A well-researched and gripping tale of family love and the lack thereof. The story of a woman and her two daughters, who have suffered all of their lives because of their mother's coldness and apparent lack of love for them. When their very loving father dies, his last wish is for his wife of 50 years, Anya, who originally came from Russia, to tell them the "real" story of the fairy tale she shared with them when they were children. The daughters are unwilling at first to interact with their mother, but eventually, they begin to listen to her story, which is the true story of her past.
The characters started out somewhat flat, and especially repetitive in their actions, which made it a bit difficult to get into the story at first. But soon, the "fairy tale" retold by Anya is so gripping, it's hard to put down.
This is a book that requires an entire box of tissues to get through, but it was a memorable story. I found it evokes "Away" by Amy Bloom. There are some similarities to the character's actions in both.
The characters started out somewhat flat, and especially repetitive in their actions, which made it a bit difficult to get into the story at first. But soon, the "fairy tale" retold by Anya is so gripping, it's hard to put down.
This is a book that requires an entire box of tissues to get through, but it was a memorable story. I found it evokes "Away" by Amy Bloom. There are some similarities to the character's actions in both.
Helpful Score: 6
4.0 out of 5 stars "How can a woman know herself, if she doesn't really know her mother?", May 5, 2011
This was a very interesting and emotionally involving story that moved from a present day setting backward in time to Leningrad, Russia, during the siege of that city during WW II.
Middle aged sisters Meredith and Nina have had a very unhappy and unsatisfying relationship with their cold and reserved Russian mother, Anya. They both have spent years trying to reach her and to earn her love, but neither has been able to breech the barrier that has kept her estranged from them. They know nothing about her past, which seems to limit them in their own ability to fully live their lives and to develop good relationships with those they care about. Meredith is the super obsessive older sister who stayed behind to help her parents run their orchard; she uses chores and activities to avoid thinking about why she has never done what she wanted. Nina left the family behind to become a globetrotting photojournalist with no permanent ties and no need to settle down anywhere with anyone. The girls reunite at the family home when their beloved father, Evan, dies and leaves them devastated and alone with the stranger who is their mother.
Through a series of stories told to the girls by their mother -- at first in fairy-tale fashion -- Meredith and Nina discover that their mother has a past that she has tried to escape by never speaking of it. She tells of the horrors of living and trying to survive in war-torn Leningrad during World War II and the subsequent sacrifices she had to make in order to live. The girls finally find out who their mother is and why she is the way she is.
This is a very touching but horrible story that will keep the reader turning the pages until the stunning revelation at the end. This is a book that does more than entertain - it will make the reader think and feel and want to go hug their loved ones. A book like this can change and affect a reader long after the last words have been read. I recommend it.
This was a very interesting and emotionally involving story that moved from a present day setting backward in time to Leningrad, Russia, during the siege of that city during WW II.
Middle aged sisters Meredith and Nina have had a very unhappy and unsatisfying relationship with their cold and reserved Russian mother, Anya. They both have spent years trying to reach her and to earn her love, but neither has been able to breech the barrier that has kept her estranged from them. They know nothing about her past, which seems to limit them in their own ability to fully live their lives and to develop good relationships with those they care about. Meredith is the super obsessive older sister who stayed behind to help her parents run their orchard; she uses chores and activities to avoid thinking about why she has never done what she wanted. Nina left the family behind to become a globetrotting photojournalist with no permanent ties and no need to settle down anywhere with anyone. The girls reunite at the family home when their beloved father, Evan, dies and leaves them devastated and alone with the stranger who is their mother.
Through a series of stories told to the girls by their mother -- at first in fairy-tale fashion -- Meredith and Nina discover that their mother has a past that she has tried to escape by never speaking of it. She tells of the horrors of living and trying to survive in war-torn Leningrad during World War II and the subsequent sacrifices she had to make in order to live. The girls finally find out who their mother is and why she is the way she is.
This is a very touching but horrible story that will keep the reader turning the pages until the stunning revelation at the end. This is a book that does more than entertain - it will make the reader think and feel and want to go hug their loved ones. A book like this can change and affect a reader long after the last words have been read. I recommend it.
Helpful Score: 6
Having just finished this book, I'm still reeling a bit at the impact the story had on me. I'm afraid that no words I can conjure can do this story justice.
As another reviewer said, it's the story of two adult daughters getting to know their emotionally distant mother after the death of their father. To say more than that would divulge too much of the story, and the reader deserves to experience that themselves.
Suffice it to say it's a story within a story within a story. There are many depths to it, written beautifully.... Some of it glorious and some absolutely tragic. It's a story of the suffering of the body and the triumph of the soul and there's a message in it for all of us.
I HIGHLY recommend this read.
As another reviewer said, it's the story of two adult daughters getting to know their emotionally distant mother after the death of their father. To say more than that would divulge too much of the story, and the reader deserves to experience that themselves.
Suffice it to say it's a story within a story within a story. There are many depths to it, written beautifully.... Some of it glorious and some absolutely tragic. It's a story of the suffering of the body and the triumph of the soul and there's a message in it for all of us.
I HIGHLY recommend this read.
Helpful Score: 4
I enjoyed this book, however there was a large section which seemed very redundant while following the main character through her struggles and daily life. There was also a section that I thought was dragged out and gave more details than was necessary. Almost like the author deliberately did her best to put as many words in there as possible. I found myself skipping over pages once I got the gist of the content, since I felt I had already read it before. I guess about 1/4 of the book could have been edited out, and still it would have been a complete story. Otherwise, it was a satisfying read, with a very good and surprising ending. I really felt that the last 1/4 of the book was great, probably worth trudging through all the redundancy.
Helpful Score: 4
4.0 out of 5 stars "How can a woman know herself, if she doesn't really know her mother?", May 5, 2011
This was a very interesting and emotionally involving story that moved from a present day setting backward in time to Leningrad, Russia, during the siege of that city during WW II.
Middle aged sisters Meredith and Nina have had a very unhappy and unsatisfying relationship with their cold and reserved Russian mother, Anya. They both have spent years trying to reach her and to earn her love, but neither has been able to breech the barrier that has kept her estranged from them. They know nothing about her past, which seems to limit them in their own ability to fully live their lives and to develop good relationships with those they care about. Meredith is the super obsessive older sister who stayed behind to help her parents run their orchard; she uses chores and activities to avoid thinking about why she has never done what she wanted. Nina left the family behind to become a globetrotting photojournalist with no permanent ties and no need to settle down anywhere with anyone. The girls reunite at the family home when their beloved father, Evan, dies and leaves them devastated and alone with the stranger who is their mother.
Through a series of stories told to the girls by their mother -- at first in fairy-tale fashion -- Meredith and Nina discover that their mother has a past that she has tried to escape by never speaking of it. She tells of the horrors of living and trying to survive in war-torn Leningrad during World War II and the subsequent sacrifices she had to make in order to live. The girls finally find out who their mother is and why she is the way she is.
This is a very touching but horrible story that will keep the reader turning the pages until the stunning revelation at the end. This is a book that does more than entertain - it will make the reader think and feel and want to go hug their loved ones. A book like this can change and affect a reader long after the last words have been read. I recommend it.
This was a very interesting and emotionally involving story that moved from a present day setting backward in time to Leningrad, Russia, during the siege of that city during WW II.
Middle aged sisters Meredith and Nina have had a very unhappy and unsatisfying relationship with their cold and reserved Russian mother, Anya. They both have spent years trying to reach her and to earn her love, but neither has been able to breech the barrier that has kept her estranged from them. They know nothing about her past, which seems to limit them in their own ability to fully live their lives and to develop good relationships with those they care about. Meredith is the super obsessive older sister who stayed behind to help her parents run their orchard; she uses chores and activities to avoid thinking about why she has never done what she wanted. Nina left the family behind to become a globetrotting photojournalist with no permanent ties and no need to settle down anywhere with anyone. The girls reunite at the family home when their beloved father, Evan, dies and leaves them devastated and alone with the stranger who is their mother.
Through a series of stories told to the girls by their mother -- at first in fairy-tale fashion -- Meredith and Nina discover that their mother has a past that she has tried to escape by never speaking of it. She tells of the horrors of living and trying to survive in war-torn Leningrad during World War II and the subsequent sacrifices she had to make in order to live. The girls finally find out who their mother is and why she is the way she is.
This is a very touching but horrible story that will keep the reader turning the pages until the stunning revelation at the end. This is a book that does more than entertain - it will make the reader think and feel and want to go hug their loved ones. A book like this can change and affect a reader long after the last words have been read. I recommend it.
Helpful Score: 3
A great read, each of the characters are unique and has their own interesting story. Coming together as a family was a struggle but very much worth the effort. The ending was wonderful, and so unpredictable. This has become one of my all time favorite books. I belong to a book club and will be recommending it at our next meeting.
Helpful Score: 3
My love affair with Kristin Hannah began with Firefly Lane. I have since read a few others, and by far, Winter Garden is my favorite.
Winter Garden is the story of 2 estranged daughters who return home to care for their "cold and indifferent" mother, after the death of their beloved father. On his deathbed, Meridith promises her father to take care of her mother, and Nina promises to get the mother to finish "the fairytale" she told them when they were small. Neither girls feel they will be able to honor his wishes.
A masterful story within a story, as the girls try to fullfill their promises, they learn about their mother, and hence themselves.
What results is a gripping read. Though a little slow at first, eventually I couldn't put it down.
Best book I've read in a long time. Highly recommend!!
Winter Garden is the story of 2 estranged daughters who return home to care for their "cold and indifferent" mother, after the death of their beloved father. On his deathbed, Meridith promises her father to take care of her mother, and Nina promises to get the mother to finish "the fairytale" she told them when they were small. Neither girls feel they will be able to honor his wishes.
A masterful story within a story, as the girls try to fullfill their promises, they learn about their mother, and hence themselves.
What results is a gripping read. Though a little slow at first, eventually I couldn't put it down.
Best book I've read in a long time. Highly recommend!!
Helpful Score: 3
I got this book from a swap when it was highly wishlisted and let it gather dust on my To Be Read=TBR pile way too long. I put off reading this cause the author wasnt familiar to me and I felt she wrote modern women romance books in the style of maybe Nora Roberts which is not on the top of my list of favorite genres.
It was finally chosen in of all things, a TBR swap, and I thought about mailing it off unread. BUT Since I had time I plunged ahead, and said I would give the book 50 to 100 pages. I kinda guessed the outcome would be: Mom had bad things happen in Russia and she feels terrible about them, hence she is cold to her daughters and leaves them unloved for all their lives until they are 40 and 37 years of age. She does strange things that lead the family to think she has dementia, but it looks more like PSTD to me.
When their father dies, he implores the women to get to know the truth behind their mother. On his death bed he makes the mother and daughters promise to finish the story, the fairy tale. The girls begin to hear the real story behind the fairy tale the mother had told the girls when they were little. Of course all of our characters stretch and grow, and the ending was great. So I would read more by this author.
I really could identify with Meredith who is 40 her girls are gone to college and she has forgotten who she is, who she loves, or what she wants in life. I kinda wanted to smack the other people like Merediths husband, and the Mom, and Nina. This book was about a winter garden and cold people, but really they were all cold and selfish in many ways, not just this mom.
Two complaints
1. Dad dies and wants the girls to get to know mom. Hey, why didnt Dad have some gonads and insist in this in their childhood?
2. And really do the Math, the girls are 40 and 37 and meaning their mother was way way way over 40 when she had them.. Yes it happens but come on. twice? and 3 years apart.
It was finally chosen in of all things, a TBR swap, and I thought about mailing it off unread. BUT Since I had time I plunged ahead, and said I would give the book 50 to 100 pages. I kinda guessed the outcome would be: Mom had bad things happen in Russia and she feels terrible about them, hence she is cold to her daughters and leaves them unloved for all their lives until they are 40 and 37 years of age. She does strange things that lead the family to think she has dementia, but it looks more like PSTD to me.
When their father dies, he implores the women to get to know the truth behind their mother. On his death bed he makes the mother and daughters promise to finish the story, the fairy tale. The girls begin to hear the real story behind the fairy tale the mother had told the girls when they were little. Of course all of our characters stretch and grow, and the ending was great. So I would read more by this author.
I really could identify with Meredith who is 40 her girls are gone to college and she has forgotten who she is, who she loves, or what she wants in life. I kinda wanted to smack the other people like Merediths husband, and the Mom, and Nina. This book was about a winter garden and cold people, but really they were all cold and selfish in many ways, not just this mom.
Two complaints
1. Dad dies and wants the girls to get to know mom. Hey, why didnt Dad have some gonads and insist in this in their childhood?
2. And really do the Math, the girls are 40 and 37 and meaning their mother was way way way over 40 when she had them.. Yes it happens but come on. twice? and 3 years apart.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a life changing book. It was very difficult to put it down. Kristin Hannah has a way to pull you into the lives of her characters and she excelled in the Winter Garden. I am amazed how I miss the characters. It is well worth the time to read, you wont be disappointed.
Helpful Score: 1
Not the ordinary 'memory novel'. Hannah manages to move this story along with just the right pace and timing as shw uncovers the developments in the loves of the people populating this tale. Well done.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book, it kept me interested till the end.
Helpful Score: 1
During the first few chapters I was beginning to think I had chosen the wrong book to read because it tended to confuse me a bit. But I hung in there and all of a sudden things started pulling together for me. This is the story of one woman's pain and loss during World War II and the effect it had on her family. Her story is so incredible that I didn't want to put the book down. I was totally engrossed in her story and it actually had me crying. I didn't know much about World War II until I read how it affected the people in Russia. My own Grandmother and Grandfather came to the U.S. to just visit America while leaving their only son with his grandparents while they visited the U.S. During the time they were visiting World War II started and they could not get back to retrieve their little boy. My grandmother cried for years over this. They obviously lost all their money once they were here being looked at as imigrants even though over in Russia they were considered wealthy. Once other children started to be born, 17 in all, they never had the money to bring that little boy back to them. It was a very sad story and a true story as to what my grandparents went through. So this book had a lot of meaning for me. I know you will thoroughly enjoy this tale. God Bless Kristen for writing such an informative and historical account of one family's misfortunes and loss. I give it a 5.
Helpful Score: 1
I normally enjoy all of Kristin Hannahs books, but this one was not enjoyable. I finished it but it was just not her normal book and I would not recommend it to anyone. I was extremely disapointed in it and I almost gave up a few times reading it.
Helpful Score: 1
After reading all the raves on this book, I really expected to enjoy it. I'm a big Kristin Hannah fan, but this was SO disappointing for me.
The first 200 pages were drawn out and repetitive to a fault. The entire family dynamic felt too contrived, not to mention Meredith's relationship with her husband.
And if a character goes on one more run, takes the dogs out, or heats up dinner one more time...!
Then by the time they begin unraveling their mother's fairy tale past, I had zero interest. I didn't care about any of the characters enough. Maybe if the first half hadn't been so drawn out, it would've been more interesting.
Sorry, I can't recommend this one at all. Try ON MYSTIC LAKE, BETWEEN SISTERS, or ANGEL FALLS instead.
The first 200 pages were drawn out and repetitive to a fault. The entire family dynamic felt too contrived, not to mention Meredith's relationship with her husband.
And if a character goes on one more run, takes the dogs out, or heats up dinner one more time...!
Then by the time they begin unraveling their mother's fairy tale past, I had zero interest. I didn't care about any of the characters enough. Maybe if the first half hadn't been so drawn out, it would've been more interesting.
Sorry, I can't recommend this one at all. Try ON MYSTIC LAKE, BETWEEN SISTERS, or ANGEL FALLS instead.
Helpful Score: 1
wow! what a great story. I was drawn in right away. Kristin Hannah has a beautiful writing style. Her words painted pictures for me, I felt as though I was a character in the story. This was such a profound story and after reading it I plan on learning more about the "mystery". Make sure you have plenty of kleenex, this book is a tear jerker!
Helpful Score: 1
Very enlightening book. What a learning experience for me. It was intense.
Helpful Score: 1
Winter Garden is a gripping story that I read quickly and easily. Reminiscent of the Angels of Leningrad, a wonderful novel also, it delves into the horrors of war and the lasting effect of war on its survivors and their offspring. A little contrived for the ending, it evokes the need to face the past and come to grips with it if one is to overcome it.
Helpful Score: 1
I would give this book a 3+. In the beginning, it is fairly bleak and depressing--exasperatingly failing marriages and frigid mother/daughter relationships--so much so that I almost wanted to give up on the book entirely, but I'm glad I didn't. By the end, the tale does resolve itself and in an intelligent and refreshingly unique way. Added plus: some Russian history is woven into the fictional narrative.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. The message of the relationship in families, and finding what you really want in life, was very clear. The story of Leningrad was heartbreaking. I read the ending while at work, and had to really fight the tears from coming! I almost didn't post my copy, but others deserve to read this book!
Helpful Score: 1
A profound novel by Kristin Hannah. The writing of this book is such that the reader is compelled by the war-time memories of the mother as she speaks of her past: the days in Russia; the struggles; the challenges to survive & overcome the memories. They haunt her, yet somehow she goes on living, even if her character is somewhat 'quirky' to those around her- especially her daughters who don't understand her. The two daughters are as different as night and day; one somewhat sensible, the other who acts upon the spur-of the moment. Hannah's writing touches many subjects; love, disappointment, grief, estrangement, secrecy, and a host of others. An excellent read; I will read more of Kristin Hannah's books.
Helpful Score: 1
I've read most of Kristin Hannah's books and this might be my favorite. It is a haunting tale (I finished it a couple of weeks ago and am still thinking about it) of relationships and secrets and the dynamics within family. It is also about the kind of redemption that can sometimes only come after heart ache and as one nears the final chapter of her life.
Great read.
Great read.
Helpful Score: 1
Once again, I have an opinion that is the polar opposite of most reviews of this book. After the first few chapters, I thought to myself that Hannah had done it again on the heels of her beautifully written and completely satisfying "True Colors". However, the good feeling didn't last. I couldn't connect with the emotionally stunted characters and couldn't buy into the fairy tale. Without giving away any of the plot, I will say that I thought the father's actions were unrealistic and that the end of the story was tied up a little too neatly.
Helpful Score: 1
I am a big fan of Kristin Hannah and love everything she has ever written! This story, as with all her others, did not disappoint! A wonderful story of two sisters who grew up with a mother who was cold and distant. After their father dies they both find that through their mother's 'fairy tales' that there is a lot more to their mother and their family than they ever knew. A GREAT story and one that I did not want to end!
One of my favorite books ever.
This has got to be my absolute favorite Kristin Hannah book yet. The end left me sobbing like a baby.
Different from her previous works but fabulously written.
Different from her previous works but fabulously written.
Two stories are told in this book why Kristin Hannah. Two women who cannot seem to get their mother's love, and barely get her attention. Through fairy tales told by their mom, they come to understand her. Between current times and WWII in Russia, an amazing story of fear and hope unfolds.
A very powerful, interesting historical drama with enough twists and turns to keep you intrigued. I highly recommend this book
WOW! I've had this book lanquishing on my TBR for awhile; knowing I'd read Kristin Hannah's books before and enjoyed them but this one just wasnt calling to me.
Finally I pulled it out to read before sending it off for a swap; if I"d know how interesting it was I would've read it the day it arrived.
I've always loved Dr Zhivago and other Russian stories; this one fits that love......Its a book you do not need to peek at the ending and spoil the story.....read it from beginning to end......
Finally I pulled it out to read before sending it off for a swap; if I"d know how interesting it was I would've read it the day it arrived.
I've always loved Dr Zhivago and other Russian stories; this one fits that love......Its a book you do not need to peek at the ending and spoil the story.....read it from beginning to end......
Great book exploring how our pasts influence our family relationships.
Excellent book. I liked it so much that I passed it along to my daughter to read ... once she's done, I will repost it for others to enjoy.
Overall an okay Kristin Hannah book. I didn't care for all the flashbacks of Anya's story though I know it had to be told but it still cut through the main point of the novel which in my eyes was her girls and their relationship with their mom. At this point i'm not sure if I will be buying another Kristin Hannah book, I know I will definately take a look through the book before just buying it. I liked Firefly Lane much better.
I was hardly able to breathe when Anya told the story of her life to her two daughters after their beloved father died. It was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same rime. Be sure to have tissues nearby.
I loved this book. My book club read it and almost everyone rated it 8 or higher.
I only read this book because it was the monthly read for group discussion for the book club I belong to ... It wasn't a genre I would normally choose, and I'd never heard of the author, so I wasn't expecting to like it ... but WOW! Once the intensity of "Anya's" real story started being revealed, I was drawn in and connected. One of my favorite reads in the past twelve months.
I loved this book. I can't stop thinking about it and I've even re-read the ending several times. You definitely need tissues, this book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It reminds me of stories my Grandmothers told about the Depression (not as devastating as this book, of course) and how strong women are and what they will do for their children.
I could not put this book down. Romance galore and heartbreak that will touch your heart. I highly recommend reading this book. First time I read this author and loved her writing. I am going to look for her other book now. Pick this book to read and you will not be sorry.
What a tear jerker! Have tissues nearby! This book gripped me right from the beginning. It is horrible and beautiful, at the same time. I think this is my new favorite Kristin Hannah story!
I ordered this book from the club after reading the reviews. Everyone was right. this book is an amazing story. The struggle to keep to small children alive during a war, the self sacrifice only a mother is capable of doing, and the most painful of all, surviving with the ghosts left by the war. I recommend this book to anyone willing to explore the strenght of the human spirit but in particular to mothers. I certainly as a mother was touched by the story, and finished it in tears.
Beautiful heart rending story of a mothers love and loss. A story within a story spaning 70 years detailing a young mother and how she deals with heart breaking loss.
This book was so good! It's the best (in my opinion) that Kristin Hannah has written to date. It is the story of a family, especially of 2 sisters and their mother finally getting to know each other later in life .... and it will surprise you, and make you cry and take you on a journey back in time. It's hard to put into words without spoiling the story. You won't be sorry if you read it but be prepared to cry.
This book has a slow start (in fact I almost gave up on it) but once you get into it you will be hooked. It has an emotional impact that I did not expect. I had never heard some of the information that was given in the book. The ending is fantastic and you won't be disappointed if you read it. I won't give any more information as I think other reviewers might have said too much already. READ IT
A friend suggested "Winter Garden" to me and I thought "eh... not my kinda read." It had great reviews though and it was available here on PBS... so I requested it and it's been sitting on my bookshelf for a couple months now. I surprised myself by breezing through the 391 pages in less than a week.
This story was well researched and well written with an abundance of great twists and turns. It was a bit of a history review (nothing boring!) with one amazing story attached. (It was kind of ironic that my son was studying Stalin and Hitler in his Social Studies class while I was reading this!) My only complaint was that the beginning was a little slow while individual characters were introduced. However, once the fairy tale started and all the characters stories came together I was hooked. Loved the happy ending too.
This story was well researched and well written with an abundance of great twists and turns. It was a bit of a history review (nothing boring!) with one amazing story attached. (It was kind of ironic that my son was studying Stalin and Hitler in his Social Studies class while I was reading this!) My only complaint was that the beginning was a little slow while individual characters were introduced. However, once the fairy tale started and all the characters stories came together I was hooked. Loved the happy ending too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only the development of the relationships but the first person relating of life in Russia, that we know so little about.
This book is one of my all time favorite books. It's completely moving, emotional, and stirs up so many feelings. It's is a must read.
This was an amazing story within a story. I had to write the author a note to thank her when I was finished.
I started this on Tues. & finished it on Sun.
Didn't just read as I have other things I need to do but this one really keeps up the interest.
Highly recommended.
Didn't just read as I have other things I need to do but this one really keeps up the interest.
Highly recommended.
A little slow going at first, but I stayed with it and it got better and the even better. I would recommend this. Kristin Hannah's books are great!
Thoroughly enjoyed the mixture of a good story and a little history mixed in.
This was easily the best book I have ever read. I am currently making my book club read it. It was so full of raw emotion, I couldn't help but cry with them.
So much time lost. Bittersweet.
I'd love to give this 5 stars, but for me to give a book 5 stars, I have to love the whole thing. I know Hannah was trying to establish the characters in the first 1/3 of the book, but it was Anja's story that made it. I truly think the first 1/3 could have been condensed without losing the emotions of the family.
Regardless, if you're looking to avoid tears, go pick this up. Anja's story is remarkable, vivid, and an account I'll never forget.
Regardless, if you're looking to avoid tears, go pick this up. Anja's story is remarkable, vivid, and an account I'll never forget.
A great story, one I will not forget ever. Makes you want slow your life down and love more or everything. Nature, people, family, and friends. What a courageous woman this mother was and her story makes me feel that things we worry about etc, are nothing compared to what others have endured in their life time.
Meredith and her younger sister, Nina, could never understand why their Russian war bride mother was such an icequeen in both attitude and looks right down to her white hair. Their father was their source of love until he suddenly has a heart attack and dies. On his death bed, he makes his adult daughters promise to take care of their mother and to "listen" to her fairy tale of the prince and the common girl. This story is full of surprises. The characters are very likeable and well developed. Surprisingly, the book is also a historical fiction as well.
This was a wonderful story, but a little bit hard to read at times. The topic is difficult, and very sad. However, it is definitely worth reading. I just prefer happier subject matter.
This book is written beautifully. The story is so perfectly pieced together. I completely recommend this book. Entertaining, lovable, heart-wrenching all in one
Enjoyed this book very much. Liked the way the story brought the family together even after so much time has past. Reminds me that old saying You can't judge a book by its cover. The mother "anya" was a great strong person but by her actions her daughters never realized this. Great story.
Kristin Hannah captures families so well in the stories she writes. I was mesmerized by this story both from an emotional standpoint and a historical one. In my opinion you will greatly enjoy this book.
I love Kristin Hannah's books!!! I could not put this book down. If you have read other Kristin Hannah's book and liked them. Then I would recommend this beautifully written book.
Winter Garden is a story about family,sisters,and forgiveness. Also trying to understand a mother who has made herself emotionally and physically unavailable to her 2 girls. The ending will have you wrapped up in emotion. I promise you will never predict the ending. I hope that this book has you walking away saying,"WOW".
Winter Garden is a story about family,sisters,and forgiveness. Also trying to understand a mother who has made herself emotionally and physically unavailable to her 2 girls. The ending will have you wrapped up in emotion. I promise you will never predict the ending. I hope that this book has you walking away saying,"WOW".
I could not put this book down!! It holds your interest and getting to the end was sad. I didn't want it to end.
Winter Garden
By Author: Kristin Hannah
The Seasoned Readers Book Club graded this book with an A+.
Several of the women in our Seasoned Readers Book Club agreed it was a slow start getting into the story. But once the fairy tale started to unfold, and you knew it wasnt just a fairy tale, it gets you hooked. How can a woman ever really know her mother when the mother is cold and distant all of her life? This heartbreaking novel displays the delicate nature of the mother-daughter bond. As children, the only connection between two sisters and their mother was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from his daughters. Get their mother to tell them the fairy tale one last time and completely.
Meredith and Nina are together with their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, after the fathers death, offers no comfort to her daughters. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anyas life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Through telling of the fairy tale, that wasnt a fairy tale, they begin to see their mother in a new light. Starving, trying to care for two children as her husband, the prince, is off at war, and fleeing when one child becomes ill and being torn apart forever, the fairy tale goes beyond the happy to the utterly terrorizing. The story alternates between the past and present, telling their mothers life, and a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are. Through the telling the walls begin to tumble between them.
All of us felt the same about this story. It is so horrifying to think she could have survived. And we all asked what we would do under those circumstances. But more we asked why she, or even her husband, waited all those years to seek counseling for her to come out of a post stress syndrome self-inflicted semi-comatose state she had lived all the years her two daughters were growing up. Was he afraid the memory of the prince would diminish his role in her life? Was the past too ugly to look at in the light of day? Yet you know she was still living it everyday in her head. It was absconding with her true life. It was a tragedy those girls had to grow up without their mother whole which could have likely been accomplished with the right therapy.
All in all we enjoyed the book with all of its sadness and the healing that comes with the truth exposed.
By Author: Kristin Hannah
The Seasoned Readers Book Club graded this book with an A+.
Several of the women in our Seasoned Readers Book Club agreed it was a slow start getting into the story. But once the fairy tale started to unfold, and you knew it wasnt just a fairy tale, it gets you hooked. How can a woman ever really know her mother when the mother is cold and distant all of her life? This heartbreaking novel displays the delicate nature of the mother-daughter bond. As children, the only connection between two sisters and their mother was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from his daughters. Get their mother to tell them the fairy tale one last time and completely.
Meredith and Nina are together with their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, after the fathers death, offers no comfort to her daughters. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anyas life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Through telling of the fairy tale, that wasnt a fairy tale, they begin to see their mother in a new light. Starving, trying to care for two children as her husband, the prince, is off at war, and fleeing when one child becomes ill and being torn apart forever, the fairy tale goes beyond the happy to the utterly terrorizing. The story alternates between the past and present, telling their mothers life, and a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are. Through the telling the walls begin to tumble between them.
All of us felt the same about this story. It is so horrifying to think she could have survived. And we all asked what we would do under those circumstances. But more we asked why she, or even her husband, waited all those years to seek counseling for her to come out of a post stress syndrome self-inflicted semi-comatose state she had lived all the years her two daughters were growing up. Was he afraid the memory of the prince would diminish his role in her life? Was the past too ugly to look at in the light of day? Yet you know she was still living it everyday in her head. It was absconding with her true life. It was a tragedy those girls had to grow up without their mother whole which could have likely been accomplished with the right therapy.
All in all we enjoyed the book with all of its sadness and the healing that comes with the truth exposed.
Winter Garden is a good story but I have read better books from her. Excellant story, if a little long.
This is the second book I've read by this author and wasn't disappointed. I was hesitant at first to read this story because I didn't think I'd like it but I did. I learned a few things. But I must say you need to pay close attention to the story that Anya tells to her daughters.
Great book! The story shifts from present day to Anya's fairy tale, back and forth. The fairy tale is riveting as is most of the book. So much more than my initial impression of a flawed mother-daughter(s) relationship.
This book started out really slow for me. Usually Kristin Hannah's books start out with a bang. But dont let that scare you away from this awesome book. I completely loved it. The fairy tale stories are fascinating and i couldnt put the book down. It is a book that makes you think about it long after you have finished it.
I loved this book. I will admit the beginning was a little hard to get into, but after that, I loved it. I don't usually cry while reading a book, but I actually cried through almost the whole end of this one. I thought it was a great story. I loved the characters. I think Kristin Hannah did a lot of research and spun a story truly worth reading.
Great story - keeps you wanting more.
This was a very good and interesting book. I recommend it.
lovely, tender, it's amazing what one doesn't know.
Read this as a Buddy Read on Litsy and enjoyed it very much! It is a powerful story of misunderstanding and family love between 2 daughters and their mother. There are a lot of historical reference to Russia during the war. Anya has told her daughters, Meredith and Nina, a fairytale which turns into a reality by the end of the book. It is a tearjerker that you won't be able to forget and one you should not miss!
Excellent read, excellent story. This book is very emotional and tugs at your heart strings. It does deliver the excellent ending that is promised, definitive a must read!
Another great Kristin Hannah read. Story about two sisters growing up with their father and Russian mother. The story is about the sisters getting to know their mother and why she was so cold and aloof to them while they were growing up and the sisters getting to know each other. Surprises at the end. GREAT ending. Definitely recommend and can't wait for Kristin Hannah's next novel.
This book really pulled at me in so many ways- its sad but happy, disturbing but interesting- i found myself often thinking about it when i was not reading it! My first read of Kristin Hannah and am now ordering another of hers :)
The beginning of this story is too drawn out and I thought I would not finish it, however, about half-way through it becomes interesting and at times, riveting. The telling of the fairytale was bothersome, but near the end when she has her story recorded, it becomes a knockout.
Great book. A little slow getting into but once your in, you are hooked.
