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.
Download and start listening now!
"This was a quick read for me. Initially wasn't sure I'd be able to get into it but soon found myself reaching for it whenever I had a spare moment. The relationships between people and animals tugged at my heartstrings in a very real way - found myself trying to stop a stray tear on an airplane."
— Darcy (4 out of 5 stars)
“Unsaid is an extraordinary story of animals, mortality, 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 novel!”
— Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain“Rarely has a novel captured so movingly the deep bonds between people and the animals that share their lives.”
— Parade magazine“Told from the perspective of a recently deceased veterinarian, Abramson’s book explores the connection between animals and humans in a new way…Interesting and engaging.”
— RT Book Reviews“Heartfelt…touching and emotional.”
— Publishers Weekly“Ambramson’s first novel…raises powerful issues of communication, love, and responsibility between species.”
— Booklist“Ambramson delivers a touching and dramatic story that is sure to please animal lovers…A solid story of loss and love.”
— Library JournalA compelling story of love, death, and ethics told with skill and sensitivity.
— Carla Davis, Editor, Best Friends magazineIf you love legal dramas...or dogs...or terrific writing...or originality...or people...or discovering wonderful new writers, then Neil Abramson's UNSAID is a book you simply must read.
— David Rosenfelt, author of Dog TagsNeil Abramson has written a powerful and imaginative novel. His insights into the animal kingdom touched my heart. My book club will love it.
— Meredith Brokaw, creator and co-author of the Penny Whistle book and Big Sky CookingUNSAID says it all in a lyrical story about humanity's journey from betrayal to reconciliation with our animal kin. A beautiful, wrenching testimony.
— G.A. Bradshaw, director and founder, The Kerulos Center, and author of Elephants on the Edge: What Animals Teach Us About HumanityUpton Sinclair's The Jungle, a novel of animal slaughter and the men who perform it, exerted a powerful influence on a much earlier generation. May I hope that Neil Abramson's novel, UNSAID, will have a similar effect on present day readers and help us understand that animals need us as much as we need them. A riveting tale!
— George K. Russell, Professor of Biology, Adelphi University and Senior Editor, Orion magazineA remarkable book, uncanny in that its narrator is recently deceased, but vivid in its development of believable and complex characters, both human and nonhuman. The author embeds in the story important aspects of current controversies over the extent of animal capacities as well as a keen sense of the value of animal lives—Susan J. Armstrong, Professor Emerita, Humboldt State University, and co-editor, The Animal Ethics Reader
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 FootprintA 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 LiveThis 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 FoodA 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...a remarkable book.
— Susan Wilson, author of One Good Dog and The Fortune Teller's DaughterEnjoyed it thoroughly.
— Jeffrey Masson, author of When Elephants WeepUNSAID 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 HumanUNSAID 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" As a veterinarian, I empathize with the struggles of the main character of this book, but I think I know "too much" to really appreciate this book for what it was trying to be. This book would probably be better suited to an animal lover with a very basic understanding of the field of veterinary medicine, or medicine in general.... "
— Erina, 2/8/2014" I loved that the narrative was in the voice of the wife who had just died... it gave a whole new perspective. The characters' love of animals was touching. Maybe all those Asian consumers of dog meat should read this one! "
— Tiki, 2/5/2014" Interesting perspective. Some parts are sad. "
— Sandy, 2/3/2014" A touching story... "
— Erica, 1/30/2014" Unsaid is raw, heartbreaking, and beautiful. While I read this, it felt as if every pet I've ever loved and lost sat by my side. I found the legal aspects of the story to be a bit clunky, but it doesn't mar the story. "
— Tracett, 12/19/2013" This was an interesting book with an original storyline. I liked the characters, but it was a bit predictable. An easy read with some very sad moments. "
— Jill, 12/18/2013" Extremely sad. I suppose any book with a big, beautiful dog head on the front is going to be a tear jerker!! "
— Stephanie, 12/7/2013" I'm a sucker for a love story- even when one of the people s dead. "
— Carla, 11/28/2013" WOW... what a book. I could not stop reading it. Be ready to cry. "
— Liz, 11/21/2013" This book was amazing. Emotionally engaging and well written with characters worth caring about; this book should be read by anyone who has/had a pet, or who works in the veterinary industry. Very thought provoking. "
— Kyle, 11/15/2013" One of the better books I've read in a long time. "
— Courtney, 10/29/2013" A real eye opener to how we treat our fellow animals. A great read! "
— Ann, 10/14/2013" If you have a love for animals and human nature... This book is for you.... Beautifully written with a great deal if feeling and heart. Loved this book! "
— Kim, 10/14/2013" Very nice story for those have a love of animals. You'll need some tissues at the end. "
— Rose, 10/11/2013" I don't know about this novel. I love the concept of the unknown, especially with animals. My hope was that there was more of an incorporation with relationships. A love story if you will. I kept waiting and it fizzled out...I would still recommend it, for the animal lover in you!! "
— Tania, 9/17/2013" A book about love, loss, grief, guilt, redemption and forgiveness. This is an amazing story that made me smile and cry. A must if you love animals! "
— Christina, 7/4/2013" Interesting concepts, but didn't move me as much as I thought it would. I never became fully emotionally involved. I didn't love the writing. I did want to know what would happen, but it wasn't difficult for me to put down either. "
— Cristy, 4/2/2013" I loved this book...made me cry and gave me hope! "
— Jen, 3/18/2013" Very engrossing with wonderful language, but I found the end to be slightly lacking. "
— Jess, 3/2/2013" not as good as it sounded from the blurb on the cover "
— Amy, 2/20/2013" Awesome book! Anyone who loves animals will love this book! Anyone who doesn't love animals will love them after reading this book! They play such important parts in our lives - can't imagine my life without my dogs! Wonderful story! "
— Kristine, 1/2/2013" Loved this book. Want my own copy so I can highlight my favorite places. The love, compassion and respect shown for our fellow living creatures, animals, touched my heart. "
— Mary, 9/30/2012" Very, very rarely do I cry when reading a book however UNSAID is an emotional read but a good read. I cried tears of happiness, tears of sadness, wishing the entire time that the book would never end. This book should be made into a movie. "
— Lynne, 9/18/2012" Wow. Just wow. Hard to put down once I started reading, but HAD to put down a few times as I wasn't in an appropriate place for the tears that were illicited from the story. Tough read for any animal lover, but so beautiful. I will add this to my permanent library. "
— K8, 8/31/2012" This was a surprisingly absorbing read, I found I cared for the characters so much, human and non-human alike. I wanted only good for them, wished them peace and joy. And long after reading the last page will think on them!! Well done, Mr Abramson, well done!! "
— Jean, 1/17/2012" An unusual perspective with an interesting plot. "
— Maureen, 12/28/2011" If you liked The Art of Racing in the Rain, I think you will like this. The author author loves animals and that shows. It's a little heavy hand in that regard but I totally didn't mind, and if you are someone who would pick up this book, I can't imagine you would either. "
— Soobee72, 11/7/2011" Insightful story about human and animal communication. "
— Bobbi, 11/1/2011" I don't give out five stars often but this was moving and deep and I kept sneaking away from my family to finish it! "
— Mary, 10/29/2011" Very nice story for those have a love of animals. You'll need some tissues at the end. "
— Rose, 10/27/2011" Rest book. I was sobbing like a baby towards the end. <br/> "
— Eden, 10/23/2011" If you like Julia Roberts' movies, then you would enjoy this book. Reads like a Hollywood script, complete with lame, goody-two-shoes dialogue, and predictable characters. BUT, that being said, it does make you think twice about your animals and for that I'll give it 2 stars. "
— Beth, 10/22/2011" This is a well-written novel, from the perspective of the recently deceased wife of an attorney. The story is emotionally moving, but not exhausting or depressing. A very good story. "
— Nicole, 10/16/2011" Caught my interest right away, but got sort of slow in the middle. Very captivating at the end. Overall a very good book. "
— Katie, 10/11/2011" Shameless tear-jerker, but a good summer read. "
— Jennifer, 10/11/2011" If you love animals, great characters, and a heart-felt emotional story, you'll LOVE this! Wonderful! "
— Deb-oh, 10/10/2011" Such an incredibly bland novel but which has all the 'animal' writers raving about it - with their titles tagged on at the end of their pithy reviews on the back cover - which probably proves that not all lawyers make good writers. "
— Michael, 9/29/2011Neil Abramson is a partner in a Manhattan law firm, and his wife is a veterinarian. Abramson is also a past board member of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, an award recipient from the ASPCA for his legal work on behalf of animals, and a founding member of the New York City Bar Association Committee on Legal Issues Relating to Animals. He once represented a dolphin named Kama as a plaintiff in federal court.
Angela Brazil is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator and a professional actor who is proud to be a long-standing member of the Resident Acting Company at Trinity Repertory Company. She also teaches at the Brown/Trinity Conservatory.