The Things We Cannot Say

By: Kelly Rimmer

Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon, Nancy Peterson

OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD!

The New York Times bestseller—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!

From the bestselling author of Truths I Never Told You, Before I Let You Go, and the The Warsaw Orphan, Kelly Rimmer’s powerful WWII novel follows a woman’s urgent search for answers to a family mystery that uncovers truths about herself that she never expected.

“Fans of The Nightingale and Lilac Girls will adore The Things We Cannot Say.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author

In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It’s a decision that will alter her destiny…and it’s a lie that will remain buried until the next century.

Since she was nine years old, Alina Dziak knew she would marry her best friend, Tomasz. Now fifteen and engaged, Alina is unconcerned by reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing her neighbors that they pose no real threat, and dreams instead of the day Tomasz returns from college in Warsaw so they can be married. But little by little, injustice by brutal injustice, the Nazi occupation takes hold, and Alina’s tiny rural village, its families, are divided by fear and hate.

Then, as the fabric of their lives is slowly picked apart, Tomasz disappears. Where Alina used to measure time between visits from her beloved, now she measures the spaces between hope and despair, waiting for word from Tomasz and avoiding the attentions of the soldiers who patrol her parents’ farm. But for now, even deafening silence is preferable to grief.

Slipping between Nazi-occupied Poland and the frenetic pace of modern life, Kelly Rimmer creates an emotional and finely wrought narrative. The Things We Cannot Say is an unshakable reminder of the devastation when truth is silenced…and how it can take a lifetime to find our voice before we learn to trust it.

For more by Kelly Rimmer, look for

• Before I Let You Go
• Truths I Never Told You
• The Warsaw Orphan
• The German Wife
• The Paris Agent
• The Midnight Estate

Sobbing!

Being an addict of historical fiction, WWII having a particularly special place in my heart; I had no idea that this book would have the emotional impact it did you me. I felt this story deep within my marrow, by the end of it I could hardly see through my tears.

The events of his story are different than my own family’s, however, the depths of joy & sorrow, confusion & clarity, pain & loss and the immense magnitude of feelings captured in this story are a mirror of my family’s. This story beautifully expresses all the things I cannot to my own family.

With gratitude for a beautifully written, perfectly performed story that speaks my story. Sharing with my family now!

The book is amazing

I loved this story. The pain and beauty of war mixed with the trials of today brought a story that had tears running down my face at times. The only complaint I would have is that the narrator for Aleena whispers rather than enunciating clearly and it can be hard to understand or hear at times.

heartwarming

First time author for me. OK, I titled this review 'heartwarming' although it's about the horror and tragedy of World War II, the setting in this one, Poland. It's one of those books that goes back and forth between two times, Poland early in the war and Florida in current times where the story switches back and forth between the two times as it evolves.

Yes, some really bad things happen in this story but you get the feeling that in the end it will all work out. It's a nice story, a heartwarming story.

Beautiful WWII story you'll not soon forget!!!

One of this year's best stories of WWII. I don't normally cry while reading books, but I did with this one!

Amazing audible book

This is a must listen to book that my husband and I both enjoyed on our road trip. The narrators are excellent.

3.5 Stars

I wish I could rate it higher, but there is a significant aspect of the book I didn’t care for. The Babcia/Alina storyline was spectacular, but Alice’s storyline about her own family dynamics seemed overdone and out of place. It detracted from the more potent main plot.

Amazing

I have no other word in the English language to describe this book besides absolutely amazing . It touches so many aspects of what is important in this life, and foreshadows the very thing we sometimes forget . How much our ancestors have done for us ! Great read!

The Sorrows of War

This book is perhaps my favorite book, of all the 81 audible stories that I've listened to. It told about some of the horrors of WWII, alternating with a present day family who you know are some how related to the tales of Poland. The writing was wonderful and the reading was even better. I enjoyed this book from the first paragraph all the way to the very last word.

Wonderful Story

An amazing story. It showed how important it is to connect to our past and pass on our history to our kids.

Loved it!!

I simply purchased this book because it was in my recommended list. I did not expect to get pulled into this story so easily. I found myself eager to listen whenever possible. I simply devoured the story and could not wait to see what happened.
I highly recommmend this book if you simply love a good story.