Winter Garden

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

fair

Excellent story!