Why Is 'The Things We Cannot Say' So Popular Among Readers?

2025-06-26 04:15:12 12

3 answers

Andrew
Andrew
2025-07-01 03:02:08
The appeal of 'The Things We Cannot Say' lies in its raw emotional honesty. Readers connect with its portrayal of love and sacrifice during wartime, something that feels both historical and painfully relevant today. The dual timeline structure keeps you hooked, flipping between WWII Poland and modern-day Florida with perfect pacing. Kelly Rimmer nails the gut-wrenching choices families make when survival is on the line. What sticks with me most is how the past bleeds into the present—those unsaid words between generations that shape entire lives. The book doesn’t just tell a war story; it shows how silence can echo louder than bombs. For anyone who’s ever wondered about their family’s hidden history, this novel hits like a revelation. If you’re into emotional historical fiction, also check out 'The Nightingale'—it’s another masterpiece that balances heartbreak and hope.
Yazmin
Yazmin
2025-06-28 21:07:31
As someone who devours historical fiction, 'The Things We Cannot Say' stands out because it refuses to simplify war into heroes and villains. The characters are messy, desperate, and utterly human. Alina’s WWII struggle isn’t just about surviving Nazis; it’s about preserving love in a world that wants to crush it. The parallel modern storyline with Alice adds depth—watching her unravel family secrets mirrors how we all grapple with inherited trauma.

Rimmer’s research shines in the details. The way she writes about the Polish resistance feels authentic, from coded messages to the constant fear of betrayal. But what really makes it popular is how universal it is. You don’t need Polish ancestry to understand the weight of unspoken family truths. The book’s pacing is flawless, with each timeline feeding the other’s tension. For readers who enjoy this mix of history and family drama, 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' offers a similarly gripping perspective on love during impossible times.
Claire
Claire
2025-07-01 17:46:33
This book grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. 'The Things We Cannot Say' works because it’s not just another WWII novel—it’s about the stories we’re too scared to tell. The contrast between Alina’s youthful hope and Alice’s modern-day frustration creates this magnetic pull. You keep turning pages to see how the past resolves in the present.

Rimmer writes women brilliantly. Alina isn’t some idealized martyr; she makes reckless choices out of love. Alice isn’t just a plot device to uncover secrets; her struggles with marriage and autism in her son feel real. The emotional payoff when timelines collide is earned, not cheap. That’s why book clubs adore it—there’s so much to discuss about sacrifice, communication, and what we owe our families. If you want another layered historical read, try 'The Book Thief'. Both use unconventional narrators to make history feel personal.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

The Popular Project
The Popular Project
Taylor Crewman has always been considered as the lowest of the low in the social hierarchy of LittleWood High.She is constantly reminded of where she belongs by a certain best-friend-turned-worst-enemy. Desperate to do something about it she embarks on her biggest project yet.
10
30 Chapters
All Things Lovely
All Things Lovely
Autumn Shade only wants one thing: to get away and live her own life. Tired of being forced by her father to take on the business, and follow in his steps, she leaves. She wanted to show her father that she was capable of making her own decisions and not screwing up. But just when she successfully leaves, she's caught up in another whirlwind which threatens to deem everything she'd known a lie.Justin Black and his friends see Autumn and they find that she was perfect for what they were planning, given that it was her father they wanted to take revenge on.Autumn learns a shocking truth about a scandal involving a murder and her father, and persistently denies it. But apparently they have proof.All Autumn wants to do is the right thing. If her father is innocent she gets to say 'I told you so' and if he's really a cheating murderer then she does what's right and gets out of this mess once and for all.But as usual, things get complicated. Actually, feelings get complicated, because the longer she stayed, the closer the broken boy held her.© 2020 by Everleigh Winters
10
65 Chapters
Things You Need
Things You Need
The things we want are so very rarely the things we need. Clifton Heights, a modest Adirondack town, offers many unique attractions. Arcane Delights sells both paperbacks and hard-to-find limited editions. The Skylark Diner serves the best home-cooked meals around, with friendly service and a smile. Every August, Mr. Jingo’s County Fair visits, to the delight of children and adults. In essence, Clifton Heights is the quintessential small American town. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone is treated like family. It is quiet, simple, and peaceful. But shadows linger here. Flitting in dark corners, from the corner of the eye. If you walk down Main Street after dark, the slight scrape of shoes on asphalt whispers you're not alone, but when you look over your shoulder, no one is there. The moon shines high and bright in the night sky, but instead of throwing light, it only seems to make the shadows lengthen. Children disappear. Teens run away. Hunters get lost in the woods with frightening regularity. Husbands go mad, and wives vanish in the dead of night. And still, when the sun rises in the morning, you are greeted by townspeople with warm waves and friendly smiles, and the shivers pass as everything seems fresh and new... Until night falls once more. Handy's Pawn and Thrift sits several blocks down from Arcane Delights. Like any thrift store, its wares range from the mundane to the bizarre. By daylight, it seems just another slice of small town Americana. But in its window hangs a sign which reads: We Have Things You Need. And when a lonely traveling salesman comes looking for something he desperately wants, after normal visiting hours, after night has fallen, he will face a harsh truth among the shelves of Handy’s Pawn and Thrift: the things we want are rarely the things we need. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing
10
19 Chapters
Things Slip Through
Things Slip Through
When a child mysteriously disappears from a small town and even his mother seems indifferent, it’s time for the new sheriff to step in. Meet Chris Baker, the new sheriff of the quiet Adirondack town of Clifton Heights. As one inexplicable case after another forces him to confront the townsfolk in The Skylark Diner, it’s the furtive Gavin Patchett that hands Chris a collection of not-so-fictional short stories that tumbles him into a world of monsters, ageless demons, and vengeful citizens. As Chris reads through the stories the veil starts to lift, and he soon questions what is real and what’s not, and whether he really wants to know. Nothing will ever be the same again. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing
Not enough ratings
25 Chapters
War Among Alphas
War Among Alphas
In a werewolf only world, trouble sparks as Delia Ney, only daughter to Alpha of the Furnace Pack, Yvonne Ney, kills her own mother due to her obsession for power. Her abominable act leads to rebellion amongst other packs which results in Dispute and Conflict. This issue affects the love life between Natalie Kane, daughter to an Alpha and Reven Darke, son to an opponent Alpha. Politics comes into play as Reven and Natalie are made to choose among Love, Power, and Family Loyalty.
10
12 Chapters
Monsters Among Us
Monsters Among Us
Jake Storm always knew that he was different, he was faster, smarter, and good in a fight, he always saw things that others didn't think were real or ever existed. He felt like a freak of nature in his own family until his father sat him down and told him that he came from a long line of monster hunters. When a new family made their way into his home town and strange things begin to occur all fingers point to a set of siblings but things were not as they seemed and the monster lurking in the shadows did not seem so monstrous and those thought to be saints were the true predators lying in wait.
Not enough ratings
28 Chapters

Related Questions

Does 'The Things We Cannot Say' Have A Sequel?

3 answers2025-06-26 16:50:51
I've scoured every source I could find about 'The Things We Cannot Say' by Kelly Rimmer, and there's no official sequel as of now. The novel wraps up its dual-timeline narrative beautifully, tying together Alina's WWII struggles in Poland with Alice's modern-day journey to uncover family secrets. While some readers desperately want more of these characters, the story feels complete—no dangling threads demanding resolution. Rimmer hasn't hinted at continuing this particular story, though she's written other powerful historical fiction like 'The Warsaw Orphan,' which explores similar themes of wartime resilience. If you loved the emotional depth of 'The Things We Cannot Say,' you might enjoy Kristin Hannah's 'The Nightingale' next—it delivers that same gut-punch blend of love and war.

Who Is The Main Protagonist In 'The Things We Cannot Say'?

3 answers2025-06-26 18:28:49
The heart of 'The Things We Cannot Say' belongs to Alina Dziak, a Polish teenager during WWII whose life gets torn apart by the Nazi invasion. She's not your typical war heroine—she's fiercely loyal but naive, brave but terrified, and her journey from a sheltered farm girl to a resistance courier is brutal yet inspiring. What makes Alina unforgettable is her voice—raw letters to her lost love Tomasz reveal her desperation, hope, and gradual hardening. Parallel to her story is modern-day Alice, Alina's granddaughter, who unravels her grandmother's secrets while grappling with her autistic son's needs. Alice's chapters hit differently—she's a mom drowning in guilt, unaware that her struggles mirror Alina's wartime sacrifices. The dual timelines show how courage isn't just about bombs and borders; sometimes it's in raising a special needs child or decoding a dying woman's cryptic past.

What Happens At The End Of 'The Things We Cannot Say'?

2 answers2025-06-26 04:42:44
The ending of 'The Things We Cannot Say' ties together the past and present in a deeply emotional way. Alina’s wartime story reaches its climax when she makes the heart-wrenching decision to send her child away to safety, sacrificing her own chance at escape to ensure their survival. Decades later, her granddaughter Alice uncovers this hidden history during her journey to Poland. The revelation hits hard—Alina’s love and resilience echo through generations, and Alice finally understands the weight of the secrets her family carried. The parallel narratives collide when Alice fulfills Alina’s unfinished mission, delivering a letter to Tomasz, the man Alina never stopped loving. It’s bittersweet; Tomasz has passed, but his family receives the truth Alina couldn’t share. The closure isn’t perfect, but it’s real. Alice returns home with a renewed connection to her roots and a deeper appreciation for her grandmother’s sacrifices. The book leaves you with this lingering thought: some truths are painful, but sharing them can heal wounds across time. The modern thread also resolves beautifully. Alice’s strained relationship with her autistic son softens as she embraces vulnerability, mirroring Alina’s courage. The dual timelines reinforce how trauma shapes families, yet love persists. The last pages aren’t just about endings—they’re about legacy. Alina’s voice, once silenced, finally reaches those who needed to hear it, and Alice’s journey proves that digging into the past can mend the present.

Is 'The Things We Cannot Say' Based On A True Story?

2 answers2025-06-26 20:28:18
I recently finished reading 'The Things We Cannot Say' and was completely absorbed by its emotional depth. While the novel isn't a direct retelling of true events, it's heavily inspired by real historical circumstances during World War II. The author, Kelly Rimmer, did extensive research on Polish resistance fighters and the atrocities faced by civilians during Nazi occupation. The story follows a fictional family, but their experiences mirror those of countless real people who endured similar hardships. The dual timeline structure makes the historical elements feel even more authentic. The past narrative involving Alina and her struggle to survive in war-torn Poland captures the desperation and courage of ordinary citizens caught in the conflict. Many scenes, like the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and the underground resistance networks, are based on documented historical events. The modern timeline with Alice discovering her grandmother's past adds another layer of realism, showing how wartime trauma echoes through generations. What makes this book special is how it blends fact with fiction. While specific characters are invented, their situations reflect genuine historical realities. The author's note explains how interviews with Holocaust survivors and research into Polish history shaped the narrative. You can feel the weight of real suffering behind every page, even if the central story itself is a work of imagination. It's this careful balance between historical accuracy and creative storytelling that gives the novel such emotional power.

How Does 'The Things We Cannot Say' Explore WWII History?

3 answers2025-06-26 05:47:38
I just finished 'The Things We Cannot Say' and it hit me hard how it shows WWII from a civilian perspective. The dual timeline between modern day and 1940s Poland makes the war feel personal, not just dates in a textbook. The historical parts follow Alina, a Polish girl whose quiet farm life gets shattered when Nazis invade. What's brilliant is how small details build the horror—ration cards, neighbors disappearing overnight, that constant fear in her stomach. The resistance efforts aren't glamorized either; they're messy, desperate acts like smuggling food in coffin bottoms. The modern thread with Alice discovering her grandma's past adds layers—it shows how war trauma echoes through generations in ways we don't always see.

Who Is The Protagonist In 'Only Say Good Things'?

5 answers2025-06-23 15:19:41
The protagonist in 'Only Say Good Things' is a deeply flawed but fascinating character named Julian Carter. He's a former investigative journalist who lost his career after a scandal, forcing him into obscurity. Julian is haunted by his past mistakes but finds redemption when he stumbles upon a conspiracy involving a powerful tech company. What makes Julian compelling is his duality—he’s cynical yet idealistic, broken but determined. His sharp wit and observational skills make him an underdog worth rooting for, especially as he uncovers truths that could change lives. The novel explores his internal struggles just as much as the external plot, making him a layered protagonist who grows significantly by the story’s end.

How Does 'Only Say Good Things' End?

5 answers2025-06-23 20:24:44
The ending of 'Only Say Good Things' is a bittersweet symphony of closure and lingering questions. The protagonist, after enduring a whirlwind of emotional turmoil, finally confronts their deepest fears and insecurities. The climactic scene involves a heart-wrenching dialogue with their estranged lover, where truths long buried come to light. The resolution isn’t neatly tied with a bow—instead, it leaves room for interpretation, suggesting that healing is a continuous journey rather than a destination. The final pages depict the protagonist walking away from the past, symbolized by a burning letter, stepping into an uncertain but hopeful future. The ambiguity of the ending resonates deeply, making it a talking point among fans who debate whether the protagonist truly found peace or merely an illusion of it. The supporting characters also get their moments, with subplots wrapping up in ways that feel organic. Some relationships mend, others fracture irreparably, and a few remain suspended in delicate tension. The author’s choice to avoid a traditional 'happily ever after' elevates the narrative, grounding it in realism. The last line—a simple, whispered 'good things'—echoes the title, leaving readers with a haunting sense of melancholy and quiet optimism. It’s the kind of ending that stays with you, prompting reflection long after the book is closed.

Why Is 'Only Say Good Things' So Popular?

5 answers2025-06-23 20:37:48
'Only Say Good Things' resonates because it taps into universal human desires—connection, positivity, and escapism. The story’s central theme of only speaking kindness creates a soothing contrast to our often harsh reality. Readers crave its emotional warmth, like a mental safe haven. The prose is lyrical but accessible, weaving everyday struggles with magical realism—characters’ words literally manifest into tangible effects, turning dialogue into plot-driving magic. This gimmick isn’t just clever; it forces introspection about our own speech’s impact. Its popularity also stems from relatability. Protagonists aren’t flawless paragons but messy people learning empathy the hard way. Their journey mirrors our social media age, where words carry permanent weight. The novel’s viral moments—like a character’s accidental compliment spawning a garden—are tailor-made for TikTok adaptations, fueling word-of-mouth hype. It’s a manual for kindness disguised as fantasy.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status