In the Midst of Winter (Allende) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
In Isabel Allende’s new novel, a snowstorm and a car accident bring three people together on an unexpected journey that transforms their lives. As if this premise is not sufficiently hackneyed, Allende adds literary insult to injury by spelling it out in breathy prose: "Over the next three days, as the storm wearied of punishing the land and dissolved far out to sea, the lives of Lucia Maraz, Richard Bowmaster and Evelyn Ortega would become inextricably linked." The novel is riddled with such formulations. Seemingly intended to stab at the surreal, fablelike quality for which Allende is known, they come off as merely soppy and uninspired. In fact, the story owes less to magical realism than to histrionic crime dramas.
Elizabeth Winkler - New York Times Book Review


(Starred review.) Grief and loss are transformed into a healing friendship in this fantastic novel from Allende.… Filled with Allende’s signature lyricism and ingenious plotting, the book delves wonderfully into what it means to respect, protect, and love.
Publishers Weekly


Richard Bowmaster feels he's hit the end of the road — and one snow-blown Brooklyn night really does hit the car of Evelyn Ortega. Young, undocumented Guatemalan Evelyn later appears at his house seeking help, which sends him scurrying to his tenant, Chilean lecturer Lucia Maraz, for advice.
Library Journal


(Starred review.) Themes of lasting passion, friendship, reflections in old age, and how people react to challenging circumstances…. As always, her lively storytelling pulls readers into her characters' lives immediately… the story has many heart felt moments, and readers will be lining up for it.
Booklist


The horrors of Evelyn's past have left her all but mute; Richard is a complete nervous wreck; Lucia fears there is no greater love coming her way than that of her Chihuahua, Marcelo. This winter's tale has something to melt each frozen heart.
Kirkus Reviews