The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer navigates through two timelines, connecting a present-day family dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to a harrowing past entrenched in the atrocities of World War II. The book begins with Alice, an overwhelmed mother dealing with the nuances of raising a child with ASD. Her son, Eddie, requires immense attention and a carefully maintained routine, causing Alice's daughter to feel neglected and her husband emotionally distances himself. The one constant source of solace in Alice's life is her relationship with her elderly grandmother, Babcia, who suffers a stroke and assigns Alice a mission: to find someone from her past in Poland and deliver an apology.
Simultaneously, the narrative plunges into the past, centering on Alina, a young woman who must deal with the terror of war descending upon her village in Poland. Separated from her fiancé, Tomasz, who has gone to Warsaw to study medicine, Alina and her family face the invading forces independently. Alina's narrative weaves a tale of resilience and sacrifice as she navigates the perils of war, underlining the profound impact of love in times of crisis.
Alternating between the narratives of Alice and Alina, Rimmer intricately unravels a poignant connection between the past and present. As Alice embarks on her mission, she, in turn, the readers, gradually discovers the heartbreaking story of Alina and the sacrifices she had to make during the war. This journey forms a critical link to Alice's ancestry and provides her with an understanding of her resilience.
Rimmer explores several complex themes in the novel, seamlessly integrating them into the narratives of both Alina and Alice. Love and sacrifice are prominent themes depicted through Alina's struggle to protect Tomasz's family and Alice's sacrifices for her son, Eddie. The idea of resilience in the face of adversity is another thread that ties the narratives together, exemplified by Alice's everyday struggles and Alina's survival during the war.
Additionally, the novel emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to one's roots. Alice's journey to Poland underscores the significance of understanding our past and how it shapes us. Through Alina and Babcia's stories, Alice finds her family history and her own strength.
Rimmer also illustrates the impacts of war on individuals and families, showing that it leaves indelible scars. The atrocities of World War II are vividly portrayed through Alina's experiences, which form a poignant part of the narrative.
Moreover, The Things We Cannot Say provides readers with an understanding of ASD. Rimmer highlights the daily triumphs and challenges of raising a child with ASD through Alice's experiences with her son Eddie. The ASD narrative is not a subplot but is integral to the main narrative, enhancing the reader's empathy and understanding.
