Review: Things We Never Say by Sheila O’Flanagan

Posted April 25, 2014 by Charlotte in Reviews / 0 Comments

Things We Never Say by Sheila O'Flanagan

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Things We Never Say by Sheila O’FlanaganThings We Never Say by Sheila O'Flanagan
Published by Headline on June 17, 2014
Genres: Chick-lit, Contemporary, Fiction
Pages: 504
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Sheila O'Flanagan's unputdownable bestseller THINGS WE NEVER SAY is a must-read for fans of Marian Keyes and Veronica Henry.
The things we never say:
A daughter doesn't say how she feels about the past...
A husband is afraid to say that selling the house his wife loves is the only option...
A woman hasn't said that even though they live thousands of miles apart, this man is always on her mind...
If those things were said, the results could be life-changing. As Abbey - and a whole family she knew nothing of - are about to find out in this warm-hearted, thought-provoking and touching novel.

To begin Things We Never Say there are three flashback scenes which introduce to us three, separate, unrelated characters. And it is unclear that they stories will do and how they relate to one another. In the present (and main bulk of the story) however, we focus on Abbey Anderson in San Francisco and the dysfunctional family of the Fitzpatrick’s in Dublin, and gradually, as the book progresses their stories intertwine. 

Abbey (who is the main protagonist of this book) is a likeable and believable character who like anyone else in the world is not perfect. She has her strengths: her nail-art work, her protective nature. But also her weaknesses,  for example, her male relationships. However her relationship with her Mother’s ex-boyfriend Pete is touching and he is portrayed as a sort of father figure. The parent in her life. Her Mother is a complete mystery for a large part of the book, and any guesses I had for her absence in Abbey’s life were wrong – the actual reason is a complete surprise! And despite the distance from one another there was a closeness in their relationship.

Abbey’s family is completely different from the Fitzpatrick’s – who are incredibly self-centred and focused on their individual dilemmas. The male Fitzpatricks’ cannot be described politely. Throughout the whole book I  intensely disliked them, they seemed to just want more money (even though they were fairly well-off) and ‘respect’. The Fitzpartick’s wives were also frustrating as they refused to change their lifestyles. And instead hoped that Fred would die soon so that they could have money.

Susanne seemed to be the only likeable person in the family. Yet she too requires and wants money. But she is determined to help herself and not ask, she is also the only one who does not belittle Abbey’s entitlement.

Things We Never Say is a thought-provoking read. That portrays the irrational emotions that can occur due to the contents of  a will. Abbey’s dilemma will make the reader ask themselves ‘If this happened I would do this…?’  Would your decision be the same as Abbey’s or would it be completely different? Go read this book to find out!

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