Every character in Elizabeth Strout’s new novel has a Secret. Hence, the title: The Things We Never Say. One of the main characters, popular History teacher Artie Dam, doesn’t want to live anymore. His wife, Evie, is holding a Secret 20 years old. Artie and Evie’s son, Rob, who was the driver in an accident that killed his passenger, grapples with two major Secrets.
Pulitzer Prize winner, Elizabeth Strout is at the top of her game in The Things We Never Say. She even manages to slam Trump!
My favorite scene in The Things We Never Say is when Artie asks his favorite class–soon to graduate–what they want to do in the Future. Clearly, the students are full of fear about the world–Trump just won the 2024 Election–and the uncertainties they face. But Artie, a master teacher, manages to allay their trepidation about their lives after High School by engaging them in a game of What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? One student engages Artie after class one-on-one. Danny is a jock, but he loves Shakespeare. Artie counsels Danny on his career choices. Danny’s father is a plumber and wants Danny to become a plumber, too. But Artie maps out a different career path–one that will change Danny’s Life.
Elizabeth Strout packs a lot of surprises in The Things We Never Say. The fact that this is an outstanding book…is no Secret. GRADE: A
Yeah, I agree. Very good book, though I was somewhat surprised at how open it was about feelings about Trump.
Jeff, Elizabeth Strout makes her feelings about Trump clear. Now, the IRS will be auditing her every year!
Hard pass!
Bob, you would relate to the lead character, Artie. He has your perspective on Life.
I read quite a lot of romance, and romance authors aren’t shy about writing characters who voice their hatred & contempt for the current administration and its supporters. In fact, in the book I’m currently reading (DEEP END by Ali Hazelwood), the heroine says she never tried dating apps because she was worried someone who stormed the capital on January 6 would click on her profile.
Deb, that is a legit concern. Who would want a January 6th rioter stalking you?
A great book but all of hers are great.