What readers think of The Things We Never Say, plus links to write your own review.

This book is a quietly powerful portrait of a complex man who touches many but feels unfulfilled. I cherish this story and it will stay with me for a long time. It’s so refreshing to read about a man who is so self- reflective and confronts a family secret with dignity.

Elizabeth Strout has written a new set of characters for The Things We Never Say. But her unique writing style remains the same - plain, spot on, getting right to the heart of the matter. It just has a sort of Maine sensibility about it. Artie Dam appears to be a happy soul, but he is incredibly lonely and starting to ponder suicide. He’s a good man - a wonderful teacher who leaves a lasting impact on his students, a caring husband and father. He can’t explain, even to himself, why he feels this way. Then something happens which shakes up his life.

The story is told from multiple perspectives and gives little glimpses into the future. Strout has the ability to create characters you quickly come to care about. And not just the main character, but all of them. Throughout the book, we hear from characters about those that had an impact on their lives. I loved that sense of what we pass on to others, sometimes without even realizing the extent of the impact. The story has a strong political aspect about American politics. It pointed out something I’ve observed in my own life. There are those who get deeply upset by what’s happening and others (not necessarily of different opinions) that just shrug it off. Let’s just say Artie and I are on the side obsessing over what’s going wrong. Needless to say, Trump supporters probably won’t care for this book.

While several characters struggle with depression, there was still a sense of hope imbedded throughout.

My thanks to Netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.