Unsaid

A Novel

By: Neil Abramson

Narrated by: Angela Brazil

A veterinarian and her husband grapple with the meaning behind their lives in this "extraordinary story of animals, mortality, and the power of love" (Garth Stein, bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain).

Unsaid is told from the perspective of Helena Colden, a veterinarian who has just died of breast cancer. Helena is forced to witness the rapid emotional deterioration of her husband David. With Helena's passing, David, a successful Manhattan attorney, loses the only connection that made his life full. He tries to carry on the life that Helena had created for them, but he is too grief-stricken, too angry, and too quickly reabsorbed into the demands of his career. Helena's animals likewise struggle with the loss of their understanding and compassionate human companion. Because of Helena, David becomes involved in a court case to save the life of a chimpanzee that may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of animals consciousness. Through this case all the threads of Helena's life entwine and explode—unexpectedly, painfully, beautifully.

©2011 Neil Abramson (P)2011 Hachette

Critic reviews

"UNSAID is an extraordinary story of animals, afterlife, and the power of love. I found myself captivated by the world of this book. It will make you remember, rethink, and rejoice in every meaningful relationship you've ever had. Everyone needs to read this book!"—Garth Stein, author of the International Bestseller The Art of Racing in the Rain

"A remarkable book, uncanny in that its narrator is recently deceased, but vivid in its development of believable and complex characters, both human and nonhuman. The author embeds in the story important aspects of current controversies over the extent of animal capacities as well as a keen sense of the value of animal lives—Susan J. Armstrong, Professor Emerita, Humboldt State University, and co-editor, The Animal Ethics Reader

UNSAID says it all in a lyrical story about humanity's journey from betrayal to reconciliation with our animal kin. A beautiful, wrenching testimony."—G.A. Bradshaw, director and founder, The Kerulos Center, and author of Elephants on the Edge: What Animals Teach Us About Humanity

A tear jerker

Very well written...thorght provoker...presenting both sides of an important struggle equally. This makes it a very powerful novel.

Amazing representation of life as a veterinarian

I am a vet and feel like this could have been me speaking. So touching with all the human and animal connections.

Perfect for animal lovers!

Absolutely loved it. I was debating at first on getting it or not, so glad I did. Excellent story line! The characters were amazing, and even the narration was good. Really enjoyed it!

moving

It was great to read a story that helps explain our animal relationships and how they move us to be better. All life is a gift from God and should be honored and respected and treated with dignity. I like how she told both sides of the story. The need to offer a quick death to those who suffer as well as the need to find cures for disease.

For those animal lovers of the world.

if you are an animal lover you will love this book. It is inspiring and hopeful.

Don't miss this winner

This is at the top of my list as a favorite. Can't wait to listen to this authors next book. I'm an avid reader and know that really great books don't come along that often. This is a great book.
Martha
Texas

Highly Recommended

Captivating. Yes it's about loss and grief, but more importantly it's a tremendous display of love. It leaves you completely satisfied.

i WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THIS BOOK

What did you love best about Unsaid?

Every part of this book spoke to me. The characters, the animals and the connection of the narrator (the wife) and the subjects that interconnected.

What other book might you compare Unsaid to and why?

I have never read a book that touched so many parts of my life interests.

Have you listened to any of Angela Brazil’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't know, I have never paid much attention to the narrator's unless I did not care for them. She was great, I would certainly like to hear her again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

How connected everything in life can be and how the smallest situation or happening can turn into something life changing.

Any additional comments?

I have recommended this book to everyone I know. I never do that.

UNSAID

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely, especially to animal lovers. This book was written by and for animal lovers!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Clifford, being a Special Ed teacher and have taught children with Aspergers, it really wasn't that hard of a choice!

Have you listened to any of Angela Brazil’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Cindy.....

Any additional comments?

HAVE YOUR TISSUES READY!!! What a book!

Great book but...

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the story but this narrator is horrible. She is just reading words on a page without giving any life or individuality to any of the characters. I will be sure to avoid any more books narrated by her.