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58 pages 1 hour read

Winter Garden

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010

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Book Brief

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Kristin Hannah

Winter Garden

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010
Book Details
Pages

436

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Russia • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah follows sisters Meredith and Nina as they reconnect with their emotionally distant mother, Anya, after their father's death. Anya's fairy tale recounts her harrowing experiences during the Siege of Leningrad. As the story unfolds, the women uncover family secrets, heal past wounds, and strengthen their bond, discovering resilience and forgiveness in the process. Addressing themes of grief, identity, and family, the novel portrays the impact of historical trauma on future generations and the enduring strength of women's relationships.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.4

386,197 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah is a deeply moving novel that blends historical fiction with family drama. Readers praised its emotional depth and compelling narrative, highlighting the vivid depiction of wartime Russia. Some criticisms noted a slow start and occasional predictability. Overall, fans lauded its intricate mother-daughter relationships and poignant storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Winter Garden?

A reader who enjoys Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah is captivated by emotional, multi-generational family sagas with historical backdrops. Fans of The Nightingale or The Secret Life of Bees will appreciate its intricate storytelling, rich character development, and the exploration of complex mother-daughter relationships.

4.4

386,197 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Meredith Whitson Cooper

Meredith is the tall, broad-shouldered daughter of Evan and Anya Whitson who helps run the family orchard and opens a gift shop. She navigates her roles as a wife and mother and faces challenges in communicating with her family.

Nina, Meredith’s younger sister with short black hair, is a globe-trotting photojournalist who uses her career to explore and fulfill her dreams. Her time away from home and her dedication to her work creates distance from her family.

Anya is an 80-year-old widow and mother to Meredith and Nina, known for her striking aqua-blue eyes. Her complex history, including experiences of significant loss, influence her relationships with her daughters.

Book Details
Pages

436

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Russia • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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