Tender and moving. Shirin lives in London. She has her dream job in publishing. But lately, it doesn’t seem very dreamy with all of the microaggressions and disrespect she experiences in her workplace. Shirin is feeling a little lost. That starts to change when she sees Kian at her friend’s house party one night. A decade ago, Kian was her best friend and they haven’t spoken since…

I enjoyed this very much - it is compelling and even though you wish Shirin made different decisions at times, you understand why she does the things she does. There is a nice balance of romance, workplace woes, and friendship drama. Overall, this was a lovely exploration of self-(re) discovery and friendship and I’m so glad Shirin and Kian found each other again.

Thank you very much to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Things Left Unsaid focuses on Shirin and Kian as the story flips back and forth between their high school (or the British equivalent of that, I’m not too sure how the school system works over there actually) experience and then ten years later.

The depictions of racism throughout the book are nuanced and real. The situations Shirin faces at work and school are plainly described, but the actions are so blatantly unfair and infuriating that they stir up quite an emotion. Likewise, I enjoyed the setting of the publishing industry where Jafari highlights the hypocrisy of diversity and inclusion in every corporation, but particularly in publishing where there is a platform to amplify voices and the responsibility that comes with it.

At times, I felt that the writing got a bit lost in handling the relationship between Kian and Shirin. They have this very deep relationship that shines through with their history and their conversations. Still, at times the writing would highlight their physical attraction toward one another with some writing that felt a bit surface-level. It’s not a huge negative against the book but I thought it brought down a bit what was otherwise great writing.

Overall, I think it is an important book to read that highlights systemic issues in a way that is accessible and important in the current climate.

Also, can we appreciate this gorgeous book cover?!?!

Even though I liked the social discussions this story brings and all the conversations this author is trying to achieve, I gotta be honest: I didn't like the main characters. I understand where they come from, but together, as a couple? Didn't like it. Didn't care for it.
The writing didn't engage me, either. But maybe it's a *me* issue only.
Other readers might enjoy this book much more than I did.

Shirin and Kian suffered in high school from overt racist abuse and family dysfunction, and they formed a deep friendship during those years. Then they come apart. Later in life, when they are around thirty, they fall into each other's orbit and the friendship is renewed, but it's a difficult road. Here are the obstacles: Shirin is depressed and anxious, her family is possibly even more dysfunctional, she lives in an apartment that is unpleasant with roommates she doesn't know, and her work is a repeat of high school, only the racism is more subtle. Kian is further along in his coming-of-age journey, with a slightly more gratifying life, but he's still traumatized by an event in his childhood, and of course, ongoing racism. The story is about how Shirin learns to speak up for herself, to begin to find agency and to emerge from her many difficulties to have a better life, including allowing herself to love Kian.

This story relies heavily on the miscommunication trope, which I don't care for -- not the author's fault! -- but it affected my enjoyment. The depiction of racism in modern society is excruciating and resonant. It needs to be said, and it was educational. But overall, Shirin's inability to speak for herself dominated this novel, and it was too much for me.

I enjoyed reading this novel. I love books about relationships and finding one another again. I think Jafari did an excellent job with writing and authentic story about two characters at certain moments in their lives. The pacing and flow made it easy to read and want to continue. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was pretty good! I liked the emotions that we felt through the main character and how the feelings resurfaced. I think the pacing of the story, and I think throughout the story I liked trying to guess what would happen. I would recommend this book!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!