Review of The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
As an avid reader with a particular fondness for historical fiction, especially stories set in World War II, I was drawn to The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer. The premise of uncovering a family mystery intertwined with the historical context of the Holocaust intrigued me. Plus, it’s labeled as a New York Times bestseller—always a good sign!
From the outset, I found Rimmer’s writing beautifully evocative. The narrative weaves between Alina Dziak’s life in Nazi-occupied Poland and her granddaughter Alice’s modern-day quest for truth, touching on themes of love, sacrifice, and the long shadow of history. Readers will resonate with the emotional depth of the characters, who are vividly portrayed—every joy and sorrow feels tangible. One of the remarkable aspects highlighted by other readers is how Rimmer has a gift for developing characters so profoundly that you feel their feelings as if they were your own, a sentiment echoed by Charles R. Sandy.
The connection between past and present is handled with grace. As I followed Alice’s journey to uncover her family’s secrets, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history pressing down on her. The timing of each revelation is well-considered, effectively maintaining suspense while evoking powerful emotions, much like Barbara Johnson described, where the twists kept me reading well into the night.
However, while I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found some elements could have benefitted from tighter pacing. E. G. noted feeling frustrated with the draw-out nature of certain plot points, and I somewhat agree. At times, the dual timeline can slow down the rhythm of the story, causing it to feel a bit long-winded. Yet, I felt this didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
There was also a moment of hesitation in the beginning. Laurie G mentioned that she almost gave up on the book, which resonated with me. The story starts off deliberately slow, almost methodical, as it sets the stakes and characters. But for those who persist, the payoff is rich and rewarding. The emotional climax is beautifully heartbreaking and left a lasting impression on me.
The portrayal of family bonds amid tragedy is another highlight. Rimmer excels at creating multilayered characters, exploring relationships that are messy yet authentic. Alina and Tomasz’s love story, despite the backdrop of war and uncertainty, is touching and serves as the emotional core. I found myself entirely absorbed, much like the readers who described it as a powerful story of endurance.
Despite some pacing issues, what stood out the most to me was the book’s capacity to make readers reflect on contemporary issues, particularly regarding human suffering and resilience. As expressed by Tracey, the tale serves as a reminder of our past and the importance of honoring those who have endured similar hardships. Rimmer’s ability to intertwine history with modern narratives provokes thoughts about humanity’s ongoing struggle against oppression and hate.
In conclusion, The Things We Cannot Say has truly captivated me. It fulfilled my expectations of a profound and moving historical narrative, offering not just insight into wartime struggles but also a poignant reminder of the power of family and truth. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fellow historical fiction lovers; it’s a journey worth taking, albeit with the understanding that its pace can sometimes be slow.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
If you’re looking for a story that both tugs at your heartstrings and challenges your perceptions about history and family, The Things We Cannot Say is definitely worth the read!
Discover the powerful journey of resilience and secrets in The Things We Cannot Say. >>