Reviews

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

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kirstensullivandelucca's review against another edition

5.0

Such a gut-wrenching but heartwarming story… I’m not normally into historical fiction, especially involving war, but I loved this book. It’s so well written. Highly recommend!

books_inthewild's review against another edition

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5.0

Let me just grab another tissue, and gather my thoughts….

jencunn2024's review against another edition

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3.0

This might even be slightly less than three stars The story was an intriguing premise involving WWII historical fiction and a modern-day hunt for family history that provides the mystery. It took me a while to get into it. The characters were not strong hooks. I also found the contrast between modern day story vs the historical fiction to be too stark and abrupt., especially for the beginning half time f the book. I found myself thinking about skipping the modern story altogether but eventually the tide turned about halfway in where the mystery n family history appealed to me but probably only because genealogy is one of my hobbies. The writing is sub par compared to other WWII novels. There are lengthy, boring sections in both storylines. The storytelling was redundant and monotonous. The horrors of the war were glossed over and the degree to which Alina was sheltered was - shall we say - incredulous.... just one of several overused words throughout the book.unfortunately, even the mystery itself was predictable. I do think if you like WEII fiction, you will probably like this book. I will also say there are plenty of better options out there.

bradlka's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

emmacr2024's review against another edition

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4.0

I had thought that Kelly Rimmer was a new author for me before beginning The Things We Cannot Say but I have since discovered that several years ago I read The Secret Daughter. This book is vastly different, this time the genre being my favourite - historical fiction with a dual timeline at its centre. Time and time again I see books mentioned as being heartbreaking and a devastating read and I think to myself these terms are used far too frequently and too easily in order to describe a book. But with this story I definitely agree with these sentiments -The Things We Cannot Say is a powerful, haunting and heartbreaking read with love and sacrifice as its main themes.

Kelly Rimmer has written an astonishing book that certainly packs a punch and leaves you an emotional wreck upon completion. It's difficult to read through the final few pages as you will have a lump in your throat. Yes this book is set during World War Two and fans of the genre will have read countless books based in or around that turbulent and horrific time but it's the way the author gets right inside the hearts and minds of her characters and portrays the depths of their feelings which impact on the many important decisions they have to make that set this book apart from all the rest. It is a stunning read which without doubt will leave a lasting impression on you.

Moving between occupied Poland during the early years of the war and modern day Florida, the author weaves an incredible story of desperation, trauma, atonement, penance, love, loss and dedication. The title of the book couldn't be more apt considering several of the main characters in the present day cannot communicate and it's the things that have been left unsaid, the things hidden that cause a ripple affect to be set in motion. Alice is set upon a reluctant journey to seek answers, to find closure but in doing so she opens a whole new door to a life she never knew existed but also the cracks in her own family are exposed. The question is can the past be reconciled with the present? Has the damage already done to her own family unit through lack of communication, understanding and acceptance gone so far that it cannot be spoken about in an attempt to fix it?

Alice's beloved grandmother Babcia is 95 and having suffered a stroke she is left unable to communicate. This life altering event is the catalyst that sets in motion a train of events, recollections and life experiences that will alter many people's perceptions of the world in which they live in and the people they surround themselves with. Their attitudes will perhaps change and they may all realise the true depth and power of four little words - love. Or maybe things will get too challenging and difficult for acceptance to come forth?

The story moves between Alina in Poland during World War Two and Alice in the present as she struggles to cope with the effects of her grandmothers stroke. Life is not easy for Alice anyway and as Babcia was the one person who she feels so close to and the person who more or less raised her as her own mother was very much pre occupied with her job as a judge she feels lost and afraid as to what the future holds.

Alice is a woman under constant pressure and the further I read through the book I felt quite a lot of it was of her own making. She didn't reach out and ask for the help and support she needed in caring for her son Eddie who was on the autism spectrum. I felt the lack of communication and the ability to work as a pair and ask questions between herself and husband Wade was the reason she had become so confined in her life. Her daughter Callie was a child genius, way ahead of her age in terms of academic work, but I felt as Alice concentrated so much on Eddie and all his strict routines that Callie got neglected. Don't get me wrong I very much admired Alice for the way she always tried her best for Eddie. The communication app on his Ipad was an incredible tool which proved pivotal to the plot as it benefited Babcia too and without this the things already left unsaid would have forever remained so. As Alice battles with her conscience and family obligations she accepts a challenge from Babcia. Babcia pleads with her to do the right thing, to return to Poland to seek the answers to so many burning questions. I desperately hoped that Alice would do what Babcia was asking of her as I felt it would be the making of Alice and also it would quash the restless spirit and heart of an old woman who had witnessed so much but someone who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of love.

Alina was only seven years old when she decided that one day she would marry Tomasz. Even from such a young age she loved him deeply and knew that he was the man she was destined to spend the rest of her life with. He had a way of speaking that made anything seem possible and she believed he could help her dreams come true. As they enjoy their childhood and time spent together, the years pass by but as we reach 1938/39 hatred and propaganda are growing within Germany. Evil is spreading its roots and expanding its grip ever further. The people of Poland realise invasion is inevitable and the fear and apprehension seeps from the pages. Alina is only 17 and lives with her parents and brothers working on a farm outside the small town of Trzebina. They eke out an existence as best they can but life is tough but the love Alina has for Tomasz only grows and strengthens and gives her comfort and peace. As the Nazi's invade and life is forever changed Alina's world is torn apart. Her family and friends witness unspeakable horrors ad their existence is threatened.

Life under the Nazi regime was tough and full of horrors and endless hardship but they struggle on in an attempt to weather the storm which they find themselves at the centre of. Death and separation play strong roles and leave the reader in fear for what the eventual outcome may be. But what shines through is the love and devotion that Alina and Tomasz have for each other. Any innocence that lingered in the personality of Alina is quickly shattered as she has to face some harsh realities and brutal truths. In some ways she very much didn't know what was going on in terms of the bigger picture and I felt she wanted to remain within that stance.

But circumstances force change upon her life and it is how she handles these changes is what make her a remarkable character. A character whom you witness undergo so much change and for the better as I felt she gained strength, courage and power when the wool was finally pulled from her eyes. She had no choice but to grow up but it is the devotion, respect and love that she has for Tomasz that will go a long way in being the driving force in her life and the same can also be said for him. Their relationship felt real and genuine and that they were made for each other. But when they are faced with a painful decision it's the results of this that form the backbone of what was a breathtaking story. To say any more would detract and spoil the read for people but suffice to say it's what ensues that makes for a riveting read that has you on the edge of your seat the further the story develops and the pace and tension are ramped up.

Usually I find one strand of a dual time line story stronger, more well developed and far more interesting than another. But here both strands were brilliantly written and leave you rapidly turning the pages keen to discover more. The author slowly peels back the layers piece by piece to unveil an incredible overall picture. She shows how communication is so vital and important and that the decisions and promises we make will impact us forever.

Grief, love, loyalty and the incredible power of sacrifice also play such pivotal roles within both the modern day storyline and the past.This was a fascinating, emotional and brilliant story inspired by the author's family history with a deeply satisfying ending tying both threads of the story together very well. Kelly Rimmer should be proud of herself for the superb writing, well developed plot, the twists and turns and the feelings and emotions it inspires within the reader. The Things We Cannot Say is a book that should not be left lingering on a bookshelf waiting to be read one day. It's a story that needs to be read as soon as possible in order to appreciate the talents and story telling ability of Kelly Rimmer.