The Things We Never Say
By Elizabeth Strout
- Release Date: 2026-05-05
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this “profound, resplendent novel”* from Pulitzer Prize–winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout, a chance incident sparks a powerful realization in a beloved teacher’s life
“Strout’s capacious empathy and rigorous attention to the nuances of human behavior and psychology are as evident as ever.”—The Boston Globe
“Artie Dam is someone you may never be able to forget.”—Financial Times*
Artie Dam is living a double life. He spends his days teaching history to eleventh graders, expanding their young minds, correcting their casual cruelties, and lending a kind word to those who need it most. He goes to holiday parties with his wife of three decades, makes small talk with neighbors, and, on weekends, takes his sailboat out on the beautiful Massachusetts Bay. He is, by all appearances, present and alive. But inside, Artie is plagued by feelings of isolation. He looks out at a world gone mad—at himself and the people around him—and turns a question over and over in his mind: How is it that we know so little about one another, even those closest to us?
And then, one day, Artie learns that life has been keeping a secret from him, one that threatens to upend his entire world. Once he learns it, he is forced to chart a new course, to reconsider the relationships he holds most dear—and to make peace with the mysteries at the heart of our existence.
Elizabeth Strout, as we have come to expect, delivers a moving exploration of the human condition—one that brims with compassion for each and every one of her indelible characters. With exquisite prose and profound insight, The Things We Never Say takes one man’s fears and loneliness and makes them universal. And in the same breath, captures the abiding love that sustains and holds us all.
Reviews
Politicking authors
2By Debbie-birdI wish authors would stop politicizing and just write good novels. I’ll never read another of hers or any other author regardless of what side of the political aisle. People want to read fiction and not hear the author lecturing. Literature should be apolitical.Very therapeutic
5By bigbri70A reflection on the realities of life,and the conscious and unconscious adaptations we pursue to survive in a hostile worldFascinating
5By Va.MooreI really enjoyed the mental dialogue in this novel as Artie said,in other words,people don’t really talk about their “real” feelings. We often make up an imaginary life that we discuss with colleagues. It’s nice to have a friend or two that we can be truly honest with.Relevant
5By Katkerst64Such a compelling story, with so many unique characters. What is especially interesting is that the novel mentions numerous times that a president has been elected. The dismay and brief retelling of the past year's events under Trump makes for a dry believable novel.There’s something about this book
5By ritireadsI finished this book feeling a deep sadness, which I think was the point. Artie’s life and thoughts and relationships are so normal, unspectacular. But the author’s attention to detail and the contradictions of his mind make the book what it is. His loneliness and grief and confusion and joy come through beautifully. I love that the author gives us glimpses into the perspectives of people on the periphery of his life. There’s a line about how every person has within them an unknowable universe. The book captures that idea so well.TDS
1By MirorecaI was sad I bought this book. More political jabs at Republicans and Trump. Unless you feel the same, don’t waste your money.Deeply moving
5By petulapugI found this novel to be deeply moving, both profoundly painful and hopeful, talking about the secrets we keep to ourselves and the meaningful ways we can reach out with kindness and make a difference in the lives of others. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time.Meh
2By Slots super fanDullThe Things we never say.
2By Dedra GrizzardA few good moments in the book but overall not a fan. Glad I finished itHorrible
1By D.massachusettsToo bad politics ruined this book.Wonderful book
5By nobookclub1A very moving story. And so true that we never really know another human. We need more teachers like Artie.The Things We Should Never Read
1By cbybirdA manipulative effort by the author to weave in her biased and distorted political perspective into what may have otherwise been a touching, albeit depressing, story.Contemplating my own life
5By BeebCeed78I cried on and off reading this book. The COVID pandemic left a pandemic of loneliness in its wake, and I now realize I am lonely and scared to say how I really feel. As I read Artie’s story, memories from my own life played in my head. It made me long for the innocence I had before I had to become a grown‑up. I should join a book club.The Things We Never Say
5By ArtymusicianI loved reading this book, and especially loved the character, Artie Dam. He reminded me of a teacher ! had who inspired me and had a profound impact on my life. I hope Shakespeare can help us to say the things we cannot say, and more importantly to listen, care, and understand others. To show kindness and love to our neighbors - regardless of their circumstances and points of view. It was kindness that Artie saw in Evie's eyes when they first met serving others. Francesca said she looked for God in the musical recitals she gave to awed audiences around the world, and sometimes felt close. Seeing the good in others is uplifting and rewarding to us all. I learned more about French politics in Les Miserables and American politics in Gone With the Wind than history classes. I cannot imagine criticizing Victor Hugo or Margaret Mitchell for including politics!The Things We Never Say
1By ljoyce24I read for pleasure. This was anything but. Leave politics out of it.Horrible
1By juliusaWho really wrote this? Definitely what I would’ve expected from this author. Terrible dialogue, no emotion, horrible people. Evie in particular is just a mean and horrible person and one wishes the mai character would see that. This was a waste of money and I’m shocked it got any good reviews at all. Sadly it’s the last I’ll ever read by this author. I think she’s lost her mojo.Moving story but why politics
3By sherrtlarsonmnI enjoyed this story immensely. It was moving and relatable but it could have been equally good without bringing politics into it.Wonderful
5By Katie 2822A truly moving storyRemove politics
1By Dallas 4192Higher rating would be given if there were less politics
