The Things We Cannot Say: A WWII Historical Fiction Novel
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
The New York Times bestseller--for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz
From the bestselling author of Truths I Never Told You, Before I Let You Go, and the The Warsaw Orphan, Kelly Rimmer's powerful WWII novel follows a woman's urgent search for answers to a family mystery that uncovers truths about herself that she never expected.
"Fans of The Nightingale and Lilac Girls will adore The Things We Cannot Say." --Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author
In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It's a decision that will alter her destiny...and it's a lie that will remain buried until the next century.
Since she was nine years old, Alina Dziak knew she would marry her best friend, Tomasz. Now fifteen and engaged, Alina is unconcerned by reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing her neighbors that they pose no real threat, and dreams instead of the day Tomasz returns from college in Warsaw so they can be married. But little by little, injustice by brutal injustice, the Nazi occupation takes hold, and Alina's tiny rural village, its families, are divided by fear and hate.
Then, as the fabric of their lives is slowly picked apart, Tomasz disappears. Where Alina used to measure time between visits from her beloved, now she measures the spaces between hope and despair, waiting for word from Tomasz and avoiding the attentions of the soldiers who patrol her parents' farm. But for now, even deafening silence is preferable to grief.
Slipping between Nazi-occupied Poland and the frenetic pace of modern life, Kelly Rimmer creates an emotional and finely wrought narrative. The Things We Cannot Say is an unshakable reminder of the devastation when truth is silenced...and how it can take a lifetime to find our voice before we learn to trust it.
Don't miss Kelly Rimmer's newest novel, The Paris Agent, where a family's innocent search for answers brings a long-forgotten, twenty-five-year-old mystery featuring two female SOE operatives comes to light
For more by Kelly Rimmer, look for
Before I Let You Go Truths I Never Told You The Warsaw Orphan The German Wife The Midnight Estate (available July 22, 2025)
From the bestselling author of Truths I Never Told You, Before I Let You Go, and the The Warsaw Orphan, Kelly Rimmer's powerful WWII novel follows a woman's urgent search for answers to a family mystery that uncovers truths about herself that she never expected.
"Fans of The Nightingale and Lilac Girls will adore The Things We Cannot Say." --Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author
In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It's a decision that will alter her destiny...and it's a lie that will remain buried until the next century.
Since she was nine years old, Alina Dziak knew she would marry her best friend, Tomasz. Now fifteen and engaged, Alina is unconcerned by reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing her neighbors that they pose no real threat, and dreams instead of the day Tomasz returns from college in Warsaw so they can be married. But little by little, injustice by brutal injustice, the Nazi occupation takes hold, and Alina's tiny rural village, its families, are divided by fear and hate.
Then, as the fabric of their lives is slowly picked apart, Tomasz disappears. Where Alina used to measure time between visits from her beloved, now she measures the spaces between hope and despair, waiting for word from Tomasz and avoiding the attentions of the soldiers who patrol her parents' farm. But for now, even deafening silence is preferable to grief.
Slipping between Nazi-occupied Poland and the frenetic pace of modern life, Kelly Rimmer creates an emotional and finely wrought narrative. The Things We Cannot Say is an unshakable reminder of the devastation when truth is silenced...and how it can take a lifetime to find our voice before we learn to trust it.
Don't miss Kelly Rimmer's newest novel, The Paris Agent, where a family's innocent search for answers brings a long-forgotten, twenty-five-year-old mystery featuring two female SOE operatives comes to light
For more by Kelly Rimmer, look for
Before I Let You Go Truths I Never Told You The Warsaw Orphan The German Wife The Midnight Estate (available July 22, 2025)
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1525823566
ISBN13:9781525823565
Release Date:March 2019
Publisher:Graydon House
Length:432 Pages
Weight:1.06 lbs.
Dimensions:1.4" x 6.0" x 8.9"
Customer Reviews
7 ratings
Don't miss out on this masterpiece.
Published by Alyak , 17 days ago
This is the sort of book you must read before you die. It's alive.
Masterfully written
Published by Jackie , 7 months ago
Engrossing historical fiction. Writer masterfully presents two narratives in an emotional context. Highly recommended.
Awesome book
Published by Jan Smith , 1 year ago
Powerful book about love and acceptance of what life gives you.
Best Book Ever
Published by Sydney , 2 years ago
This book may be the best book I’ve ever read. The back and forth storytelling works so perfectly. I cried through half of this book and I recommend it to everyone I know.
This book is fantastic
Published by Hannah , 2 years ago
A deeply enticing story intertwining modern day and war torn Poland 1940s. Mystery and love are woven throughout, absolutely could not put this book down.
Excellent read
Published by ChronicallyPlotting , 3 years ago
A mystery, romance and story of hope and survival all in one. I could not put this book down. You get attached to every character, will laugh, cry and cheer for them.
Not just another WWII novel
Published by Irmo Mimi , 5 years ago
If you enjoyed The Nightengale or All The Light You Cannot See, you will love The things we cannot say. I could not put it down. MSRimmer really knows how to make history come alive. You feel yourself sharing their struggles. You’ll love all the
good characters. Very realistic characters. Realistic stories. Makes you wonder about your own family history and struggles to survive the war.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
