From a Google Image Search – Penguin Random House
The Things We Never Say is not a big blockbuster of a novel. Elizabeth Strout writes about family dynamics, friendships, and how couples relate. Even dramatic events in this novel are discussed in retrospect, or at some emotional distance.
We meet Artie Dam and his wife Evie years after an emotional crisis has calmed, although it will never be forgotten. Their 17-year-old son, Rob, crashed his car and his girlfriend died in the crash. The Morrison’s sued and a bitter court case followed. But the Morrison’s lost and left the area. Years have softened the grief and the guilt, but Artie could see how these events had changed his son. And Artie never mentions some details that did not come up in the trial.
Rob married Francesca, a concert pianist, nine years older. We find him considering a separation, possibly in love with a woman closer to his age. Artie and Evie hold their tongues while all the parties involved work through this.
Artie teaches 11th grade history and loves being a teacher. Our current situation in America sometimes enters the narrative. But Artie is also facing a life crisis of his own. He doesn’t discuss his feelings directly with anyone. Although Artie and Evie often talk about their work, they rarely examine their relationship. The author gives us insight into their thoughts about their relationship though.
The things we never say create an undercurrent in this novel, totally appropriate to a life lived near the coastal waters of Massachusetts. Couples seem have a harder time talking about thoughts they hoard, perhaps even existential thoughts, and they protect these internal dialogues. This makes partners question their relationship and wonder if it still works. It makes them wonder if they have grown apart.
However, perhaps some private struggles are better left unspoken. Often these struggles resolve by themselves over time. Perhaps if hauled into the daylight they would just test the relationship in unnecessary ways.
We learn who Artie is through his interactions with those around him–his family, his friends, his students. Will a revelation about his son change everything? Is it better kept private from the wife who has kept it to herself for years? Will it affect his relationship with his son, and what effects will it have? How will it affect the relationship between Artie and Evie? Perhaps some things are better left unsaid. Elizabeth Strout is a master of telling us quiet stories, but her stories have depth. This one is on the short list for a Booker Prize in 2026.
So Many Books, Choose Wisely 