Kimberly Duffy is one of those writers who continually hones her craft and I find myself appreciating and enjoying her style with each new tale that she weaves together.
In Every Word Unsaid readers are invited to travel with Augusta Travers, better known as Gussie, as she flees expectations and scandal to the unknowns of India.
Much of the plot revolves around Gussie's search to find her place and her identity in a world where she doesn't seem to fit. Gussie's struggles feel real and relatable both in her longing for belonging and identity and her somewhat naïve selfishness that marks the earlier chapters. As someone who lived in dormitories for years Gussie's struggle really transcend a time period and it was easy to dive into. Her growth arc also felt believable. Will everyone be happy with where she ends, probably not, but honestly, her growth feels realistic for the time frame of the novel.
I also appreciated the cast of characters we're introduced to. Uncle James may be one of my favourite supporting characters of the year! He was so understanding and wise. Duffy really tapped into something special when she crafted him. I also appreciated the depth she went into with Specs and Catherine. Her decision to give both of them differing levels expressions of anxiety and expressions of trauma added a different layer of depth to the narrative and Gussie's interactions.
I would say, that while I enjoyed the book, there were a few plot points that readers should be aware of. There is a plot point involving maternal injury and miscarriage that could be distressing. Most of the plot also centers around a time of Plague in India which may be to close to current global events for those looking for some escapism.
Duffy has definitely won me over as a reader and I cannot wait to see what she brings to the shelves next.
4 out of 5 stars
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