In the Midst of Winter

In the Midst of Winter by New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende is a beautifully crafted, multi-generational novel that weaves together stories of struggle, endurance, and unexpected friendship. Set amidst the biggest Brooklyn snowstorm in living memory, the narrative cleverly intertwines the lives of three disparate characters who are brought together by a fateful accident.

Richard Bowmaster, a lonely university professor in his sixties, accidentally collides with a car driven by Evelyn Ortega, a young undocumented migrant from Guatemala. What initially appears to be a minor inconvenience soon escalates into a desperate plea for help. Evelyn turns to Richard and his Chilean neighbor, Lucia Maraz, for assistance, propelling the trio into a transformative journey that traverses from the chilly streets of present-day Brooklyn to the heart of Guatemala, and through the turbulent landscapes of 1970s Chile and Brazil. Allende's trademark humanity, passion, and storytelling prowess shine throughout, making In the Midst of Winter a mesmerizing and unforgettable tale.

In some of the most beautiful passages of the novel, Allende explores the redemptive depths of mature love and the varied paths it can take. Through poignant prose, she offers unflashy wisdom and a mature perspective that illuminates her storytelling. This profound narrative pursues an age-old question: how to live a full life and find meaning, not just survive or endure one's past.

Financial Times notes the novel's evocative exploration, stating, "In some of the most beautiful passages in the novel, Allende explores the gentle but redemptive depths of mature love and the paths it can take . . . Allende has an unflashy wisdom to offer, a maturity that illuminates her storytelling . . . it pursues an age-old question: how to live a full life and find meaning, not just survive or endure one's past."

Praise for Isabel Allende:

“Isabel Allende is a master storyteller. When it comes to love, Isabel writes from the heart to the heart, and I feel all the richer for having been touched by her,” says Santa Montefiore.

Los Angeles Times praises Allende’s narrative gifts, asserting, “If Allende's life depended on her narrative gifts, she'd not only survive, but reign.”

The Times highlights the romance in her work, stating, “Isabel Allende is the most romantic of writers and The Japanese Lover is a novel of high romance and lush sensuality, unashamedly about the enduring power of love and ending on a note of grace.”

Financial Times commends her lush storytelling, with “a liberal dusting of South American magical realism and a multi-generational narrative sweep.”

Booklist, in a starred review, adds, “Internationally beloved Allende, as effervescent in her compassion, social concerns, and profound joy in storytelling as ever, brings both humour and intensity to this madcap, soulful and transporting tale of three survivors who share their traumatic pasts . . . Allende has a rare and precious gift for simultaneously challenging and entrancing readers.”

Publishers Weekly describes the novel as a transformative journey: “Grief and loss are transformed into healing friendship in this fantastic novel . . . A suspenseful, icy adventure. Filled with Allende’s signature lyricism and ingenious plotting, the book delves wonderfully into what it means to respect, protect, and love.”

Kirkus Reviews acclaim that “This winter's tale has something to melt each frozen heart.”