Winter Garden
Product ID: 17065436
Can a woman ever really know herself if she doesn't know her mother? From the author of the smash-hit bestseller Firefly Lane and True Colors comes Kristin Hannah's powerful, heartbreaking novel that illuminates the intricate mother-daughter bond and explores the enduring links between the present and the past Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time―and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya's life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother's life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are. Review: Great book. Just get tissues and don't read before bed - This book was so well written it was visceral in its brutal descriptions of war, poverty and trying to protect your children. It gave me nightmares, but was a great read and very satisfying in the end. Review: As Good as Ms. Hannah's "The Nightingale" - I enjoyed this novel as much as "The Nightingale". I think Ms. Hannah is an excellent writer but not all of her books are of this caliber, plot-wise. I have recommended it to many of my friends and the fact that the waiting lists at libraries have over 100 names on them should tell you something. I like characters who aren't perfect and appreciated the character development of Anya. Ms. Hannah's powers of description are so vivid that I could almost feel the bitter cold and gnawing hunger.
| Best Sellers Rank | #5,782,394 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #9,607 in Mothers & Children Fiction #19,533 in Books on CD #21,550 in Women's Domestic Life Fiction |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 44 Reviews |
J**N
Great book. Just get tissues and don't read before bed
This book was so well written it was visceral in its brutal descriptions of war, poverty and trying to protect your children. It gave me nightmares, but was a great read and very satisfying in the end.
D**9
As Good as Ms. Hannah's "The Nightingale"
I enjoyed this novel as much as "The Nightingale". I think Ms. Hannah is an excellent writer but not all of her books are of this caliber, plot-wise. I have recommended it to many of my friends and the fact that the waiting lists at libraries have over 100 names on them should tell you something. I like characters who aren't perfect and appreciated the character development of Anya. Ms. Hannah's powers of description are so vivid that I could almost feel the bitter cold and gnawing hunger.
P**H
Love this story.
This is one of the best audio books I have ever listened too. If you have never listened to a book on tape, this is definitely one to try. Fascinating story and is so well done by the orator. You will love it. I originally borrowed the cd from a friend. Loved it so much, I had to have it.
B**N
Better than we thought!
This is one of the best audios you could listen to for women's fiction. The story is exceptional, the characters are wonderful, and there are quite a few twists that keep you interested. My Bookroom enjoyed it. And we'd recommend it very highly. We haven't found another book like it yet!
P**A
Excellent read. Kristin truly depicts the characters' hardships of ...
Excellent read. Kristin truly depicts the characters' hardships of the times. Her in depth study is truly commendable. Best book I've read in quite a while. Brought on many tears and joy.
S**L
Hang in there.... this one gets good!
Winter Garden started slow for me. The two sisters thing and dysfunctional family synopsis has been done and done and done again. I listened halfheartedly taking in all the facts but not really engaged. Then the audio suddenly took a turn to the "holy wah" when Anya started detailing her story of growing up in Russia.... suddenly I was glued to my kitchen, unwilling to shut the audio off, or leave the room I was folding laundry on my kitchen table and cleaning kitchen counters, and straightening seasonings in the cupboards - all to keep on listening. It all came to a tearful fully engaged version of me as the story unfolded into what I could only refer to as Kristen Hannah working her magic of story telling. In recap... the first half of the book was meh.... the second half.... a rollercoaster of emotions that has left me wondering what I should choose next of Kristen Hannah's books.
A**H
Three Stars
fair
P**H
Five Stars
Excellent story!
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