That Unspoken Word
Laima Vince
The Book: "That Unspoken Word"
Overview: "That Unspoken Word" is a poignantly crafted historical novel that transports readers to Lithuania during the turbulent years of World War II. Centered on a young woman named Elena, the story depicts the shattering of a life following the successive Soviet and Nazi occupations. The novel explores survival, impossible choices, and the silence that blankets family secrets for decades.
Key Themes:
Collective Trauma & Memory: The book examines how historical cataclysms affect individual psychology and how suppressed truths are inherited across generations.
Female Resilience: Elena represents the countless women who had to find the inner strength to survive under brutal regimes while protecting their loved ones.
Search for Identity: Through the prism of one family’s tragedy, the author captures the broader tragic fate of the Lithuanian nation in the mid-20th century.
Technical Information:
Author: Laima Vincė (Laima Vincė Sruoginis)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Language: English
Format: Kindle eBook, Paperback
Publication Year: 2024–2025 (depending on the platform/edition)
About the Author: Laima Vincė
Laima Vincė is a distinguished Lithuanian-American writer, translator, journalist, and academic researcher. She is widely regarded as a vital "cultural bridge" between Lithuania and the English-speaking world, skillfully blending archival historical research with sensitive literary storytelling.
Career and Achievements:
Education: She holds an MFA in Writing and Comparative Literature from Columbia University and a PhD in the Humanities.
Recognition: For her contributions to Lithuanian culture and literature, she was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas. She is also a recipient of prestigious Fulbright and National Endowment for the Arts grants.
Translation: As one of the most active ambassadors of Lithuanian literature, she has translated works by major classics, including Marcelijus Martinaitis and Sigitas Geda, into English.
Other Notable Works:
“The Free World” (Laisvės rašytojai) – An exploration of Lithuania's path to independence.
“Journey into the Heart of Lithuania” – A personal and national journey of identity.
“Our Unknown Grandmother” (Mūsų nepažįstama močiutė) – A documentary narrative focusing on women’s fates during the war.
