Having created some of the most iconic characters in modern literature, it’s no surprise that Pulitzer-winning author Elizabeth Strout has hit the right note yet again in her latest novel, The Things We Never Say.
The story centres around Artie Dam, a high school teacher in America, who on the surface appears to have the perfect life. Beneath the facade he is plagued by feelings of isolation and after learning about a secret his wife has been keeping from him for many years, it only heightens his despair in a world full of uncertainty.
In such a character-driven novel, small nuances that may appear insignificant have a habit of becoming central to the plot, particularly with so much focus on the everyday. Weaving big topics – the presidential election, suicide, infidelity, depression – into the story conveys a relatable and insightful angle.
If you’re familiar with Strout’s previous work such as Olive Kitteridge or My Name Is Lucy Barton, you will delight in her new characters. The rich storytelling has a profound effect, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this novel was awarded many literary prizes in the year ahead.
