The writing in Things Left Unsaid is sharp and evocative, effortlessly pulling readers into Shirin’s emotional landscape. The poignant moments of vulnerability and the intensity of their bond are beautifully rendered, making it easy to empathize with their journey. Just when you think they’ve found their way, life throws obstacles in their path, forcing both characters to confront their fears and the ghosts of their past. It is a heartfelt exploration of second chances, underscored by the poignant question of whether love can truly withstand the test of time and circumstances. I was left breathless by the climax and profoundly moved by the ending, which resonates long after the last page.

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.

For fans of Normal People, I would say this book is great exploration of identity, race, friendship, and growing up.
It is not a loud story nor action packed, but I really enjoying living with these characters and in their heads. I found them relatable and earnest and I feel others will feel the same. It is a total win.

Things Left Unsaid is a novel covering two time periods, then, where the main characters are around 15 and attending the same high school in Hull, and now, where the characters are living in London in their late 20's. The story sensitively addresses a wide range of issues from bullying, racism, family trauma, and the outgrowing of friendships, just to name a few.

The writing is very good and I was drawn into the storyline quite quickly. I think the author's portrayal of young adulthood, when you realize the dreams you had of "making it" may not actually reflect your life values and the upheaval that causes, was well done.

I will look forward to reading other work by this author.

Thank you very much to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Sara Jafari’s Things Left Unsaid is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story about love, identity, and finding your footing in an ever-shifting world. From its richly drawn characters to its aching exploration of friendship and second chances, this novel is as thought-provoking as it is heartfelt.

The Premise:
Shirin Bayat, 26, feels stuck: in her career, in her friendships, and in life’s general malaise. Enter Kian, a friend from her past who once knew her better than anyone else. Their unexpected reunion stirs old emotions, unresolved heartbreak, and a yearning for connection at a time when Shirin needs it most. But with the weight of their history and the unpredictable nature of life, can they truly find their way back to each other?

What Worked:

The writing style. Jafari has a gift for capturing complex emotions with a light but poignant touch. Her prose is both reflective and lyrical, making the story feel intimate and immersive.
Shirin is an incredibly relatable protagonist—flawed, searching, and deeply human. Her struggles with burnout and self-discovery felt raw and authentic.
The chemistry between Shirin and Kian is subtle yet magnetic. Jafari avoids melodrama, instead building a slow-burning relationship full of nuance and unspoken truths.
The exploration of identity, particularly through Shirin’s perspective as a young Iranian-British woman, adds depth and richness to the narrative.
Why It’s 4 Stars:
While the story is beautifully crafted, the pacing occasionally lags in the middle as Shirin’s internal struggles overshadow external events. That said, the emotional payoff is worth the wait, and the ending strikes the perfect balance between hope and realism.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Sara Jafari for the ARC. This novel swept me away with its heartfelt storytelling and evocative prose.

Final Thoughts:
Things Left Unsaid is a tender, introspective journey about love, loss, and the courage it takes to truly open up. It’s a perfect read for fans of Honey Girl or Normal People—and for anyone who’s ever wondered about the one who got away.

This is a powerful, moving read that I can't recommend enough. From the first chapter, I knew it would break my heart. The writing is raw and visceral, making Shirin's emotions feel like mine. Her struggles with depression and anxiety are portrayed with such honesty, and you can feel the weight of everything she chooses not to express to the people around her. The way the story shifts between the heaviness of Shirin's experiences and moments of lightness is so effective, making the moments of joy even more meaningful. I was completely immersed. I laughed, cried, got angry, and felt deeply connected to these flawed, lovable characters. After The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, this is the second book about Iranian women that has left a profound impact on me this year, and I can't help but wish I had encountered more stories like this growing up. It also reminded me of Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson, focusing on a Londoner navigating cultural expectations, family, work, and community. As we look ahead to an uncertain 2025, this novel feels like a comforting and authentic companion. I’m excited to see what Sara Jafari will write next. I am begging you to read this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read this extraordinary book. I can’t wait to buy a finished copy.

I really enjoyed this storyline. Shirin was a fabulously flawed character that drew me in early. The dialogue timelines worked perfectly and kept my interest in the saga between her and Kirin. Excellent read that reminded me of Sally Rooney but with a bit more depth.

Things Left Unsaid captures the ache of unspoken words and the intensity of rekindled connections in such a beautiful way. Shirin’s journey of navigating her complex feelings for Kian after all those years feels so genuine and heartfelt. The way their friendship evolves amidst the chaos of life is both tender and electrifying. You can feel the weight of their shared history, the longing, and the fear of losing each other again. It’s a poignant exploration of love, trust, and the messy, beautiful journey of finding your place in the world. This book resonates deeply, pulling at your heartstrings with every page. I absolutely loved reading it.

This was a beautifully done and realistic concept that I was looking for from the description. The characters felt like they were supposed to and were realistically done. I thought the way Sara Jafari wrote this worked well together and wanted to read more.

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.