Things We Never Say | Book Review

Lisa Harvey
2 days ago
2 min read

By Elizabeth Strout

A Thought-Provoking Story of a Man Taking Stock of his Life

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SUMMARY

Things We Never Say follows Artie Dam, a reflective and emotionally guarded 57-year-old man who is taking stock of his life and relationships. Artie is a husband, a father, an avid sailor and a beloved high school teacher of history. As he interacts with his family, friends, and students he is noticing more and more what he has chosen not to reveal to others. On the inside, Artie becomes lonely and isolated, even considering suicide. His inner world is marked by hesitation and second-guessing, and it shapes his connections to others in ways he is only beginning to understand.

REVIEW

Things We Never Say is a thought-provoking and compelling read. Elizabeth Strout’s style of subtle, character-driven storytelling is on display with a slight twist. In Artie’s story, conversations or lack of what is said drive the narrative, and the tone is reflective.

Through Artie's perspective, Things We Never Say reveals how silence and restraint can create distance even in his closest relationships. Moments that seem small can carry lasting weight. The story builds a quiet but intriguing portrait of how people protect themselves by avoiding vulnerability. Artie is not cold or uncaring, but he withholds his thoughts, apologies, and affection out of uncertainty or fear.

My favorite part of the story is Artie’s well-developed white sock-wearing character and the profound impact he has on his students. We should all have teachers as astute and aware as Art Dam. This book, like most of Strout’s thought-provoking work, can only be truly understood and appreciated after the last page is turned. You will be thinking about it for days and weeks after!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Publisher Random House

Published May 5, 2026

Review www.bluestockingreviews.com