Coming of Age

The novel The Things We Cannot Say is a coming-of-age novel as Alina transforms from the spoiled baby of her family into a strong, resourceful woman. Alina, the youngest member of her family, is often told she is spoiled because she is not made to do any hard work on her family’s farm. Alina begins to grow up when she takes charge of Emilia’s welfare after Emilia’s father is shot by Nazi soldiers. Alina continues to mature as she comes to realize that it is more important for her and her family to help those being treated unjustly than it is for her to be safe. Finally, Alina demonstrates her bravery as she and Saul are smuggled out of Poland and then almost turned away from the military training camp where they are to wait for Tomasz to join them and...