The Things We Cannot Say

We’re first introduced to Alina Dziak, a teenager living in rural Poland during the onset of the Second World War. Madly in love with her childhood sweetheart, Tomasz, Alina dreams of a blissful future, one that is cruelly snatched away as war tears through their peaceful village. Alina’s strength is pushed to its limit as she navigates a world ripped apart by conflict, desperately trying to keep her family together and her hope alive.

Simultaneously, we’re swept forward to present-day Florida where we meet Alice, a wife, mother, and dedicated history buff struggling under the weight of her own familial responsibilities. The sudden health decline of her beloved grandmother leads Alice on a journey to unearth the long-buried secrets of her grandmother’s past, the silent stories that have molded her family’s identity.

As the novel oscillates between Alina’s past and Alice’s present, each woman’s tale spins an intricate web of connection and love, sacrifice and survival. Alina’s courage in the face of unimaginable horrors resonates through time, leaving a mark on Alice and her understanding of her own life and challenges.

Beyond Alina and Alice, the novel is rich with a cast of characters that lend depth and dimension to the story. Tomasz, Alina’s love, stands as a beacon of hope in the darkness of war. His character symbolizes unwavering love and devotion, even in the face of uncertainty and danger. Alice’s husband, Wade, and their children, Eddie and Callie, bring a sense of modern family dynamics and the everyday challenges of balancing personal dreams with familial duties.

On the other hand, we meet characters like Alina’s family and her in-laws in the turmoil of war-torn Poland, each fighting their battles and trying to maintain some semblance of humanity amidst chaos. Their struggles and moments of joy and sorrow add a multitude of layers to the story, making it that much more relatable and poignant.

The skillful narration by Ann Marie Gideon and Nancy Peterson enhances the immersive experience, guiding the listener through moments of joy, love, fear, and heartbreak. Their nuanced performances help us feel the raw emotions and internal struggles of each character, transforming the complex narrative into an intimate conversation. Before I Let You Go introduced us to many new characters and the intensity of The German Wife was unique too, now come to this one which is amalgam of both.