What originally drew me to this book is the time it takes place. I grew up during the Cold War as does the protagonist in Nothing is Forgotten. As I started reading it I soon realized that this was more than just a coming of age tale, though there is that element to it. Instead what I found is a captivating, and well crafted mystery/romance/spy vs spy story as Michael/Misha delves into his family's past. The author delivers a plot with many turns and unexpected developments that certainly make this a  page turning delight to read. The characters are believable, the backstory historical events are gut wrenching, the description of the places involved pull the reader in - all in all a very enjoyable foray into the not too distant past.   5 stars

I was excited to read Nothing is Forgotten for several reasons. I love suspenseful novels and I have always been interested in history and America's relationship with Russia over the decades.

At first, the novel seems to be mostly about America during the 1950's - specifically South Orange, New Jersey where Michael Daniels grows up with his family. Michael's grandmother, Emma, is a force in his life and she is an extremely interesting character on her own. As the novel unfolds, the reader discovers just how interesting and amazing she actually is.

I really enjoyed how the author thoroughly describes Michael's life in New Jersey for the reader - bringing alive the atmosphere of the times including the music and politics. Michael knows some of his family's story, but not nearly as much as he thinks he knows. Emma has friends in interesting places and it all works together to give the reader an intriguing idea of the person she is.

Emma is murdered in her candy shop, yet nothing is stolen. Michael is unable to leave things alone. It just doesn't make sense. As he pursues the answers to why Emma was killed, he also discovers things about his family that he would never have suspected.

While I enjoyed the first part of the novel, when Michael heads to Europe to pursue answers about Emma, that's when things really get exciting and the history is even more compelling. The story now becomes a mystery/thriller as well as a historical novel.

While taking the reader on a wild and exciting ride as we follow Michael through his quest, we also get a really fascinating look at some events and circumstances that bring the history we all think we know into sharper focus and made me reassess some of these events with a new perspective. The reader will encounter some really amazing characters, some compelling stories and maybe learn a few things. I know I am interested in some different aspects of the Cold War period that I hadn't really considered before.

This novel is beautifully written and the various story lines are intricately interwoven to make a book that is impossible to put down. This review is hard for me to write because I don't want to reveal anything that might ruin the enjoyment of this novel. I was so captivated by Nothing is Forgotten, that even a few weeks after reading it, I still find myself thinking about it. I highly recommend Nothing is Forgotten.

Okay, I completely admit that I am picky about any book that I choose in the historical fiction genre. This is generally because the author hasn’t done their research, resulting in a book that has historical elements with a modern feel; i.e. a disappointed Stacie. However, I heard the author on a podcast, and was struck by his obvious knowledge on the Holocaust and Jewish culture. He also has the kindest voice in the history of histories, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his book, Nothing is Forgotten.

This book is masterful. I generally read two to three books at a time, and planned to do so with this one, as well. But that plan went out the window by the time I’d devoured the first two chapters. All I wanted in my heart and my imagination was this book. The attention to detail and the impeccable research are what struck me straight away. Add to that some suspense, some humor, some heart-stopping moments and the most engaging, indelible characters you will ever meet and you’ve got yourself one incredible novel.

Dear Peter Golden,

I must now own everything you have ever written.

Love,

Stacie

First Initial Thoughts:

The story starts off with Michael being a young boy in suburban America. His Jewish-Russian parents are owners of a candy store. Tragically his parents die in a car crash when he is in High School. His grandmother, Emma takes care of him while she took over the candy store. When he is in his final year of school he starts a radio show and it becomes a huge hit.

Emma is a mystery at the start. We see her as a gentle and kind woman. A woman who you would love to chat with while eating some of her candy. She doesn't talk much about her past and Michael doesn't mind but wonders why sometimes. Then one evening Michael finds her Grandmother murdered in the candy store. Why would someone murder his Grandmother? Michael is then offered to go on a radio show in Germany. At first, he is reluctant but then decides to go. He also sees this as a way to find out more about his Grandmother.

Yuli, another major character in the story is a young woman living in Eastern Europe. She had this attitude of "whatever" towards certain circumstances. She went through a lot of dark moments growing up so I think that is why she acted recklessly. I also felt that Peter did that on purpose - to write her as a reckless character at first so that she could grow as a character later on in the story.

Setting:

What I really liked about Peter's writing is that he was able to create two different settings so well. The difference between America and Eastern Europe in the 50/60s. The two worlds were so different and Peter did an amazing job emphasizing that. It was interesting to learn more about this time and what it was like for those people in a communist country. Peter is a master at visual storytelling. He wrote in a way that I could feel like I was there alongside the characters.

Final Thoughts:

I never have really read a book set during the Cold War in Eastern Europe. It's a war that's often not written about. It enlightened me about this time and I learned a lot about what people were going through during this time.

When Michael is in Europe doing his radio show - he meets Yuli. At first, I thought that they would not be romantic partners since they are so different from each other but their total opposites matched perfectly. Michael helped Yuli soften and Yuli helped Michael realize that life is short and should take a risk from time to time (provided they are good risks).

Michael and Yuli travel around Eastern Europe and France learning more about Michael's grandmother, Emma. He learns more about her life and who she really was. I found that I kept turning the pages quickly and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I won't spoil anything but I also really enjoyed the ending. It was different. it wasn't your typical ending - and I appreciated that.

I really enjoyed Peter's book. There was never a dull moment and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and solving the mystery of Michael's Grandmother, Emma.

I read 75% of this before giving up. It just seemed to drag on and on, and I couldn't persuade myself to finish it.

NOTHING IS FORGOTTEN is currently in my top five favorite books of all time, joining A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, SHE’S COME UNDONE, GONE WITH THE WIND, and MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA. At times, the book is a thriller, others a mystery, and still others, a romance, but at all times, it’s captivating, emotional, and incredibly well told. The story opens in Michael’s childhood and reads like a memoir until his grandmother is killed, and then it takes off like a thriller wrapped in a mystery as Michael tries to figure out who killed his grandmother and why. His search for the truth takes him to Europe and Russia where he meets and falls for Yuli, a smuggler and defacto spy. Together they seek clues about the death of Emma, which only raises more questions and puts them both in danger.

Plot
Impeccably researched, there is as much history as there is storytelling going on between the pages. The story is expertly plotted and moves along at a steady rate. The pace picks up speed at the climax and keeps it up until the very end. And that ending…wow. For me, it’s perfect. Yes, I want to know what happens next, but I don’t need to know. It’s such a satisfying conclusion with just the right amount of uncertainty to allow me to imagine what comes after without feeling frustrated.

The Characters
The characters are a masterpiece. Michael, Yuli, Der Schmuggler…they’re deep, nuanced, and intriguing. Throughout the story, Emma goes from being an enigma to someone fully fleshed out as the reader learns through Micheal’s research who Emma really was. The characters seem so much a part of the era (late 1950s to 1960s), that I never once questioned the setting.

Top Five Things I Loved About NOTHING IS FORGOTTEN
1. Yuli. She was by far my favorite character. She’s so complex, strong and vulnerable, proud with fits of guilt, having lived through the horrors of the second World War, she’s hard to identify with, but so easy to root for.

2. Michael. His optimistic Americanism is the polar opposite of Yuli’s Eastern European post-war hopelessness. His quest to uncover the truth is both reckless and admirable, making him an absolutely fascinating protagonist.

3. History. I love history, but even more when it serves as a backdrop to a compelling story. The author’s meticulous attention to detail made history come alive, leaving me wanting to learn more about the events of that time.

4. The ending. One of the best endings ever.

5. Storytelling. The way the story unfolds kept me glued to the pages, but the characters made me care about what happened.

Bottom Line
One of my all-time favorite novels. I will be reading more by Peter Golden.

Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

This story of a young Jewish man trying to discover his grandmother’s past and what happened to her in Russia during WWII was one that I was drawn to. I read a lot of holocaust stories because I believe they are so important to read and I enjoy the connections that characters make with their family’s past. Michael ‘s present story takes place during the Cold War and it became much more of a spy thriller than I had anticipated, a genre I don’t usually read. Thus the 3 stars. There was just too much going on - CIA, KGB, Michael running from place to place - from South Orange , NJ to Munich, then Russia and Paris, California, more characters than I could keep track of. This will more than likely appeal more to those who enjoy the chase.

Having said that, there are definitely some things that I liked about the book that kept me reading . The writing flows and I felt a familiarity with things that happened in the 60’s - the Cold War, Kennedy’s assassination, Beatles records. There are some wonderful characters in this book. I couldn’t help but love Michael from the beginning and what Yulie goes through in her young life will break your heart as will Michael’s grandmother Emma’s story.

Peter Golden is a well known journalist as well as novelist and it is obvious in the list of Sources he provides, how well researched this book is. In spite of the fact that this turned out to be more spy thriller than I had anticipated, I would recommend it those who enjoy the genre. I’m glad I stuck with it because it is also a good piece of historical fiction which depicts the suffering, courage and love of characters who represent people who may have lived through these times.


I received an advanced copy of this book from Atria through NetGalley.

Thanks Atria Books and netgalley for this ARC.

This is one of the best novels I've read to describe how a family copes with coming to America from Russia in the 70/80/90's. It also shows the real to life influence a grandmother has on her grandson and his life. The is a coming of age story like no other you've ever read. The badass heroine he meets when he goes back to Russia makes this novel have depth, fun, and gives it a stamp of unforgettable.

‘Nothing is Forgotten’ is a very interesting and well researched story. Michael Daniels is raised by his grandmother after his parents are killed in a car accident. When his grandmother passes away, Michael learns that she had many secrets. The story goes from New Jersey to Russia to France as Michael tries to uncover the secrets of the woman he thought he knew, and tries to understand why she kept so many important details of her life from him.
I enjoyed the aspects of mystery that the story took on as Michael was led from place to place in search of answers. I enjoyed how Michael would not give up and was intent on learning the truth. I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Michael and Yuli. I also liked the DJ and music references in the story.
At times I felt the story dragged and moved a little too slowly but it was well worth stinking with the story for the resolution in the end.
I received an Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.

A story full of spies and intrigue. I have not read much on the cold war, though I am old enough to remember the fear of nuclear war and the drills of the sixties in school. Mr. Golden has written a book that totally captivates. The story of what happens to Emma and her family is so heartbreaking. The atrocities of Hilter should never be forgotten.

Nothing is Forgotten by Peter Golden is a full length, standalone novel.
Peter Golden is the author of Come Back Love ; and Wherever There Is Light.

Nothing is Forgotten : the journey of a young man who travels from New Jersey to Khrushchev´s Russia and the beaches of France. He finds love and discovers the secrets of his heritage.
Meet Michael Daniels, he´s the typical immigrant´s son, grows up sheltered and beloved by his granny. Hunger for life and circumstances throw him into the adventure of a lifetime.

Nothing is Forgotten is a lesson in history, a journey through history and time. It´s a heartwrenching story about growing up, love , hate and finding himself.
Nothing is Forgotten is a book that stubbornly stays with you. I greatly enjoyed reading this story and give 4,5 stars.

What a beautifully written story told from a perspective that you seldom read about. This was a treat from page one until I turned the final page. I definitely recommend this one to lovers of mystery and WWII fiction.

This book was a surprisingly good read. I wasn't sure I could take another WWII book, however that Nothing Is Forgotten is based on Russia's part in the war is an intriguingly new take. The perspectives going back and forth between characters makes the story line and dialogue more interesting and lets the book flow. Misha (Michael) and Yuli's love story takes us from New Jersey to Russia, East Germany and all over France while the two learn about each other and Misha's family heritage. The characters are well written and believable, I was even rooting for the two of them to get together already. The story line is a new take on an old favorite and I loved reading about The Russian side of things.

“How could a human being sit at a drafting table designing an assembly line to turn innocents to ash and not drown in revulsion?” The simple truth is, many did not see them as innocents, or even human. Many of the Germans who are left and took no part of it are sick of hearing about the Nuremberg trials. And the Russians are tired of the Germans, hiding their identities and smuggling as a means of survival. A Jewish American teenage boy raised by his Russian grandmother in the early sixties after his parents die in a car crash finds a job out of as a radio deejay, as the Mad Russian. He also works part time at his grandmother’s ice cream parlor, but one day, finds she has been murdered. Lacking purpose or direction, a family friend offers him to continue deejaying, in Germany as a way of Russian rebellion and aiding the CIA. Danger is everywhere and though a young woman with a hidden past becomes part of his present, Michael Daniels, Mikhail Dainov, must find out what happened to his grandmother, as well as the past she kept hidden.

Most intense book I have read in a while! What a wonderful story. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did I was hooked. I loved how the book was written and how the author left you hanging on the edge of your seat!

A poignant story with a flawless and beautiful writing!I was so into the story from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading till the end!Get ready for an emotional roller coaster!This is an interesting historical fiction, spanning from the 1960's in America, to WWII in Eastern Europe, as well as the Cold War in Russia and East Berlin.I loved the descriptions I thought I was inside the story while I was reading it!

I thought the characters in this book were interesting, but I found it very hard to get into the story.

If one’s parents are from Europe and emigrated to America in the late 1940s or early 1950s, it’s a given that those parents have horrors in their background that they don’t want to talk to their children about. Such is the case for Michael Daniels, the protagonist of Nothing is Forgotten, by Peter Golden. Michael is the children of Russians. He knows that they come from somewhere in Ukraine, that they came over in waves, and that he is not supposed to ask them questions about their past. All this goes out the window when Michael finds his beloved grandmother shot dead in the family’s candy and soda shop.

Michael is living the American dream at the opening of Nothing is Forgotten. His family is a success. He’s got little to worry about other than girls and his suddenly popular radio program. (Making fun of Nikita Khrushchev is a winner in the early 1960s.) But then his grandmother, Emma, is murdered and he is whisked away to Europe to reprise his radio show in Munich at a station with a similar mission to Radio Free Europe. His family’s past follows Michael to Europe and, before long, he just throws his job out the window and decides to figure out where his grandmother came from and who might have wanted to murder him.

Fortunately for this somewhat naive American, Michael has a partner in Yulianna Kosoy, who he meets through a smuggler who does jobs for the CIA, the KGB, Mossad, and probably a bunch of other intelligence agencies. (His bosses at Four Freedoms are well connected.) Once Michael and Yuli join forces, they start to follow the little things Michael remembers his grandmother said and the clues she left for him to follow through her old haunts. For a novel that starts with making fun of Russians and involves bookmakers in the backroom of the Daniels’ family shop, I was surprised at how deeply this book dove into the Holocaust and the hunt for war criminals who got away after the war. Michael’s hunch that her death was because of something that happened to her during the war turns out to be correct.

Nothing is Forgotten isn’t always plausible. People are weirdly helpful to Michael and Yuli throughout their travels. But I was moved at the horrors that Michael’s grandmother survived, and admired the love she shows to her grandson and the children who visit the family shop. I was right behind Michael and Yuli as they dug into Emma’s past and did their best to put right things that Emma was never able to. For all its sadness, this book provides a delicious dose of justice at the end that I really enjoyed.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration. It will be released 10 April 2018.

Wow, I didn't expect this novel to be so powerful! "Nothing Is Forgotten", by Peter Golden, is an interesting historical fiction, spanning from the 1960's in America, to WWII in Eastern Europe, as well as the Cold War in Russia and East Berlin. A young man's exploration of his family roots, told with the rhythm of a mystery novel. Full of thorough research and vivid descriptions, with many unexpected turn of events and discoveries. A proof that our stories, indeed, do not have to be "written in invisible ink". I highly recommend it! Thank you to the author, publisher, NetGalley and Ninja Group for this early edition copy for my honest review.

It's a beautifully written book filled with lyrical prose. There's no putting this book down once you start reading so make sure that you have plenty of time to dedicate to this amazing story. Definitely one to pre order and have waiting for you on release day. Happy reading!