Books Like...
'The Things We Cannot Say' by Kelly Rimmer alternates between two timelines, following the stories of Alina in WWII Poland and Alice in present-day dealing with family challenges. Alina, a young woman in Poland during WWII, faces the horrors of war and finds love amidst betrayal and fear. In the present day, Alice navigates family complexities, including raising an autistic son, while uncovering her grandmother's secrets in Poland. weaves together mystery, romance, family dynamics, and themes of courage, strength, loyalty, honor, and love across generations.
If you liked The Things We Cannot Say, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'We Were the Lucky Ones' by Georgia Hunter is a gripping novel based on the true story of the Kurc family, a Polish Jewish family that miraculously survived the horrors of World War II. The story spans from 1939 through the war, following the family members as they endure separation, hardships, and struggles in various parts of the world, including Poland, Siberia, France, and Brazil. The book beautifully depicts the family's journey of survival, resilience, and reunion after the war, showcasing the power of love, hope, and determination in the face of adversity.
The narrative style of the book is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as it weaves together the individual experiences of the Kurc family members, portraying their courage and will to survive amidst the atrocities of the Holocaust. Through meticulous research and personal family accounts, Georgia Hunter creates a poignant and emotional tribute to her ancestors, shedding light on the untold stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances during one of the darkest periods in history.
It wasn’t his plan to stay up all night. His plan was to leave the Grand Duc around midnight and catch a few hours of sleep at the Gare du Nord before his train ride back to Toulouse. Now—he glances a... - #2
Save:Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a captivating historical novel based on the true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian who finds himself thrust into the heart of World War II. The book follows Pino's journey from a naive teenager to a courageous hero as he navigates through the horrors of the war, from escorting Jews across the Alps to becoming a spy for the Allies. The plot weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of the Italian resistance movement, offering readers a unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of WWII. The writing style, though varying in opinions, is praised for its ability to bring Pino's story to life, drawing readers into the emotional rollercoaster of his experiences.
Like all the pharaohs, emperors, and tyrants before him, Il Duce had seen his empire rise only to crumble. Indeed, by that late-spring afternoon, power was bleeding from Benito Mussolini’s grasp like ... - #3
Save:"The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of two women, Eve and Charlie, set during World War I and the aftermath of World War II. Eve, a member of the real-life Alice Network of female spies, finds herself haunted by her past as she helps Charlie, a young American woman searching for her missing cousin Rose. The narrative moves between 1915 and 1947, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption as the characters navigate the challenges of war and personal growth. The book delves into the lives of these strong women, shedding light on their experiences and the impact of their choices during tumultuous times.
I was sitting opposite my mother at a wicker table among the potted palms in the Dolphin Hotel, trying to ignore what my eyes were telling me. The blond girl by the front desk wasn’t who I thought she... - #4
Save:'The Last Green Valley' by Mark T. Sullivan is a gripping World War II story that follows the journey of the Martel family, a German family trying to escape the horrors of war and find safety amidst the chaos of Stalin's regime and Hitler's annihilation of the Jews. The book delves into the themes of faith, family, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a moving and emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by the characters during this tumultuous period. Sullivan's writing style is described as descriptive, heartwrenching, and inspirational, capturing the historical settings and the darkness of war while also infusing the narrative with spiritual musings and messages of hope.
Twenty-eight-year-old Adeline Martel struggled out the back door of her kitchen in heavy winter clothes, carrying a crate full of cooking utensils toward a covered wagon harnessed to two dray horses i... - #5
Save:"The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris is a powerful and emotional tale set in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who becomes the camp's tattooist and meets and falls in love with a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the book portrays themes of love, hope, survival, and humanity amidst unimaginable circumstances. The writing style is described as modern and easy to read, effectively painting a vivid picture of the atrocities of the Holocaust while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
LALE RATTLES ACROSS THE COUNTRYSIDE, KEEPING HIS HEAD up and himself to himself. The twenty-five-year-old sees no point in getting to know the man beside him, who occasionally nods off against his sho... - #6
Save:'Auschwitz Lullaby' by Mario Escobar tells the true story of Helene Hannemann, a German woman married to a Romani man, who chooses to accompany her husband and children to Auschwitz during WWII. Despite facing unimaginable horrors in the concentration camp, Helene's bravery, resilience, and determination to protect her family shine through as she navigates the inhumane conditions and forms unexpected alliances, including with Dr. Mengele. The narrative follows Helene's journey as she fights to keep her children alive and maintain her humanity in the face of unspeakable evil, offering a unique perspective on the Romani gypsies' plight during the Holocaust.
It was still dark when I stumbled half-asleep out of bed. Though it was starting to get warm during the day, the mornings continued to be chilly enough to give me goose bumps. I slipped into my light ... - #7
Save:Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon is a historical novel that fictionalizes the life of Nancy Wake, a remarkable woman who played multiple roles during World War II, including being a journalist, spy, and military leader. The book portrays Nancy's bravery and heroism as she helps Jewish people escape from France and becomes a powerful leader in the French resistance. Through a blend of real historical events and fictional storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of Nancy's life and her contributions to the war effort.
Some of them are real—I was given four at birth alone—but most are carefully constructed personas to get me through checkpoints and across borders. They are lies scribbled on forged travel documents. ... - #8
Save:In 'The Rose Code' by Kate Quinn, the story revolves around three women from different backgrounds who are recruited to work as codebreakers at Bletchley Park during World War II. Osla, Mab, and Beth form a unique friendship but face betrayal and secrets that strain their relationship. The book alternates between the wartime years and the post-war period, focusing on the women's lives, romances, and the mystery of a traitor among them.
The narrative of 'The Rose Code' is praised for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and intricate plot that intertwines historical events with personal dramas. The book delves into the lives of the three heroines, highlighting their individual struggles, friendships, and the challenges they face while working in secrecy at Bletchley Park. Kate Quinn's writing style is noted for its attention to historical detail, suspenseful twists, and the emotional depth it brings to the characters' experiences.
“Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier.” Mab turned a page. She was taking a break from her dog-eared list of “100 Classic Literary Works for the Well-Read Lady”—not that Mab was a lady, or particularly well-rea... - #9
Save:In 'The Baker's Secret' by Stephen P. Kiernan, the story unfolds in a small village in Normandy during the Nazi occupation in World War II. The protagonist, Emma, a young baker, becomes an unlikely heroine as she navigates the challenges of survival, deception, and resistance in a time of desperation and danger. Through Emma's courageous acts, the villagers find hope amidst the brutality of war, showcasing themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
For as long as their nation had possessed a history, the residents of Vergers village had been a people of pleasure, devoted to the senses without shame, and none savored more unapologetically than th... - #10
Save:The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer is a historical fiction novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of individuals living in Warsaw during the German occupation and the Jewish Ghetto emptying. The story is written in a compelling manner, drawing readers into the lives of characters who face unimaginable hardships. The author skillfully portrays the brutal realities of that time period, touching on themes of tragedy, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The human spirit is a miraculous thing. It is the strongest part of us—crushed under pressure, but rarely broken. Trapped within our weak and fallible bodies, but never contained. I pondered this as m...
