"I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be. - Abraham Lincoln"
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Flashback by Peter Mattes Old Line Publishing
book review by C.D.
When author Peter Mattes introduces Alin Hanks, the central character of Flashback, readers encounter a smart, imaginative young man being raised by adoptive parents. Moving on to law school, Hanks graduates with honors, works diligently at his career, then ultimately steps into politics. Throughout the story, we witness his experience of dream-like hallucinations that all seem related to an earlier time in history. Interestingly the opening prologue is set in a decade's earlier timeframe and revolves around a ring of unsavory counterfeiters intent on robbing the grave of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. In exchange for returning the body they'll demand a $200,000 ransom and the release of a fellow cohort from the state penitentiary.
Readers will soon come to realize the author is presenting an engaging, modern day tale, but with an unusual historic twist. Beneath this well-layered narrative, characters move beyond the present day into a futuristic era that includes nucleus phones, TVs with laser vision layering technology, cars with auto pilot transport, and electromagnetic rotary batteries. When genetic engineers begin research into DNA transfer, it sets in motion a series of events that eventually unlock the mystery surrounding Hank's connection to an earlier time. This initial disconnect between the timeframe of the prologue and the novel's present day occurrences, serves to capture the readers' attention. Matte uses this time transfer to its full advantage.
With the recent release of Lincoln, Steven Spielberg's powerful film drama, Mattes' work is certainly timely. While effectively tapping into the popularity of the legendary figure, the author also cleverly draws upon familiar headlines, as the storyline showcases questions concerning Presidential ancestry. Clearly a well-researched work, Flashback proves a successful combination of historical fiction, politics, and science—all creatively wrapped within a remarkable story of intrigue that hints at possibilities for the future of our country.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review