Reviews - The Things We Cannot Say

3.62k reviews for:

The Things We Cannot Say

Kelly Rimmer

4.47 AVERAGE

allbrand92's review against another edition

4.25

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

heidijo16's review against another edition

4.25

emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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: Yes

I enjoyed the flow of the book and appreciated that the modern-day storyline had a family member with a significant disability. I didn't think it made sense that Babcia had to use a speaking device to understand what people were saying to her. I didn't love all the characters, namely Julita the judge. There was good yet predictable character development in Alice and Wade's marriage. Some of the characters' decisions seemed a little far-fetched or unnecessary like that Tomasz turned himself in to save his family or that Alina and her husband never had sex or that he never re ealed that he was Jewish. It was also unlikely that a Polish Jew would have made it to America. It became apparent that Alina's husband was not Tomasz and I was very interested in following that story to discover what became of Tomasz. Overall, an intriguing story and I appreciated that the author had spent time researching her own ancestors in Poland.

corinnap's review against another edition

5.0

Wow. What a wonderfully heartfelt story. I buddy read this with Jen and we both loved it. The writing was beautiful...I adored the characters and the interwoven elements of the story. I can't speak to the Autism spectrum rep but it seemed like it was really well done.. I tabbed so much of the book.

laurynnperez's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

_lv2readbooks_'s review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful informative sad tense medium-paced

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Kelly Rimmer’s “The Things We Cannot Say” is a poignant historical novel that explores love, loss, and the haunting silence left by war. Set against the chilling backdrop of Nazi-occupied Poland in 1942, this emotionally driven narrative follows the journey of a young girl forced to navigate the terrifying transformation of her world — and her heart — during one of history’s darkest times.

The story begins with a slow and measured pace, immersing the reader in the quiet routines of Elena Dziak’s life. At just fifteen, Elena is more concerned with dreams of marrying her childhood best friend, Tomas, than with the growing threat of war looming at Poland’s border. Her naiveté is believable and heartbreaking, setting the stage for the emotional depth that unfolds.

As Nazi control creeps into her rural village, the novel gains momentum. Families are torn apart, trust is eroded, and Elena’s once-simple future is shattered when Tomas vanishes without a trace. Rimmer masterfully portrays Elena’s transformation from a hopeful girl to a courageous young woman surviving amid unimaginable cruelty. Her silent suffering — the waiting, the watching, the aching uncertainty — resonates powerfully.

Woven into the narrative is a buried secret, one that spans generations and eventually rises to the surface nearly a century later. Though the pace may initially test the patience of some readers, the emotional payoff is deeply satisfying. Rimmer’s skill lies not just in her historical research, but in her ability to humanize the toll of war through characters who feel achingly real.

In summary, “The Things We Cannot Say” is a moving novel about promises kept, love tested by time and trauma, and the resilience of the human spirit. While its slow start may require perseverance, the result is a layered, unforgettable story that lingers long after the final page.