Book Title: "Oblivion"
Author: Peter Abrahams
Publishing Company: Harper Torch
Released: April 2006
Number of Pages: 338
ISBN- 13: 978-0-06-083283-4
ISBN-10: 0-06-083283-5
$7.99 U.S./$9.99 Canada  

Reviewed by: Monika Wierzbicki (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

Initially a simple missing person's case in a detective novel becomes a riveting journey into questions of identity, mortality, life and death. Peter Abrahams creates a riveting and impossible-to-put-down story with his slick minimalist prose and engaging storyline.  Not usually being a fan of detective/crime novels I was afraid that Oblivion would be hard to get into, instead I found myself carrying it around so I could read it during any and all of my spare moments.  

Oblivion tells the story of Nick Petrov a private investigator working on what initially seems like a straightforward missing person's case. As he begins to delve deeper Petrov starts to uncover secrets and implications that seem to lead straight back to him and a career making case that he solved earlier in his career.  

While many aspects of the story are reminiscent of the classic detective novel with a slick private eye, a mystery to unravel, and even the requisite seedy villains, the novel goes beyond the clichés of its genre with subtle yet straightforward language, such as Petrov's illness and amnesia, and the fact that losing his memory actually leads to him discovering clues previously missed. Just like the seemingly simple case at the center of the story there is more to the plot than meets the eye. The treatment of the protagonist in the novel is what makes Oblivion utterly modern. Rather than a one dimensional central character who finds clues and solves cases effortlessly we are led through the mystery by a refreshingly flawed and multifaceted main character, one with cancer and amnesia no less.  As Nick tries to come to terms with his illness and its limitations on his career, new facets of his personality begin to emerge. He stubbornly continues to work on his case and rather than simply accepting his limitations, finds clever ways to adapt to them and perhaps even use them to his advantage.  

The writing is clear and so finely detailed that you are able to empathize with Nick and his physical limitations and the frustration they cause him. Reversely though, I also found myself frustrated at the level of denial he had in the face of such a grave condition, the story is frequently supplanted with Nick's rationale for not getting treatment, and his refusal to acknowledge the signs that he may be getting sicker.  As I read through the novel I found myself alternating between sympathy for his condition, frustration at his difficulties and ultimately being impressed by his sheer determination.  I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes to get caught up in an excellent and riveting tale. Regardless of whether or not you are a fan of the genre this novel will draw you in immediately.