A review by ashlynnbharrison
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
4.0
A good WW2 historical fiction will almost always get at least 4 stars from me. Kelly Rimmer tells the story of Alina Dziak through the eyes of Alina herself in 1942 Poland as it is invaded by Germany. While Alina does not realize the seriousness of the war at first, she quickly realizes just how much her life will change from prior to the occupation. This is a heart-aching story from beginning to end.
Rimmer also tells Alina's story through the eyes of her granddaughter, who knows Alina by a different name. As Alina sits in hospice in the modern-day U.S., she forgets all of her English and can only speak Polish. Through various forms of communication, Alina begs her granddaughter to visit the farm in Poland on which Alina grew up, so her granddaughter can connect the dots about the story Alina never told her.
The reason this was not a 5-star read for me, was because I found so much of Alina's granddaughter's story to be dry and boring. It really took away from Alina's narrative and brought nothing new to the table for me. Slight spoiler - the woman Alina attempts to meet in Poland really bothered me. I can't get past characters who are difficult for literally no reason.
Excellent historical fiction, dull modern fiction.
Rimmer also tells Alina's story through the eyes of her granddaughter, who knows Alina by a different name. As Alina sits in hospice in the modern-day U.S., she forgets all of her English and can only speak Polish. Through various forms of communication, Alina begs her granddaughter to visit the farm in Poland on which Alina grew up, so her granddaughter can connect the dots about the story Alina never told her.
The reason this was not a 5-star read for me, was because I found so much of Alina's granddaughter's story to be dry and boring. It really took away from Alina's narrative and brought nothing new to the table for me. Slight spoiler - the woman Alina attempts to meet in Poland really bothered me. I can't get past characters who are difficult for literally no reason.
Excellent historical fiction, dull modern fiction.