Reviews with content warning for Child death - The Things We Cannot Say

At the moment - I just finished this book less than 2 minutes ago - I find myself in a state of bittersweet awe. Tears have fallen. This story is a sad one, but also a fulfilled and emotionally full one. Much of this story is based on true events and the magnitude of those events cannot be passed by, nor should they ever be. This is a book I think every person should read. I believe it will be a reminder of what should never be forgotten as well as renewal of faith in humanity.

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mskelley88's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

"The Things We Cannot Say" is a touching story that intertwines past and present with finesse, delivering moments that tug at your heartstrings without overwhelming you.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the length. The book isn’t horribly long, but it does feel like it could’ve been a bit tighter. Some parts dragged, making it seem longer than it needed to be. And yes, there were a few predictable turns. However, these are minor issues in the grand scheme of things.

The real gem of this novel is the present-day storyline involving Alice. Her journey through life, parenting, and marriage with an autistic child is beautifully and authentically portrayed. Alice's story of balancing the demands of a special needs child with her own life resonated deeply, offering a poignant exploration of the sacrifices and love inherent in parenthood.

One scene from the WWII plotline was incredibly challenging for me to read. As a mom of an infant, it struck a deep chord and was genuinely heartbreaking. This underscores Rimmer's ability to evoke strong emotions through her writing.

In summary, "The Things We Cannot Say" is a heartfelt read that deftly balances dual timelines. It’s a testament to the unspoken bonds that connect us and the enduring power of love. If you’re in the mood for a novel that skillfully blends historical depth with modern-day issues, this one’s worth your time.

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jharv34's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

An absolutely beautiful story, while it may be fictional, it creates such an incredible tale of struggles, past and present, the polarity between life and death, the complexity of different points of time, and how it all comes together.

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jcqln112's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

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katrinaburch's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Wow... I knew this book was going to have hard moments but man I was NOT prepared for it. As in full on sobbing towards the end. What an amazing book. The writing was excellent and the duel story makes both heartbreaking and the best way to read.

My teensiest tiniest complaint is that

Rimmer never wrapped up what happened to Alina's parents? I mean they most likely died but it's not 100 percent given...

I can't wait to read more of Rimmer's works.

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