Title: Things we left unsaid
Author: Zoya Pirzad
Published in: 2001, translated in English in 2012.
Genre: Fiction
How many of us just keep things in our head and leave them unsaid? It’s a common practice of most of the individuals to just talk to themselves and not say most of the things we want to say. Well, our protagonist Clarice is just like that. That’s where the title comes from (according to me).
The novel “Things we left unsaid” is written from the point of view of Clarice Ayvanzian who lives in an Iranian suburb leading a typical life of a housewife. Dusting the whole house multiple times a day which is a virtue of a perfect woman according to her mother, making snacks daily for the kids, having a limited convo with her husband while he reads the newspaper and barely pays her attention, Clarice is apparently satisfied. Until a new family of three arrives just around the block and the monotonous life of Clarice is changed forever.
This novel is not going to have you gripping the edges of your seat or sofa (wherever you’re sitting while reading) with your fingernails. It’s a light read. Intriguing plot, no doubt. Thought provoking. Characters are well built and each reflects humanity in different states.
The best thing about the book is that it’s relatable. The whole time I was reading it, I was getting a feeling that it is based on a true story but no no. It’s not.
It is very realistic.
The book talks about stereotypes, society’s way of dealing with different kinds of issues and different people, and the way people influence each other’s personalities.
Symbolism is pretty simple and adds to the subtlety of the novel.
There’s not much Romance but wherever it is, it’s really nicely placed.
I won’t say I loved the ending even though it was good enough and realistic but umm maybe my imaginative and a sucker-for-fantasy side was expecting something else. Haha. I feel the author could have described the end with a third person’s narrative and explained more but let’s suffice with what we have for now, right?!
Nevertheless, it’s a great pick for getting yourself out of the horrifying reading slump.
p.s: Can you guys take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover of this book? I have to admit this was a definite cover buy for me. When I saw it in the middle of a heap of books at a bookfair held in my college, I knew I was buying this no matter how the story was. I love to pick up this book occasionally and gaze at it time to time just to for some aesthetic pleasure.
I hope you guys liked this post. If you have read this book, don’t forget to tell me what you thought of it.
Stay safe and happy!
Herinkedsoul 