accident pulls him into the past, where he finds himself in the body of the family patriarch when the family fortunes were lost. Tony is able to see the causes but will he be able to help? Will he be stuck in 1908?
Part 3, Remember the Future, shows Tony back in the present day. Trying to create his own destiny and impress the woman he loves, Tony finds a job at the local university and creates a new form of social media based on the Conversation Club. Unfortunately, his new project, his lady love, and his life are threatened by his investors – Sicilian mafia and Russia mobsters.
PS The author has a background in IT and should develop the idea of the Conversation Club as outlined in Remember the Future. That would be amazing!
January 6, 2013
Forget the past by Claude Nougat is a fictional novel, which portrays "Sicilian" history through Bellomo family. Author’s writing is exceptional, which makes every transition in story seems more than real. The story is gripping and incredibly detailed, there are few historical references character references, which makes story even more appealing.
Supposedly, the last descendent of Bellomo family, is a seventeen year "Anthony Bellomo" or more commonly known as Tony. Anthony is a Computer Genius, a born hacker for whom programming is as easy as breathing. He becomes a top notch games programmer and is a part of one of the hottest teams in the video games industry. But on one fine day Anthony's whole world collapses, he's facing burnout! He starts asking himself what he is doing, with life, with genius-ness bestowed upon him and when he couldn't decide the answer he quits his job and decides to visit Sicily and explore his family roots, as it was his father’s wish before he died.
Once in Sicily, first place Anthony visits is Bellomo palace, Ortigia. But as it happens it was turned into a museum, and there wasn't even a single portrait of any Bellomo ancestor. Too disappointed and hungry, Anthony tries to figure out way to his hotel, and that's when he sees, Circolo di Conversazione : Circle of Conversation. Natural curiosity and born instincts make Anthony to check it out. But once inside he sees things that he shouldn't have. There were peoples, lot's of them.. waiting.. and preparing for the Judgement Day, and when he tries to get out of there, he couldn’t he was locked in… and thus the story starts!
"Forget the past" has a very unique plot, which keep its readers hooked and wanting for more. There are comprehensive and complete subplots each with a key character, which describe their life before coming to "Circolo di Conversazione". Though this book is really attentive to various characters, but it fails to get its readers to connect with protagonist of the story Anthony, a bit more information about him would have helped a lot to get bonded with him.
So on concluding notes i would say it's a great read, and I am really glad that it has a sequel to it, as it is the first book from "The Fear of the Past Trilogy". And I am really looking forward to reading remaining two books, but for the time being this book scores 4 of 5.
Supposedly, the last descendent of Bellomo family, is a seventeen year "Anthony Bellomo" or more commonly known as Tony. Anthony is a Computer Genius, a born hacker for whom programming is as easy as breathing. He becomes a top notch games programmer and is a part of one of the hottest teams in the video games industry. But on one fine day Anthony's whole world collapses, he's facing burnout! He starts asking himself what he is doing, with life, with genius-ness bestowed upon him and when he couldn't decide the answer he quits his job and decides to visit Sicily and explore his family roots, as it was his father’s wish before he died.
Once in Sicily, first place Anthony visits is Bellomo palace, Ortigia. But as it happens it was turned into a museum, and there wasn't even a single portrait of any Bellomo ancestor. Too disappointed and hungry, Anthony tries to figure out way to his hotel, and that's when he sees, Circolo di Conversazione : Circle of Conversation. Natural curiosity and born instincts make Anthony to check it out. But once inside he sees things that he shouldn't have. There were peoples, lot's of them.. waiting.. and preparing for the Judgement Day, and when he tries to get out of there, he couldn’t he was locked in… and thus the story starts!
"Forget the past" has a very unique plot, which keep its readers hooked and wanting for more. There are comprehensive and complete subplots each with a key character, which describe their life before coming to "Circolo di Conversazione". Though this book is really attentive to various characters, but it fails to get its readers to connect with protagonist of the story Anthony, a bit more information about him would have helped a lot to get bonded with him.
So on concluding notes i would say it's a great read, and I am really glad that it has a sequel to it, as it is the first book from "The Fear of the Past Trilogy". And I am really looking forward to reading remaining two books, but for the time being this book scores 4 of 5.
June 5, 2013
I actually really enjoyed this book but I'm finding that I'm having a hard time putting my feelings into words. Will here it goes, I'll try my best! Tony is a very smart young man who finishes school early and begins to work as a video game creator. He becomes burnt out and decides that he's tired of this life and quits his job. Tony's father, who is deceased, had always told him stories of his ancestors so he travels to Sicily in search of his family roots. While there, he enters and becomes trapped in what appears to be an abandoned building.
Once he is there he realizes this building is not "abandoned", but is full of the "ghosts" of his ancestors. He becomes trapped in this time warp and realizes there is more to him than he ever knew and that he is in love with a woman he hasn't met before in this lifetime.
Like I said, I don't really know how to explain my feelings with this book. It's a little like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Once I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down. It really grabbed my interest from the beginning and it's unlike anything I've ever read before. The "plays" that were put on throughout this story were very interesting and I felt like I was actually sitting there watching them because Claude made it so easy to visualize. By watching these plays, Tony learns even more about his family and himself.
I think that this is a book you'd have to read for yourself to fully understand what it's all about. I'm definitely looking forward to reading what happens with Tony next in the second book. If you would like a mix of fantasy, history, and a bit of romance, then this may be the book for you.
Once he is there he realizes this building is not "abandoned", but is full of the "ghosts" of his ancestors. He becomes trapped in this time warp and realizes there is more to him than he ever knew and that he is in love with a woman he hasn't met before in this lifetime.
Like I said, I don't really know how to explain my feelings with this book. It's a little like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Once I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down. It really grabbed my interest from the beginning and it's unlike anything I've ever read before. The "plays" that were put on throughout this story were very interesting and I felt like I was actually sitting there watching them because Claude made it so easy to visualize. By watching these plays, Tony learns even more about his family and himself.
I think that this is a book you'd have to read for yourself to fully understand what it's all about. I'm definitely looking forward to reading what happens with Tony next in the second book. If you would like a mix of fantasy, history, and a bit of romance, then this may be the book for you.
June 28, 2011
I figured I would enjoy this book because of its unique description:
"When Tony, a gifted child and brilliant video game creator, turns 17, he suffers burnout and feels like an old man. He goes to Sicily, the homeland of his deceased father, to search for his roots. An abandoned palazzo with a strange name inscribed above the door, the Circolo di Conversazione, attracts his attention. He walks in and meets the ghosts of all his ancestors going back 900 years, milling about, waiting for Judgment Day."
I was hooked the moment I began reading. Unlike anything I have ever read, Forget the Past manages to delve a little into the history of many a character while creating very human tales of tragedy and love. Although Tony is the lead character in the novel, the in-depth stories are more about his ancestors than about himself, a 17 year old boy who is trying to find out who HE really is.
The stories (there were many intertwined within the book) were easily to visualise in my mind's eye and I would love to see this book made into a movie... it would certainly make a terrific one!
This is only the first in a trilogy about young Tony Bellomo and I can't wait to read the rest. I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone. Whether you're a young adult or an old timer, Forget the Past is well worth the read!
"When Tony, a gifted child and brilliant video game creator, turns 17, he suffers burnout and feels like an old man. He goes to Sicily, the homeland of his deceased father, to search for his roots. An abandoned palazzo with a strange name inscribed above the door, the Circolo di Conversazione, attracts his attention. He walks in and meets the ghosts of all his ancestors going back 900 years, milling about, waiting for Judgment Day."
I was hooked the moment I began reading. Unlike anything I have ever read, Forget the Past manages to delve a little into the history of many a character while creating very human tales of tragedy and love. Although Tony is the lead character in the novel, the in-depth stories are more about his ancestors than about himself, a 17 year old boy who is trying to find out who HE really is.
The stories (there were many intertwined within the book) were easily to visualise in my mind's eye and I would love to see this book made into a movie... it would certainly make a terrific one!
This is only the first in a trilogy about young Tony Bellomo and I can't wait to read the rest. I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone. Whether you're a young adult or an old timer, Forget the Past is well worth the read!
October 17, 2011
Tony Bellom is a top notch programmer who at the age of 17 is burned out & decides to go to Sicily to learn more about his ancestors (his father died when Tony was only five). Tony hopes that the trip will help him discover all the missing pieces of his life.
After visiting Bellom palace Tony accidentally walks into Circolo di Conversazione where he bumps into his dead ancestors conversing & arguing.
Through the plays put up for the benefit of all present in the Chat Club Tony learns a bit about his family & more than he ever expected about himself and his past life.
Throughout the whole book Claude brilliantly depicts the fears we all face, regardless of our age (aging, life purpose, life achievements etc.).
She also puts an old world & believes in opposition to Toni’s world & his upbringing. By many of his relatives he is seen as a threat ‘cos he wants to change the way things have been done in the family for centuries.
“Forget the Past” is a beautifully written, very visual and entertaining story. Good read not only for teenagers but also more grown up people who are on a lookout for something different than vampires ☺
Can’t wait to get my hands on RECLAIM THE PRESENT.
After visiting Bellom palace Tony accidentally walks into Circolo di Conversazione where he bumps into his dead ancestors conversing & arguing.
Through the plays put up for the benefit of all present in the Chat Club Tony learns a bit about his family & more than he ever expected about himself and his past life.
Throughout the whole book Claude brilliantly depicts the fears we all face, regardless of our age (aging, life purpose, life achievements etc.).
She also puts an old world & believes in opposition to Toni’s world & his upbringing. By many of his relatives he is seen as a threat ‘cos he wants to change the way things have been done in the family for centuries.
“Forget the Past” is a beautifully written, very visual and entertaining story. Good read not only for teenagers but also more grown up people who are on a lookout for something different than vampires ☺
Can’t wait to get my hands on RECLAIM THE PRESENT.
April 30, 2012
The novel starts right where the first part ended. Tony Bellamo was out of the Circolo and is still thinking about Luzia, his dead ancestor, with whom he had fallen in love with. On the road, he meets a similar girl called Lucia. Lucia and Tony become friends and Lucia, who is an architect, takes Tony to a Bellamo family house, which is being renovated. There, after a small accident, Tony falls into a coma. Meanwhile, his mind wanders to 1908, the time his rich great-great-grandfather lost all of family's fortune.
In 1908, Tony meets some of his ancestors and learns how his family fortune had been completely lost. Will he come back this time or will do something to save the misfortune, that fell upon his ancestors?
As always, this book was beautifully written. After reading the book, I wish I had known more about my ancestors.
This second book in the series could have told more about Tony's present. I definitely loved the novel and want to know more about how it ends.
In 1908, Tony meets some of his ancestors and learns how his family fortune had been completely lost. Will he come back this time or will do something to save the misfortune, that fell upon his ancestors?
As always, this book was beautifully written. After reading the book, I wish I had known more about my ancestors.
This second book in the series could have told more about Tony's present. I definitely loved the novel and want to know more about how it ends.
December 29, 2011
Forget the Past: Book One of Fear of the Past Trilogy is a highly original and unusual piece of literary fiction. A family saga spanning nine centuries is interwoven with a contemporary coming of age story with such skill that suspension of belief is without effort. Author Nougat uses a supernatural device to do this that is reminiscent of Dante’s Purgatory as seems appropriate. A large cast of characters is developed with sensitivity and insight, a rogues gallery of heroes and sinners. The saga is that of a large, extended family of Sicilian aristocrats. The protagonist may be the last of their line. Some of them played a role on the larger canvas of European history, but the focus is on individual personalities and lives, whether historical or unknown. The book is very enjoyable and I recommend it highly.
August 8, 2011
For history lovers this is a must and you're in for a treat! This is a paranormal, romance and comes complete with a historical dimension that takes you into the beautiful island of Sicily. We follow our main hero, Alex who is a computer expert; is burned out and takes off to rediscover himself.
FORGET THE PAST is interesting, historical, and above all a fantasy with a love story.
I really enjoyed my read and I can heartily recommend this to a huge range of readers as it covers many genre. Well written too with a good fast moving dialogue.
Historical, colourful, action and with a love theme running through it.
Good stuff!
FORGET THE PAST is interesting, historical, and above all a fantasy with a love story.
I really enjoyed my read and I can heartily recommend this to a huge range of readers as it covers many genre. Well written too with a good fast moving dialogue.
Historical, colourful, action and with a love theme running through it.
Good stuff!
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