Shirin Bayat, a 26-year-old Iranian Briton living in London, bumps into a close friend from high school—Kian, whom she hasn’t seen in a decade. This encounter dredges up memories that force Shirin to confront her traumatic past, her current struggles with depression and her frustration at being undervalued as an assistant at a publishing firm that preaches diversity but doesn’t embody it. Kian, too, is bombarded with memories of guilt and helplessness, particularly about a high school incident involving his older brother, Mehdi. Haunted by bullying and discrimination they endured in high school, both Shirin and Kian wonder if this chance meeting will bring closure, or just more chaos into their lives.
Things Left Unsaid is an ambitious novel that sheds light on the enduring trauma of racism and the insidious nature of discrimination. Shirin struggles with frustration and self-esteem issues, which are compounded by being passed over for a promotion, and the publishing house’s decision to publish an author Shirin deems to be racist. Kian’s reappearance deepens Shirin’s inner turmoil as she grapples with unresolved scars of her past, while his calm gives her the strength to confront them.
Author Sara Jafari’s writing is especially evocative in describing a trip Shirin takes to Tehran, where vivid descriptions interweave Iranian history and culture into the narrative. These passages highlight the societal limitations placed on women and their generational impact on Shirin through her mother and her grandmother. While Jafari brings out the stark differences between Tehran and London, she also highlights the through line of Shirin’s desire for belonging and justice, whether in Tehran or with her social group and work in London.
Although Shirin and Kian’s intertwined stories are compelling, and the novel tackles complex themes, the execution is inconsistent. Jafari’s portrayal of her characters sometimes relies on tropes, with overly expository moments simplifying the otherwise complex issues and undermining the narrative’s emotional depth. Still, the rich themes of cultural identity, discrimination and the lasting effect of bullying in Things Left Unsaid will resonate with readers.
