The Things We Never Say (Pre-order May 20, 2026)

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout Pre-Order now. On sale May 20, 2026.

From Pulitzer Prize–winning author Elizabeth Strout comes a quietly powerful novel about love, loss, and the unspoken moments that shape our lives.

In her signature spare and emotionally resonant prose, Strout explores the fragile spaces between people—the words left unsaid, the misunderstandings that linger, and the bonds that endure despite them. Through a series of deeply intimate encounters, The Things We Never Say traces the inner lives of ordinary people facing extraordinary emotional truths, illuminating how small moments can carry the weight of a lifetime.

As past and present intertwine, Strout captures the ache of regret, the grace of forgiveness, and the courage it takes to speak—or not speak—what matters most. With profound empathy and insight, she reminds us that silence can both wound and heal, and that connection is often found in what we struggle to express.

Tender, wise, and deeply human, The Things We Never Say is a masterful meditation on relationships, memory, and the quiet power of emotional honesty—an unforgettable novel from one of America’s most beloved writers.