Media Reviews
Reviews of Things Unsaid
“With a grace that is absorbing and deft, Paul tackles many difficult questions, including filial responsibility, depression, marital strife, and sexual identity. …The author depicts heart-wrenching conundrums as the three siblings are forced repeatedly to evaluate their personal priorities….An engaging tale of family dysfunction and intractable senior citizens”.
– Kirkus Review
“It is the simplicity of the writing that makes these relationships- and the story- so powerful. … It is certainly worth it to stick around to the end, as more surprises are revealed. Even for those who prefer more action-packed stories, I strongly advise you to take a peek into the lives of these characters and give this story a try. The characters, including the subtle nuances and intricacies of their lives and experiences, are quite moving and memorable.”
— The Editing Pen
Readers are sure to recognize at least a trace of their own family dynamic in these characters…. Paul chose not to make any of her characters full-on slacker types, or ne’er-do-wells,…Rather, they are flawed and completely relatable individuals, which makes the story all the more compelling….Things Unsaid will make readers ask themselves some tough questions, like “What is your family?” “Is (and should) blood be truly thicker than water?” And finally, “When is enough obligation enough?”
– Sara Hodon, Compulsive Reader
An outstanding book that is not only deeply honest, heartbreaking and hopeful, but also brilliant, poignant and original…. It captures what is at the heart of all of us and showcases that life is what we make it…. Brilliant, just brilliant! 5 stars”
– Emily Lewis, Mrs.MommyBookNerd Blog
“A story of the complexity of the bonds between parents and children and how difficult it can be to escape them, “Things Unsaid” clearly showcases author Diana Paul as having a genuine flair for narrative-driven and truly memorable characters. Very highly recommended, especially for community library General Fiction collections”
— Midwest Book Reviews
Diana Y. Paul is our first to come from the Buddhist tradition. Her novel, Things Unsaid, dissects family and generational relationships not only from the traditional storytelling perspective – and she tells a compelling story – but also from the wellspring of her philosophical beliefs.
– Darrell Laurant, reviewer, Snowflakes in a Blizzard
Paul develops each character and situation to its fullest. Her plot development is perfectly executed…For me, I kept seeing my mother and aunt dealing with the difficulties of their aged and ill mother with Alzheimer’s…. Paul skillfully draws the reader in … can I do that when the time comes? Paul is a talented storyteller that has a keen insight into family and emotions.
— WordsaPlenty.com