In the Midst of Winter
by Isabel Allende
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Pub Date 1 Mar 2019 | Archive Date 15 Nov 2018
Simon and Schuster UK | Scribner UK
Description
New York Times bestseller Isabel Allende returns with a beautifully crafted, multi-generational novel of struggle, endurance and friendship against the odds.
Amid the biggest Brooklyn snowstorm in living memory, an unexpected friendship blossoms between three people thrown together by circumstance. Richard Bowmaster, a lonely university professor in his sixties, hits the car driven by Evelyn Ortega, a young, undocumented migrant from Guatemala. But what at first seems an inconvenience takes an unforeseen and darker turn when Evelyn comes to him and his neighbour Lucia Maraz, desperately seeking help. Sweeping from present-day Brooklyn to Guatemala to turbulent 1970s Chile and Brazil, and woven with Isabel Allende's trademark humanity, passion and storytelling verve, In the Midst of Winter is a mesmerizing and unforgettable tale.
Praise for Isabel Allende:
‘Isabel Allende is a master storyteller. When it comes to love Isabel writes from the heart to the heart and I feel all the richer for having been touched by her’ Santa Montefiore
‘If Allende's life depended on her narrative gifts, she'd not only survive, but reign’ Los Angeles Times
‘Isabel Allende is the most romantic of writers and The Japanese Lover is a novel of high romance and lush sensuality, unashamedly about the enduring power of love and ending on a note of grace’ The Times
‘Lush storytelling, with a liberal dusting of South American magical realism and a multi-generational narrative sweep’ Financial Times
‘Internationally beloved Allende, as effervescent in her compassion, social concerns, and profound joy in storytelling as ever, brings both humor and intensity to this madcap, soulful and transporting tale of three survivors who share their traumatic pasts … Allende has a rare and precious gift for simultaneously challenging and entrancing readers’ Booklist, starred review
‘Grief and loss are transformed into healing friendship in this fantastic novel … A suspenseful, icy adventure. Filled with Allende’s signature lyricism and ingenious plotting, the book delves wonderfully into what it means to respect, protect, and love’ Publishers Weekly
‘This winter's tale has something to melt each frozen heart’ Kirkus Review
Advance Praise
"Allende has a rare and precious gift for simultaneously challenging and entrancing readers by dramatizing with startling intimacy such dire situations as the desperation behind illegal immigration and domestic violence, then reveling, a page later, in spiritual visions or mischievous sexiness or heroic levity." BOOKLIST
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781471166907 |
| PRICE | £8.99 (GBP) |
Featured Reviews
Denise F, Reviewer
Excellent as always from Isabel Allende. Story was a page turner from beginning to end and a book I will be rereading again.
Judy D, Reviewer
Isabel Allende is one of my favorite writers and I always enjoy her novels. I was very happy to have the chance to read an advance copy of this book. This one was a good story of two different immigrants who came to the US through a chain of terrible events. Then there is Richard who has a heartbreaking story himself. Their lives intersect in the midst of a snowstorm in New York and the three of them become entangled in a conspiracy that could have turned out so badly. It's kind of far-fetched, but it was interesting.
I liked this book but I didn't love it. Even though each of the main characters had heart-wrenching stories, it was relayed so matter-of-factly that it just didn't evoke the emotion I expect to feel when reading such horrific events.
Thanks to Isabel Allende and Simon and Schuster UK / Scribner for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Gail N, Reviewer
There is something to be said about the beautiful writing of Isabel Allende. Her depictions of the 3 main characters were wonderful. Each backstory was interesting and quite moving. I almost felt the weather as an additional character as I could actually feel the cold and snow. I felt however, the main story line to be a little far fetched for me. 3.5 stars...
Carol S, Librarian
Such a lovely book and again, another masterpiece by this author. This is a great book club book and one to discuss!
Sue B, Reviewer
Isabel Allende's In the Midst of Winter is a story of romance, compassion, guilt, emotional scarring, and forgiveness. In her signature fashion, Allende blends history and culture to provide a rich backstory for the characters, Richard, Lucia, and Evelyn. All three lovable characters have South American connections. Lucia grew up in Chile during the 1973 overthrow of Salvatore Allende. Evelyn's grandmother raised her and her brothers in poverty and dire circumstances, while her mother immigrated to the United States. Richard met his wife in Brazil and lived with her family, while the couple suffered devastating losses. Alternating between a loosely-held together present-day plot line and flashbacks to the past, readers learn of each of the characters' painful journeys. The relationships between the three characters are endearing. I applaud Ms. Allende for her realistic portrayal of romantic love between middle-aged characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC of In the Midst of Winter, and to Isabel Allende for once again providing an intimate glimpse into worlds previously unknown to me.
Memona A, Reviewer
I have been a fan of Isabel Allende for years, so the chance to read her newest one (courtesy of Netgally and Simon and Shuster) was a wish come true. In The Midst of Winter is a story that involves three characters who's paths cross after a car crash. Together they have to decide what to do, learning about each other along the way. Like all of Allende's books you're pulled into the rich narrative of the story, discovering how the characters came to be, all the while learnng about the very real issues of the world like immigration, gang violence and relationships. I found the shift in story telling between the present situation and the back story of each of the characters a little confusing to begin with, but was able to follow the structure soon enough. I thought the book got better as I warmed to the characters and Allende's wonderful writing is always a joy to get lost in.
Reviewer 391936
I cried when I finished I want to know more about everyone and more about Chile Guatemala and Mexico. I can’t brlirvr how beautifully the story and characters weaved it’s way around the circumstances of their lives and the incident that brought them together. The love that was discovered between Richard and Alicia is beautiful and the love that they felt for Evelyn joyous.
I want to meet them all and say thankyou for letting me into their lives for a short time.
Thanks for letting me read this.
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