Elizabeth Strout's "The Things We Never Say" Audiobook Reviewed

Elizabeth Strout's audiobook "The Things We Never Say" presents a nuanced exploration of an existential crisis through the character of Artie Dam, a beloved history teacher in coastal Massachusetts. Artie observes a pervasive hopelessness among his students, who feel dispirited by global events and doubt their future professional achievements. This sense of dread and ennui is mirrored in Artie himself, who is deeply troubled by the impending re-election of a cruel and divisive political leader, identified only as nameless in the narrative. The novel, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, is set against the backdrop of coastal Massachusetts, a setting that contributes to the introspective and somewhat isolated atmosphere of the story.

Artie's personal life is marked by a growing distance from his wife, Evie, a therapist from a wealthy background who dismisses her husband as "soft." Artie grapples with the realization that he does not truly know Evie, and she shows no inclination to bridge this gap. He attributes the erosion of their connection to a car accident that occurred a decade prior, an incident in which their son, Rob, survived but his girlfriend, Heather, tragically lost her life. The weight of this past event and his current desolation lead Artie to contemplate suicide, seeking a discreet method to end his life. However, an experience while sailing on his boat prompts a change of mind, suggesting a turning point in his despair. Further insights emerge later when his son, Rob, shares a revelation that significantly alters Artie's perspective on his relationships and his own life.

The narrative subtly weaves Artie's private anxieties with broader political events, creating a layered portrait of a man confronting personal and societal disillusionment. The audiobook format allows for an intimate auditory experience of Strout's prose, which is known for its keen psychological insight and understated emotional power. "The Things We Never Say" delves into themes of connection, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels overwhelming and fractured. The story's exploration of an existential crisis is framed by the specific circumstances of Artie's life, including his professional role, his marital struggles, and the lingering trauma of his son's past accident. The Booker Prize nomination underscores the literary merit and critical acclaim of Strout's work, positioning this novel as a significant contribution to contemporary fiction. The review highlights the brilliance of the audiobook's performance in conveying the depth of Artie's internal struggles and the subtle shifts in his emotional landscape.