Elizabeth Strout's latest novel, The Things We Never Say (2026) is an extraordinary, big-hearted story about an ordinary man.
Elizabeth Strout has pulled back the layers on male depression and loneliness, and with great empathy she reveals Artie's inner life. The novel explores how we restrain ourselves from asking for help, from reaching out, from saying how we feel, and how we lie overtly or by omission. When Artie begins to speak his truth he finds some people are receptive and others are not. He finds that people have become so impolite and impatient, and there is a decency that has been lost as reflected in the state of the nation.
Unlike other novels in the Strout universe, this novel does not take place in Maine or feature familiar characters, but it does feature a cheeky reference to Olive Kitteridge. This is a terrific standalone novel and a great introduction to Strout's writing. Artie is a fantastic character and in a world full of outrage and toxic masculinity, we need more Arties to balance the scales.
I absolutely loved this novel. It is short, sweet and uplifting. Beautifully written, tender and full of life. Highly recommend.