Kelly Rimmer asks the reader in poignant questions to reflect on what parts of THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY affected us the most. The most difficult part of that would be to reduce those moments to a realistic number. Perhaps it all begins with a random encounter with a wonderful older woman who gifts young Eddie with a dreidel. Perhaps it was the Sophie's choice moment of Alina's parents. Perhaps it was the cavalier executions. Perhaps it was the moment when it all became so clear. You will know those moments and many more.

Well all I can say is Kelly Rimmer has outdone herself. I thought that BEFORE I LET YOU GO was one of the best novels I had ever read. It was strong and honest at the same time raw and direct. THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY is unerringly stark and honest. It tells of a time that is often ignored or disavowed as untruth. Special people have made sure that a time like this should never happen again. The slogan Never Again is a living thing born out of tragedy too gruesome to mention. But in THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY Kelly Rimmer once again tells this story this time through the eyes of two generations of Polish women, a granddaughter and a grandmother.

THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY is compelling and scary, all the more since it is based on events that occurred in history. It is a story about people -- those that were lost -- those that survived and the legacy of that time.

Kelly Rimmer takes some literary license since this is her tale to tell and fashion but there is no denying the truths that emerge between every line in the book. I knew that I wanted to read THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY after experiencing the writing of Kelly Rimmer. I truthfully was not prepared for how I was affected by this story.

Main characters are current day Alice and her grandmother Alina. Alina's voice is the narrator of the story of the past. Alice's is the present. Both women are strong -- they have to be.

Alina is learning the harsh reality of the Nazi invasion of Poland keeping a watchful eye on her beloved town and all its people. She quickly realizes that these soldiers speaking only in German were rooting out the most influential men of the town. As Alina says to destabilize her people these Nazi soldiers were knocking out the foundation so the rest crumbles. Thoughtful people are compelled to help and Alina was to do something that was brave and stupid. But necessary and would more likely repeat. Cowardice was not an option.

Alina doesn't envision herself as a strong woman. Alice feels as though the walls of her life are closing in on her. Neither feels as if they are in control of their lives. Both are correct. Alina's life and those she loves are tethering on a narrowing ledge that diminishes daily. Alice's world seems confined to her family responsibilities. THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY clearly illustrates how these two woman have underestimated their innate strengths.

Kelly Rimmer says it best when she tells of how this story found its way into her mind. She marveled that not even the worst of humanity is powerful enough to stamp out grace or hope or love. If you only have time to read one book this year THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY by Kelly Rimmer should be that book. Keep tissues handy.

Book Summary

Read an Excerpt