Posted by Susan C.
I read the book Unsaid by Neil Abramson and was surprised at the emotional pull I felt, a not too often occurrence in my reading experience. The last book I remember being this immersed in was Audrey Niffenegger's Time Traveler's Wife. I was totally involved in the animals and the ghostly ties throughout the story. And what an ending. Totally "I think I might cry!" at one point.
From Booklist (7/1/2011):
"A small-town veterinarian once involved in controversial primate research, Helena is destined to spend the months following her death in purgatory, where she observes the impact of her work on the people and animals she loved best and perhaps harmed the most. Her husband, David, is barely able to cope with their menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, and even a headstrong pig, and all but abandons his high-powered legal career in nearby Manhattan. Her best friend, Jaycee, has achieved impressive results in language studies with a chimp named Cindy, but when funding is withdrawn, she is forced to take desperate steps to keep Cindy from being reassigned to more inhumane fields of research. Arrested for her crimes, Jaycee hires David to represent her, and the ensuing trial provides Helena with the outlet to confront her past mistakes and relinquish her hold on worldly life. Abramson's first novel raises powerful issues of communication, love, and responsibility between species."
This book is filled with hope and contains some real practical advice for those who are experiencing deep loss or have experienced such loss at any time in their life. Given the unique premise, interesting characters, and the level of compelling insight into raw human emotion this book would be ideal for book groups. I think it would inspire fabulous discussion and besides its a fabulous read--even worth a second read! ! A unique and compelling book!!
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