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Memories of Recurrent Echoes

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Memories of Recurrent Echoes is a highly moving story set in Bavaria, Germany, from 1890 to 1990—a hundred years of love, vengeance, tragedy, madness, and the irreconcilable contradictions inherent in human nature.

Based on major 20th-century historical events, such as the First and Second World Wars, this remarkable historical novel is meticulously crafted to the finest detail.

Through its characters, who challenge societal norms and authority, the novel takes the reader on both a physical and spiritual journey, exploring the struggle between willpower and self-doubt while delving into questions about God, human freedom, and the elusive nature of truth.

The character of Nadia, in particular, stands out with special charm. Her empathy and strong determination drive much of the plot as she navigates not only the challenges of both world wars but also her own personal struggles. Emerging as a strong and graceful woman, Nadia faces life’s hardships with dignity. Her son, Karl, equally strong-willed, adds bravery and compassion to the narrative, especially in the face of World War II's horrors.

Memories of Recurrent Echoes captivates with its lifelike characters and gripping, unforgettable story. Nadia and Karl, along with many other memorable characters, navigate their journeys through a century of tumultuous events, making their experiences the readers' own and rendering the novel both impactful and unforgettable.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2009

911 people want to read

About the author

Anton Sammut

13 books85 followers
Anton Sammut, a philosopher, author, and artist, was born in 1970 and currently resides in the historically rich and beautiful island of Malta.

Mr. Sammut is a polymath with an expansive repertoire in various academic fields, including anthropology, psychology, theosophy, comparative religion, metaphysics, theology, Eastern and Western philosophy, and mysticism.

In his long and successful career, Sammut has published various renowned academic and non-academic books. Some notable titles include "Memories of Recurrent Echoes" (2009), a novel exploring the complexities of human experience; "The Other Side of The Judeo-Christian History" (2012), an academic treatise challenging traditional narratives of Judeo-Christian history; "The Philosophy of Cosmic Spirituality" (2014), which proposes a holistic view of spirituality and our place in the universe; and "Consciousness: The Concept of Mind" (2016), a deep dive into understanding the human mind and consciousness from philosophical and spiritual perspectives.

Sammut's literary work is characterized by a quest for truth and understanding, challenging readers to think critically not only about spirituality, philosophy, and the human condition but also about themselves. For these specific reasons, his contributions to literature, philosophy, and spirituality have established him as a significant scholar in these fields.


Editorial Reviews
Review
Unveiling "The Secret Gospel of Jesus - AD 0-78"
An Interview with Author Anton Sammut by Literary Critic Patrick Sammut


Your book comprises a story that runs parallel to the narratives found in the New Testament Gospels but which contains many details which are not to be found in the latter. What do you have to say about this?

As you are perfectly aware, every novel needs to adopt a particular literary style and this is crucial if it is to be a reflection of the theme of the book. In the case of The Secret Gospel of Jesus, I needed to maintain the identical style used in the Gospels so that the reader would be able to relate to the text more easily. As for the many details that you are referring to, I would like to emphasise the fact that I did not just make up these specific details using my imagination. They are all based on, and in some cases actually copied verbatim from Gnostic Gospels and other historical, Christian and ancient documents which for political and theological reasons were put aside or almost completely destroyed by those who did not wish to have certain facts revealed. Proof of this can be found in the fact that the 27 books of the New Testament represent but an extremely minute fraction of the Christian literature that was produced in the first three centuries after Jesus's time. These Gospels are known as Apocrypha: sacred texts that were highly revered by the earliest of communities and for this reason, many of these details are included in this novel too so that the reader could thoroughly comprehend Jesus's humanity just as he realistically was. I say this because in reality, in the New Testament Gospels we come across Jesus as a rather psychologically incomplete person, in the sense that in these texts he never smiles, laughs or jokes with his friends - how could this be possible? In addition, we are not told anything about what he did in his free time and whether he did any travelling in his life and if so, where to. It is only logical to ask, did Jesus's life consist only of what is written in the New Testament?...

continue reading..
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Gospel-...

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Michael.
12 reviews10 followers
September 2, 2024
This brilliant historical novel masterfully intertwines history, emotional depth, imagination, art, and insightful perspectives. The characters are so vividly drawn and relatable that I felt as though I was living their lives and experiencing their stories firsthand. Anton Sammut’s storytelling is exceptional, providing an immersive reading experience like no other. I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating novel to anyone seeking a truly memorable read
Profile Image for Sheryl S..
8 reviews
May 11, 2023
An absolute hidden gem of a book! A true work of art that is just perfect in terms of writing, style and plot. What makes this book ever so unique is the astonishing imagery the author manages to create - scenes and emotions described so realistically that the reader becomes emotionally invested in every character within the book.

Spread over multiple decades, the characters are faced with moments from their past that linger on into their present. What sets them apart is how they confront this past. Anton Sammut brilliantly explores the extent to which our history, memories, relationships and levels of consciousness define our existence. All in all, this book tells us about ourselves.
Profile Image for Stephen John Cremona.
15 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2024
Shaping History: A Memorable Story with Memorable Characters

I was completely engulfed in this historical novel as it combines a collection of different stories that traverse the most contentious and pivotal episodes of the 20th century. Acting as a time machine, it transported me to Nuremberg during the looming shadow of Nazism, the harrowing battlefields of Europe in the First World War, and the turbulent theater of the Second World War.
Additionally, it whisked me away to the vibrant streets, museums, cafes, cabarets, and nocturnal reveries of Paris, culminating with the fall of the infamously famous Berlin Wall.

As I flipped through its pages, I journeyed across time and place, navigating the historical and human landscapes that defined the years from 1890 to 1990. What distinguishes this historical novel is not only its historical scope, but also the riveting characters that infuse substance into the entire story, along with the author's exploration of political, theological, and philosophical questions. Sammut's writing encourages readers to think beyond the story itself and explore our own beliefs and thoughts while considering the connections between human history, our present, and how individuals influence the course of events.

Sammut's storytelling ensures that this story lingered in my memory, like an echo from the past, long after the final word had been absorbed.

Profile Image for Sandra.
32 reviews
February 1, 2022
Memories of Recurrent echoes is a very special book to me because it is written by a brilliant Maltese author: Anton Sammut. The story is based in Germany and takes a span of a hundred years (1890- 1990) where the main character shows a lot of strength, courage and perseverance. The plot is very intriguing and it kept me hooked till the end.
Profile Image for Julia Bezzina.
1 review3 followers
March 11, 2022
With his unique way of writing, the author gave me the opportunity to completely immerse myself in this fabulous 100 year saga (1890 - 1990). The fantastic plot is set in various european cities and is full of unexpected twists that kept me longing till the very end to know more and more about the fates of each and every character. A must - read classic book!
Profile Image for Alli.
2 reviews
May 6, 2022
This is undoubtedly a very fascinating book with a unique plot that will definitely grab the reader's attention. Anton Sammut's writing style is original, innovative, and captivating. In this remarkable novel, the reader will be completely immersed in the sociopolitical, philosophical, and spiritual realities that are prevalent in this incredible 100year saga.
Profile Image for Carmel Camilleri.
8 reviews
June 12, 2023
An exceptionally well written novel by Anton Sammut. The amazing story is historically accurate in every detail and has many memorable scenes. One powerful scene that really impressed me is the one where the author meticulously describes the immense psychological pressures and the squalid conditions the confused soldiers had to endure in the notoriously infamous trench warfare of WW1.

Other particularly distinctive features of this novel are the occasional insightful philosophical - political and spiritual debates ardently discussed by the protagonists. I thoroughly recommend this great novel.
Profile Image for Stephen Vella .
9 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2022
A romance that talently snaps one's sense of existence. Powerfully revealing abuses of power, break myths and value what matters in life. As a reader one has no option but to actively get involved emotionally and in thought. Tactfully written exclusively for readers who love, care and value blessings along with curses. 100 years of human connections and believes - a colourful work of art no reader can remain 'indifferent'. Graceful and unique. Grateful towards my work colleagues who were patient enough to walk with me whilst fully respecting 'my discoveries'! This masterpiece is also about you! My only recommendation: don't rush through it but simply get involved and seek out 'your golden words' and phrases. It is definitely not a history book - it's Memories of Recurrent Echoes! Thanks Anton Sammut.
Profile Image for Matth.
105 reviews
February 26, 2023
In this multi-layered novel, the characters symbolically represent the whole spectrum of The Levels Of Consciousness (a salient theme discussed in the brilliant book by the same author - Consciousness The Concept of Mind).

I really treasured the intriguing philosophical discourses that the author cleverly inserted in certain key passages. For those readers who have studied or are interested in philosophy - politics, or theology these discourses are pure enjoyment for the mind!

The uniqueness of Memories of Recurrent Echoes lay in the fact that the 100-year grand story goes far beyond the limits of conventional thought but then, everyone can appreciate its literary finesse, according to one's degree of comprehension!
Profile Image for David Dee.
7 reviews
May 25, 2022
One thing is for sure about Memories of Recurrent Echoes....it manages to go beyond your highest expectations! This novel completely absorbed me in the intriguingly creative plot that has many amazing and elaborate plot twists that will leave the reader on the edge of his seat!

The author's superb ability to give distinctive traits to each character essentially results in the personification of wisdom - love - indomitability - sensitivity, and power!

This book incorporates all the emotional and spiritual states that any human being can ever experience in this lifetime and in others to come!
Profile Image for James.
2 reviews
June 15, 2022
The distinctive characters are the hallmark of this novel. I had the opportunity to be in the front-row seat and witness all their actions set off a series of events that will eventually determine their karmic outcomes!

Throughout the entire storyline, Anton Sammut indirectly expounds on the philosophy of eternal recurrence through the characters' actions which are a mirror image of our very own selves!
Profile Image for Jake .
44 reviews
September 7, 2022
World War 2

Part 1

The Second World War was my preferred part of the narration in Memories of Recurrent Echoes. Hats off to the stellar author Anton Sammut for conducting such accurate research regarding this theme and also, for the ingenious literary technique he used to help the reader understand how the Nazis managed to establish their diabolical ideology, nearly unchallenged.

Throughout a selected part of the narration, before Nazism was prevalent, the author placed snippets of apparently random arguments in debates between certain characters concerning the Nazi ideology and also other very effective and creative mediums (sorry, I wish, but I cannot mention the creative mediums he used) to consciously and also subconsciously inform the reader that the Nazi ideology was slowly creeping into society. This literary technique mirrors how the Nazis (on a larger scale!) throughout the years before gaining full control of Germany used 'similar' elaborate stratagems to brainwash the whole nation subconsciously.

Part 2

And now...lights, camera, action! Amidst the raging war, we meet the wise Baldur and the idealist priest Ludwig. They are being held captive together in an infamously notorious concentration camp and their only way to survive is to completely have faith in each other. As time went by, both Baldur and Ludwig were tested to their limits with all the horrors they witnessed in the camp. But unfortunately, Ludwig was the one that was suffering the most because he was having very serious existential soul-crushing doubts that seriously affected his physical and mental well-being.

Baldur perfectly understood what Ludwig was passing through and he constantly explained to him what were the real reasons behind his existential issues and how to solve them. At times Baldur would also ask him to assist him in his work and also resort to heated discussions about philosophy/religion to revitalize his morale and ease him from his mental anguish.

Baldur's idea to provoke Ludwig into taking part in the heated controversial arguments had a clear purpose. These provocative arguments ironically, really helped Ludwig to express himself and come to terms with all that he was going through as a human being more than as a priest! Baldur being the wise man that he was, knew perfectly well that Ludwig was struggling to reconcile his ideals with what he was witnessing in the camp.

After years of internment, the war was finally coming to an end, nevertheless, the situation was still very volatile and nobody knew (except for one person) what the nearby future holds for them.

I am really glad that I met such an outstanding author as Anton Sammut. His marvelous books give the reader treasured memories that will last forever. I really wish that someday this incredible book will be made into a movie!
Profile Image for Jurgen.
2 reviews
June 24, 2022
A surprising discovery! I highly recommend this unique masterpiece to any book lover! This novel has an incredible story that will take the reader on an epic journey!

A big well done to the fantastic writer Anton Sammut.
Profile Image for Godfrey Ga.
2 reviews
May 26, 2022
Memories of Recurrent Echoes has an outstanding plot and the reader should expect the unexpected from the amazing story! A true one-of-a-kind novel that impressed me a lot!
Profile Image for Georgette P.
324 reviews
December 24, 2023
In this monumental historical saga, Mr. Sammut showcases an unparalleled fusion of philosophy and storytelling, revealing a brilliance that harmonizes these two seemingly different spheres. The narrative's depth and complexity, centered around the concept of eternal recurrence within a historical context, demands literary finesse and exceptional philosophical insight.

The characters transcend mere roles within the narrative; they embody philosophical strategies, offering an all-around reflection on life itself. Prof. Kenneth Wain notes, 'Some of his characters are more than mere characters; they embody a philosophical strategy towards life itself, granting them a more powerful presence.'

Furthermore, Prof. Oliver Friggieri commends Sammut's novel for its commanding tone, skillfully navigating the convergence of mundane experiences with the introspective world. This union establishes a compelling foundation upon which the story unfolds, inviting readers to contemplate the intersections between everyday existence and deeper contemplation.

I found the reviews by Prof. Friggieri and Prof. Wain very insightful in helping me better understand 'Memories of Recurrent Echoes.' Reading this historical novel allowed me to appreciate how Mr. Sammut artfully blends philosophy with engaging storytelling to craft narratives that captivate readers. This fusion reveals a brilliance, harmonizing two seemingly different spheres and drawing me into a realm where intellect and imagination converge harmoniously.
Profile Image for Andreas Farrugia.
2 reviews
March 15, 2022
This book is a literary masterpiece! The terrific story is set in Germany from 1890 till 1990 and covers the pivotal events in human history - WW1 and WW2 till the fall of the Berlin Wall. The many surprising plot twists are amazingly creative and the various charismatic and powerful characters will completely involve the reader in this fantastic book.
Profile Image for Jeanelle Catania.
2 reviews
May 3, 2022
Memories of Recurrent Echoes is a truly inspirational book. It has an outstanding story and the intriguing characters engaged me completely from beginning to end. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read incredibly well-written classic novels!
Profile Image for Maria Marie.
143 reviews
February 26, 2023
I cannot recommend a better book than Memories of Recurrent Echoes. The author’s remarkable ability to depict women in their most authentic behavior makes this great book a celebration of female empowerment, stamina, and courage😊.
Profile Image for M.Élise.
86 reviews
February 13, 2024
This is the second book that I have read by Anton Sammut, and once again, he positively impressed me with Memories of Recurrent Echoes, just as he did with The Secret Gospel of Jesus AD 0-78.

This novel explores a century of German convulsive history, capturing its highs and lows while examining the inherent contradictions of human existence.

As someone who has studied philosophy, this novel aligned perfectly with my tastes. Through its varied and complex characters and narrative, it explores philosophical themes and the web of life that impacts each of us, consciously or unconsciously. This includes the choices we make or neglect, the risks we take or avoid, and the subsequent consequences, whether positive, neutral, or negative. The author also delves into the moral complexity life presents to every one of us and the karmic outcomes of our choices, highlighting the hidden influence of destiny for those who believe in its role in shaping our lives, all encapsulated under the umbrella of the philosophy of Eternal Recurrence.

I also found a particular affinity towards the author's emphasis on the resilience of the human spirit, no matter the difficulties, and the power of redemption. From my perspective, the characters that perfectly exemplify the author's emphasis on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of redemption are Hans, Nadia, and Eva.

Overall, reading this book was an immensely rewarding experience😊. I recommend it to anyone seeking a journey through history, enriched by an exploration of the complexities of the human condition.
Profile Image for Sophie Carm.
63 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2022
Paris je t'aime

To start with, the front cover of this book is an artistic creation in itself! Now to the narration, my favorite part in this fine novel is when Magda, Fritz, and Teo visit Paris - The City of Lights. Clearly, the Maltese author is a great admirer and connoisseur of this famous city. In his sophisticated writing style, Anton Sammut exalts Paris's glorious history and gives a heartfelt homage to its great artists - poets, and intellectuals that brightened the world with their artistic genius. Also, through the eyes of the trio of young exuberant bohemians, every aspect of the diurnal and dionysian nocturnal Paris will be thoroughly experienced! Bravo - Anton Sammut!
Profile Image for Sophia G Flynn.
125 reviews
May 6, 2025
A stirring and elegant novel, Memories of Recurrent Echoes is a quiet magnum opus — a literary masterpiece destined to echo through time, resonating across generations with its tender truths and haunting beauty.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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