As the Winter chills are here to stay and we use them as the excuse to joyously leap onto the sofa in our pyjamas and curl up with a mug of something hot and steaming [or something stronger depending on how the week has been!] we know only the best will do in terms of reads to warm us from the inside out. The title itself will probably be enough to get you running for your blanket and for those of you lucky enough to have a log fire – get stoking!
The well established Kated Mosse is always a good bet based on her previous works Labyrinth and Sepulchre [which are part of her Languedoc trilogy of which the final part is due to be published next year]. Her new book ‘The Winter Ghosts’ began as a short story but has been expanded into a beautiful novel of love and loss perfect for those whimsical winter evenings.
Set in March 1928 the book focuses on Freddie Watson who is still grieving for the loss of his brother, George, deemed missing in action during The Great War. We learn that Freddie has spent some his time since the war in a Sanatorium due to a breakdown triggered by his loss. When Freddie’s car crashes during a snow storm whilst on holiday in the foot hills of the Pyrenees he seeks refuge in a village called Nulle. There he meets the mysterious and beautiful Fabrissa who shares his loss and grief but who by daybreak vanishes into thin air leaving him to unlock a local secret dating back six centuries. Mosse’s story touches on the medieval Christian sect the Cathar’s who were persecuted for their beliefs and which echos her previous work in Sepulchre.
Her book manages to take the reader to another world. The Author’s ability to bring to life South West France between wars is magical, this combined with the dazzling illustrations by Brian Gallagher and vintage French maps makes the reader truly feel they are holding a work of art in every way.
-Lauren
Winter Friends
Autumn and Winter at M&S
Winter at Ottolenghi
