Say What You Will Summary & Key Insights

Cammie McGovern's "Say What You Will" follows the intertwined lives of two young women, each grappling with the aftermath of a significant trauma. The narrative centers on Maddy, a vibrant and outgoing college student who suffers a near-fatal car accident that leaves her with aphasia, robbing her of the ability to speak fluently. Simultaneously, we meet Hannah, a college freshman harboring a dark secret: she was the drunk driver responsible for Maddy's accident.

The accident acts as a pivotal point, fracturing both women's lives in different yet profoundly connected ways. Maddy's world shrinks considerably. Her once effortless communication is replaced by frustrating struggles, leaving her feeling isolated and dependent. She undergoes intensive speech therapy, battling not only the physical challenges of regaining her speech but also the emotional toll of losing her identity and independence. Her fiercely loyal best friend, Jonah, remains a constant source of support, navigating the complexities of their changed dynamic. Maddy's family, while supportive, struggles to understand the depth of her struggles, contributing to her feelings of isolation.

Hannah, burdened by guilt and consumed by her actions, initially attempts to hide her involvement. The weight of her secret threatens to consume her, leading to anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behavior. She wrestles with the moral implications of her actions and the crushing fear of facing the consequences. Her relationship with her parents is strained by her silence and the unfolding events, further isolating her in her self-imposed prison of guilt.

The novel gradually reveals Hannah's actions and the impact on Maddy. The confrontation between them, however, isn't a dramatic showdown but a slow, painful process of reconciliation. Maddy’s journey focuses on reclaiming her voice, both literally and figuratively. She learns to communicate through alternative methods and confronts her anger and vulnerability. Hannah’s journey focuses on accepting responsibility for her actions and finding a way to atone for the harm she has caused, a journey deeply connected to confronting her own troubled past.

The overarching themes explore the profound impact of trauma on individuals and their relationships, the complexities of forgiveness and self-forgiveness, and the power of communication, both verbal and nonverbal, in navigating difficult emotions and rebuilding lives. The novel emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for healing and reconciliation, even in the face of devastating loss and profound guilt. Ultimately, "Say What You Will" is a story of finding one's voice, whether literally or figuratively, and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.