Winter People

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I had different theories throughout, whenever we got some more information, but I’m pleased to report that I wasn’t able to figure the whole thing out until relatively close to the end (yes, that kind of thing is important for me). Reverend Ayers, a young man then, said Hester was with the angels. Our old preacher, Reverend Phelps, was stooped over, half deaf, and none of what he said made any sense—it was all frightening metaphors about sin and salvation. But when Reverend Ayers with his sparkling blue eyes spoke, it felt as if he said each word right to me. Each of the three protagonists is steadily plodding along through the banality of life while quietly battling against their troubles and traumas while using the sea as a soothing balm - Sis, in particular, almost has saltwater running through her veins as she is so dependent upon the beach for anchorage.

Everything you could want in a classic ghost story.”—Chris Bohjalian, author of The Light in the Ruins The Winter People blends the anguish of loss and the yearning for connection into one great story, well told.”—Kate Alcott, author of The Dressmaker McMahon is a scrupulous writer, nicely attentive to the nuances of character and landscape…. The mournful voice of Sara Shea lingers in the memory, and McMahon, wisely, gives her the last word.”— The New York Times Book Review The Great Alone has stayed with me since I first read it, and I still often think about this book about Winter. It is, without question, one of the best winter-themed books. It’s such a beautiful story about the human spirit fighting for survival figuratively and literally in a wilderness that can be both beautiful and devastating.The Great Alone, and particularly its desolate and cold Alaska setting utterly mesmerized me. On numerous occasions, I found myself googling “Alaska 1970s” to get an even clearer picture of the beautiful state which was itself a main character in this cold Winter book. The reader learns about Sara’s life via her diary entries, which tells the horrific story of Sara’s loss and anguish and the superstitions surrounding ‘The Sleepers’, people who have returned from the dead. In The Winter Peopleand previous novels by Jennifer McMahon that you have enjoyed, how is the author able to make surreal situations seem highly realistic? What role do fear and courage play in each of her books? About this Author

There are three sections in the book called 'Storm' 'Sea' and 'Sky' with three chapters in each, told via three protagonists - Sis, Lydia, and Peter. This was a beautifully written but very sad book, very much in the vein of Claire Fuller's Unsettled Ground (and coincidentally, Claire Fuller has written a beautiful endorsement for this novel on its cover). Work-obsessed screenwriter Adam and his wife Amelia retreat to the snowy Scottish highlands for a weekend retreat that they intend to either save or end their marriage. Adding strains on the marriage are Adam’s inability to recognize faces and his grief over the tragic death of his mother. Elin has taken time off from her job as a detective and is still processing the death of her brother many years ago when she visits with her estranged brother and his new fiance to celebrate their engagement.

READERS GUIDE

With no note, and no signs of a struggle, Ruthie is forced to care for her creepy little sister whilst investigating the mystery of her mother's sudden departure. I am so excited to be revisiting this one. I have recommended it to countless people since I originally read it in 2019. I have a feeling it's going to be a full 5-star experience this time around.

What were your theories about the many unsolved deaths in West Hall? Did your instincts prove to be correct when the truth about the Devil’s Hand was revealed?Discuss Katherine and Gary’s love for each other. How does their marriage compare to the others presented in the book? How do Katherine’s art and Gary’s photography give them a unique perspective on life and memory? What does their story indicate about whether a sleeper should be awakened? I was impressed with McMahon's writing. She has a very strong Horror voice and I definitely look forward to reading more of her works. Having said that, there is a semi-interesting historical ghost story that’s weaved between the rest of the mess. I found that I wanted to see how the different timelines and POVs connected, so I soldiered on. I’m not sure if it was worth it. Woven within the mystery of the story is this quandary - what lengths would you go to for a little bit more time with the ones you’ve loved and lost? Would you make the decision in haste or would you seriously consider the consequences? It's a tough choice. One that's likely to be guided by selfish desires and heartache.