A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young - Book Review

 

ARC from NetGalley

Publish Date: January 7, 2025

A Sea of Unspoken Things is a deeply emotional and poignant exploration of loss, connection, and the complexities of identity. The novel follows James Golden, who is struck by the sudden death of her twin brother, Johnny, a loss that cuts deep for reasons far beyond the immediate grief of a sibling's death. The twins shared a bond that transcended ordinary sibling ties, a psychic connection so intense that James feels Johnny's death in her own body—miles away—before the phone call confirms it. This visceral, almost supernatural bond serves as the novel's anchor, pulling readers into a story about the ties that bind us to one another, both in life and in death.

The novel unfolds in layers, weaving between the present and flashbacks of the twins’ shared childhood in Six Rivers, a small town steeped in secrets. James and Johnny were more than siblings—they were protectors of each other’s vulnerabilities. The tragedy that initially pushed James away from Six Rivers—an unspeakable event involving the death of a friend, which she and Johnny, along with their close friend Micah, covered up—remains a dark shadow hanging over their lives. As James returns to Six Rivers following Johnny’s death, the narrative delves deep into this shared history, as well as James’ own personal journey of self-discovery, as she confronts the past she tried to leave behind.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is its portrayal of the twins' connection—not just in the physical sense, but in a deeper, emotional and psychological way. This bond is explored in haunting, sometimes surreal ways, particularly as James grapples with the truth of what she and Johnny shared, and what that connection meant in the context of their lives. It is a connection that remains even after death, raising questions about fate, memory, and the nature of grief.

The book is rich in symbolism, the act of speaking (and not speaking) as metaphors for the emotions left unsaid, the things that can never fully be expressed, even between those who know each other better than anyone else. The novel is not only a meditation on loss but also on the weight of secrets, and the heavy price of keeping them. As James unravels the truths about Johnny’s death and her own past, readers are taken on a journey of healing, where reconciliation is as much about the self as it is about others.

While A Sea of Unspoken Things is undoubtedly a heart-wrenching read, the conclusion offers a bittersweet but satisfying resolution. There’s a sense of quiet, earned peace by the end, as James comes to terms with the multiple layers of loss in her life, including the part of herself she lost in the process. The ending provides a sense of closure, though the emotional depth of the story leaves a lingering ache long after the last page is turned.

 Though not a thriller, this book incorporates a murder mystery that keeps the story unpredictable from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend if you are looking for a deep, thought-provoking read!