Neil Abramson's Unsaid is a heartbreaking story about a life filled with secrets, regrets, and pain.
The story follows protagonist James, who is living an unhappy life. His mother is gone, his father is an alcoholic, and his brother is stuck in a wheelchair. As if that weren't enough, he's also had to deal with the knowledge that his father spent a life with a secret second family. He finds out about this family slowly, in pieces, from old relatives and from his father's rummaging through a mysterious box of photos.
While the secret family is a major part of the story, the underlying theme of Unsaid is James' quest to find meaning and understanding amidst a sea of pain and confusion. Throughout the book, he struggles to make sense of his world by exploring his own family history, meeting his father's second family, and trying to understand his brother's disability. The reader is given a painfully raw glimpse into James' emotional journey as he grapples with the many things in his life left unsaid.
The novel's characters are also pivotal. His father, an almost unbearable enigma to James, is not an inherently bad person, but his emotional distance and secret life have created a deep rift between the parent and child. His brother, on the other hand, has the opposite impression on James. He's the innocent one, unable to express his thoughts and feelings in any factual way, but his vigilance and inner strength are what drives James' story.
By the end of the novel, James has come full circle; his efforts yield some revelations, though they aren't all the happy stories he was hoping to find. But the truth ultimately sets him free. As he comes to terms with his authentic emotions, James is able to reclaim parts of himself that he may have thought lost or forgotten, as well as a newfound appreciation for the secrets--and secrets he chooses to keep--in our lives.
Unsaid is a story of discovery, unrequited love, and ultimately, hope. Abramson expertly weaves themes of family, sacrifice, pain, and understanding into a touching,. Heartbreakingly beautiful narrative. As the reader goes on the journey with James, he or she can't help but be moved by the struggles and rewards of his search for meaning and acceptance. As he grows and learns, it is easy to see the power of understanding our own family histories and being willing to open our eyes to the truth.Ultimately, Unsaid is an engrossing and emotionally powerful tale.
