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.

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

"UNSAID will really make you think about the relationship between people and animals. I was not able to put it down, and I read parts of it twice."—Temple Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human

"Enjoyed it thoroughly."—Jeffrey Masson, author of When Elephants Weep

"...a remarkable book."—Susan Wilson, author of One Good Dog and The Fortune Teller's Daughter

"A poignant read on the meaning of life and its priorities--how death and despair can lead to renewal and life, but only if one realizes the interconnectedness of all creatures."—Irene M. Pepperberg, author of Alex and Me

"This moving and riveting novel beautifully expresses the transforming power of the human-animal relationship. Read it if you shared your life with an animal, but more importantly, read it if you haven't."—Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, and author of the bestseller Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food

"A suspenseful, heart-throbbing novel exploring the big questions of life, death, sentience, animal rights, compassion, righteous indignation, and what it is all about and why. The surprise twists are like an emotional roller coaster. Read it, weep, grab your chair, and gain insights into the big why!"—Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M., and author of Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live

"Humans are pretty much a big-brained, self-centered, and arrogant lot, but when we allow ourselves to connect with other animals in deep and meaningful ways, they ground us and allow us to show who we really are--compassionate, empathetic, and caring beings. In this unique and moving novel, Neil Abramson shows just how strong our relationships with other animals can be, and how we can learn so much from our animal kin about their needs, their emotions, and respect, dignity, and love. I was continually moved as I read UNSAID and reflected on its important messages about just how important other animals are to us, and encourage you to read this intriguing book and share it widely."—Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals, Animals Matter, Wild Justice, and The Animal Manifesto: Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint

A tear jerker

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

Almost quit it, glad I didn’t.

I’ll be honest, this book started off slow, and there were moments early on where I almost stopped listening. The only reason I stuck with it at first was because I had already spent a credit on it and figured I might as well see it through.

While parts of the story continue at a slower pace, I’m genuinely glad I listened all the way to the end. The payoff is worth it. The emotional depth builds quietly, and by the end, it completely caught me off guard.

This book brought tears to my eyes, which is something I honestly can’t remember happening in my adult life. The last time I recall a story affecting me that way was back in fifth grade when we read Where the Red Fern Grows.

If you’re on the fence early on, I’d encourage you to keep going. It may take its time getting there, but the ending makes the journey worthwhile.

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.

I loved it!!

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It was just an overall good story. I love animals and if you don’t , this one is not for you.

For those animal lovers of the world.

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