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The Things We Cannot Say cover art

The Things We Cannot Say

Written by: Kelly Rimmer
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon, Nancy Peterson
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Publisher's Summary

Now a New York Times best seller!

From the author of Truths I Never Told You, Before I Let You Go, and the upcoming 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.

"Kelly Rimmer has outdone herself. I thought that Before I Let You Go was one of the best novels I had ever read.... If you only have time to read one book this year The Things We Cannot Say should be that book. Keep tissues handy." (Fresh Fiction)

"Fans of The Nightingale and Lilac Girls will adore The Things We Cannot Say." (Pam Jenoff, New York Times best-selling author) 

In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the Russian 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 15 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. 

Don't miss Kelly Rimmer's new and unforgettable novel, The Warsaw Orphan

©2019 Kelly Rimmer (P)2019 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

What listeners say about The Things We Cannot Say

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

A well written, beautiful story about love, sacrifice and family

A powerful and beautiful story about love and sacrifice during WWII. I must say, I thought this book was good initially (and by ‘good’ I mean ‘average’). A lot of stories have been written about families/couples/survivors of WWII so I was initially skeptical about what would make this book different from the others I’ve read/listened to (please don’t take me as insensitive, I am merely stating a fact). The overlapping stories between the grandma and granddaughter was done well; I did, however, find that the chapters ended abruptly and awkwardly. It’s one thing to leave on a cliffhanger, but I felt at times that some of the chapters ended mid-thought. However, the twist toward the end was not at all expected and was quite shocking! It made sense though, thinking back through the book, the twist made perfect sense. The ending was beautiful and incredibly emotional! I have not cried that much while reading/listening to a book in a long time. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves the WWII genre! Well worth it!

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12 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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3 thumbs down.

I really struggled to finish this one. The authors overuse of the word INCREDULOUSLY was beyond annoying. Sadly, I would not recommend this book to anyone.

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6 people found this helpful

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AMAZING!

This is probably going to be the book of the year for me! The story, the writing the performances were all outstanding! I'm so thankful I purchased it and listened to it! Swept me away! So real and poingnant!

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4 people found this helpful

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A worthwhile read

Really enjoyed this book. Great narrator who brought the characters to life. Enjoyed the switching between characters.

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3 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Harlequin war story

The story was reasonably interesting, the writing repetitive and wince-worthy (the characters “gaze” on every page and are “incredulous” throughout.

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2 people found this helpful

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INCREDIBLE!

I laughed, cried and loved every minute of this beautiful story. Highly recommend reading this one.

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2 people found this helpful

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Maybe a nice love story, but a bad history story

I had a hard time finishing this book.
I don’t return books, but this will be returned. The main characters are not believable and whiny. Like a bunch of spoiled kids in the middle of the WW2, not believable at all. It honestly almost makes the Holocaust a joke, like nothing special bad, like a adventure... it’s makes me mad... if you want to have a feel how it was, read the tattoo artist or the stone Crusher or there are many good books that make you understand how horrible it was.. this is a love story set in a fake war situation maybe only to ride with that kind of book sales... I have the idea that the author got no flippin idea what the Holocaust really was... what a whining enjoying book, especially the end. And a lot of extra, completely useless characters and problems that are not doing anything for the book..
please use your credit for a GOOD book ..or a love story about nothing OR informative about the War...

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Enjoyable.

My first response was that I didn't like Alice. I found her character a little trite and too bubbly. I read some interesting reviews and decided to persevere. I am so happy I did. An excellent book and so well written. The braiding of the various story lines is done well and I even grew to like Alice! So much love and compassion in this book. A beautiful and haunting story.

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1 person found this helpful

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Incredible Story

Triumphant, heart-breaking, tense and a revelation. I cried several times and books seldom make me do that. You will fall in love with the main characters.

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1 person found this helpful

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One Of The Best Books I've Ever Read

This is one of the best books I've ever read. The story is beautiful and helps me understand what it was like in Poland for families. I'm in grade 8 and before I read this book I never really cared to research about the Nazis or World War II. I never knew that learning about these things were so interesting. I am definitely going to read more Historical Fiction because this book was truly amazing.

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1 person found this helpful