“We Don’t Talk About Carol” by Kristen L. Berry is an engaging and thought-provoking family drama that explores the complexities of sibling relationships and long-buried secrets. Through Sydney’s grueling IVF journey, the book deeply examines the visceral desires, vulnerabilities, and identity crises tied to trying to conceive and build a foundation for the future.
The story centers on a family grappling with the mysterious absence of Carol, a sister who has been essentially erased from family conversations and memory. When circumstances force the remaining siblings to confront the truth about what happened to Carol and why she disappeared from their lives, old wounds resurface and carefully maintained facades begin to crumble. The narrative weaves between past and present, gradually revealing the events that led to Carol’s estrangement and the family’s conspiracy of silence.
The story balances a fine line between the noble pursuit of the truth and the dangerous, self-destructive obsession that can override an investigator’s mental well-being.
Berry does an excellent job creating distinct, believable characters whose flaws and motivations feel authentic. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the emotional depth of the sibling dynamics rang particularly true. I appreciated how the author handled themes of family loyalty, guilt, and the different ways people process trauma. he novel heavily explores how family secrets, buried grief, and the refusal to talk about past tragedies can warp a family tree and affect future generations.
A central focus of the book is the stark reminder of the disproportionate lack of media attention, resources, and justice given to missing Black girls compared to their peers. Beyond the immediate family drama, it highlights how entire marginalized communities hold shared history, grief, and the quiet resilience required to keep the memory of their lost loved ones alive.
I’m giving this four stars because while the story was compelling and well-written, there were a few plot points in the middle section that felt slightly predictable. However, the strong character development and satisfying conclusion more than made up for these minor issues.
This is a solid choice for readers who enjoy family dramas with emotional complexity and mystery elements. Berry has crafted a memorable story about the secrets families keep and the healing power of truth.