What we left unsaid

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‘Li’s evocative writing and commitment to exploring the romance of the open road and the many Americas that have existed through time and space win the day.’

Kirkus Reviews
UK ORDERS
US ORDERS

On an unexpected road trip, three estranged siblings uncover a startling family secret and larger truths about being Asian American in a post-COVID world—from the author of the “dazzling and devastating” (Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author) thriller Complicit.

I came up with the idea for WHAT WE LEFT UNSAID in the middle of Covid, did my research by embarking on a 3-week road trip along Route 66 with my partner and 1-year-old in October 2021, and now, in August 2025, the book is finally out! One one hand, I wanted to explore the Great American Road Trip from the perspective of people of color. But I also want to address the issue of a nation that is divided politically, financially, ideologically, and encapsulate that in a single family – and ask: is it possible to repair that divide?

Out Aug 7 in the UK and Aug 19 in the US

Kirkus Reviews: ‘A novel that questions and embraces the lure of Americana.
Booklist: ‘Li’s tense rendition of secrets and revelations on an iconic highway will appeal to fans of family sagas.’
Publishers Weekly: ‘Enjoyable… Li capably explores the complex dynamics among her characters. This satisfies.’
The Irish Independent: ‘Wonderfully descriptive and panoramic… a timely and thought-provoking novel, which undoubtedly will be adapted for the big or small screen.’
Red Carpet Crash: ‘An intense character-driven novel that starts off fast and never lets up. Watching the three siblings being forced together and taking this wild road trip is a lot of fun…A perfect beach read.’
Heat: ‘With its epic sweep, this is a poignant exploration of secrets and belonging.’
Libro Full Time ‘Brilliantly done and paced…An accomplished page-turner which gives you a lot to think about.’
Literary Treats ‘I love thinking about Asian Americans who’ll read this and feel connected to their country’s history through the Chu family’s unique lens.’

"A road trip takes three siblings across America - the intricate landscape that faces them all, though, is the turbulent dynamics of family and memory. Heartbreaking, beautiful and confronting. This is a wonderful new direction from the author of Complicit."

Sarah Winman, Sunday Times bestselling author of STILL LIFE

AUTHOR ENDORSEMENTS

Winnie Li’s What We Left Unsaid is a perfect post-pandemic reflection from the eyes of Chinese American siblings. Every note rings true as we travel with Bonnie, Kevin, and Alex on Route 66 as they unearth a devastating family secret, leading them to finally understand what it means to be a 21st century Asian American.
Naomi Hirahara, author of Mary Higgins Clark award-winning Clark and Division
"A timely journey that is vast in character and emotion, all the while capturing the ever-changing landscape of America in all its troubling and beautiful intricacies. Winnie M Li manages that tricky balance between the warmth of family and the challenges they can pose at the same time. Peppered with landscapes and histories that are both a throwback to the great American road trip and a reminder of the issues America faces both past and present, What We Left Unsaid artfully juggles difficult conversations alongside the joy of discovering a place you can both belong to and feel apart from at the same time.”
Kristen Perrin, New York Times bestselling author of How To Solve Your Own Murder
‘This is a poignant, affecting novel, both intimate and sweeping in its range. Wrapped up in a story of family secrets and the traumatic legacy of silence is a deeper meditation on third culture children navigating the intersection of race, identity and politics and what it means to be a modern American. A timely, confronting conversation starter of a book.’
Wiz Wharton, author of GHOST GIRL BANANA
I was riveted from the very first page by the bold storytelling, cinematic scope, lurking menace and the pressure of poisonous secrets - I think it's her best novel yet. She's a master storyteller and this thrills and chills in equal measure - all the more so because it's so acutely realistic. These are real people, real places, real pain. It's a great American novel and speaks so powerfully to our times of drama, division, violence and defiance.
Bidisha
'This sweeping novel takes us on a journey of heartbreak and hope across a hidden America, and kept me enthralled until the very last page.'
Rowan Coleman, Sunday Times bestselling author of SUMMER OF IMPOSSIBLE THINGS
'A truly gripping and moving exploration of siblings and the secrets we keep from the people closest to us – all of it set against the unexpected twists and turns of an American road trip. The characters are so richly developed, the sibling dynamic so realistic, the glimpse of America so insightful. I was hooked.'
Libby Page, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE LIDO
'What We Left Unsaid presents a fearless intersection of race, family and trauma in modern America. Winnie M. Li's writing is, as ever, personal, finely woven and immensely readable.'
Vaseem Khan, Award-winning author of MIDNIGHT AT MALABAR HOUSE
'A moving, multi-layered novel that combines family secrets and complex sibling dynamics with an exploration of vital social issues. A rich, engaging and evocative road trip across the ever-changing landscape of America. Loved it.’
Anna Mazzola, Edgar Award-winning author of THE HOUSE OF SECRETS

READER REVIEWS

Fans of authors like Celeste Ng and Min Jin Lee will really enjoy *What We Left Unsaid*, which offers a deep look at identity and healing that lingers even after you finish reading.
Poignant, heartfelt, and beautifully written, this novel is more than just a road trip story—it’s a touching exploration of family, forgiveness, and the power of confronting the past.
What begins as a simple road trip transforms into a powerful exploration of memory, race, family expectations, and the complexities of the immigrant experience in America.
What a beautiful story. The way it was written completely immerses you in the experiences of these three siblings on their journey back home. Without a doubt, it’s a story I’ll remember for a long time.
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