THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY

‘The Things We Never Say’ is a wonderful new and much praised short novel by the bestselling author, Elizabeth Strout. Long-listed for the Booker Prize for Fiction 2026, this beautifully crafted is about an unassuming and much loved history teacher in coastal Massachusetts who is battling secrets and events that rock his world.

Artie is 57, living with his wife Evie. They are happily married and live a comfortable life both working and enjoying weekends and social gatherings with friends. Artie also enjoys sailing and often takes his boat out alone on the Bay. This gives Artie time to reflect on life, considering philosophical musings and unanswered questions.

There is an undercurrent of sadness to Artie which we the reader realise is connected to his relationships with his family and friends. He loves them dearly, but as time passes they are drifting away. Artie's son Rob has grown up, married and moved out of the family home. His loud and boisterous friend Flossie, who has been a wonderful sounding board for Artie, meeting regularly at the Spuds Bar & Grill has now departed, moving closer to her own family. As a result, Artie is missing the emotional anchor in his life.

And then one day, Artie realises life has been keeping a secret from him which threatens his own equilibrium forcing him to steer a new course and reconsider his own relationships. Whilst he manages the difficult personalities in the classroom such as Danny Marino, the classroom bully and inspire Rhonda Lazarre, the shy and awkward loner towards a caring profession, Artie has to face his own troubled waters.

This is a touching novel, bringing readers together to consider their own inspirational mentors as well as considering the nuances of life's unexpected curve balls.

Fans of Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton will love Artie Dam and this novel will bring lots of pleasure to Strout readers. This is also a great introduction to the author. Other Strout novels in the Den Library include 'Olive Again' and 'Oh William'.