Too Much Left Unsaid
By Lee Collins
“Too Much Left Unsaid” profiles the lives of two American
women from 1917 through 1969. Lee Collins’ characters, Mattie and Kathy, share
similar childhood losses that have an emotional impact on their adult lives and
their decision making. Both women dream of becoming well-educated and
self-reliant, but these women live in an era when men go off to fight wars
while the womenfolk keep the home fires burning. Mattie’s dream of obtaining a
college education is thwarted, so she agrees to marry Ron. Kathy is literally
swept off her feet and marries Josh in a rush. In a small Ohio township, the
lives of these women become joined forever. Mattie is determined not to repeat
the sins of her mother while pining over the loss of her younger sister. Kathy
continues to seek independence, stumbles along the way and faces the pitfalls
of a society that is not ready to set her free.
Ms. Collins’ story mixes a powerful brew of love in this
heartwarming family saga of opposing social, political and religious views. Her
characters are strong-willed, open-hearted and forgiving. Beginning with World
War I and up to the war in Vietnam, hearts are won and lives are sacrificed as
our characters, Mattie and Kathy, deliver a fine representation of American
life during the 20th century. From the 1930s movie theaters to the home perms
of the 1960s, “Too Much Left Unsaid” is a story to be savored over a tall glass
of iced tea and a plate of Mattie’s special Toll House cookies.