Summary:

In “The Things We Cannot Say” by Kelly Rimmer, we follow the parallel stories of Alice, a present-day mother struggling to connect with her autistic son, and Alina, a young woman living in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. As Alice uncovers her grandmother’s past through a series of letters, she learns about the sacrifices, love, and resilience that shaped her family’s history. This emotional and heartwarming novel explores the power of love, the importance of family, and the strength found in the face of adversity.

The Power of Love and Sacrifice

“The Things We Cannot Say” delves into the profound impact of love and sacrifice on individuals and families. Alina, a young Polish woman, is faced with impossible choices during the war, but her unwavering love for her family drives her to make unimaginable sacrifices. She risks her life to protect her loved ones and demonstrates the lengths people will go to for those they hold dear. Similarly, Alice, in the present day, discovers the depth of her grandmother’s love through the letters she left behind. These letters reveal a woman who was willing to sacrifice everything for her family, leaving a lasting legacy of love and resilience.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Throughout the novel, both Alina and Alice demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Alina endures the horrors of war, witnessing the atrocities committed by the Nazis and experiencing personal loss. Despite the darkness surrounding her, she finds strength within herself to keep going and protect her family. Alice, on the other hand, faces the challenges of raising an autistic child in a world that often fails to understand and support them. She confronts her own fears and learns to advocate for her son, finding resilience in the process. The novel highlights the power of resilience in overcoming life’s obstacles and finding hope in the darkest of times.

The Importance of Family and Connection

“The Things We Cannot Say” emphasizes the significance of family and the connections that bind us together. Alina’s unwavering love for her family drives her actions, and her sacrifices are motivated by her desire to protect them. Alice, too, discovers the importance of family as she unravels her grandmother’s story and learns about the sacrifices made by previous generations. The novel reminds us that family is not just about blood relations, but also about the connections we forge and the love we share. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing and nurturing these relationships, as they can provide strength and support during life’s most challenging moments.

• Love and sacrifice can have a profound impact on individuals and families.
• Resilience is a powerful tool in overcoming adversity.
• Family and connection are essential for support and strength.

“Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.”