Winter Garden Summary, it is a historical fiction novel by Kristin Hannah (2010). The novel is based on the Siege of Leningrad (St. Petersburg) during World War II, and features several themes that explore what it means to overcome grief, issues surrounding identity and family, and the power of women’s relationships.
Most of Hannah’s novels center on strong female characters and the trials and conflicts they overcome. In Winter Garden, Anya Whitson, Meredith Whitson Cooper, and Nina Whitson must overcome the grief of losing Evan, Anya’s husband and Meredith and Nina’s father. In the process, they heal their past conflicts and discover their collective strength and identity.
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| Winter Garden Book Summary |
Winter Garden Summary
Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters.
As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time—and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya's life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother's life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.
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Questions about Winter Garden Novel
What is the winter garden fairy tale about? As children, Meredith and Nina believed that their mother didn't love them and felt responsible for her cold and distant behavior. However, after their father's death, they make a promise to him to listen to their mother's story in its entirety, hoping to uncover the truth behind her behavior.
Is Winter Garden based on a true story? Winter Garden is my 'book based on a true story' -the Siege of Leningrad during WWII.
What is the synopsis of the winter garden Alexandra Bell? On the night her mother dies, 8-year-old Beatrice receives an invitation to the mysterious Winter Garden. A place of wonder and magic, filled with all manner of strange and spectacular flora and fauna, the garden is her solace every night for seven days.
What war is Winter Garden about? It started with a friend's offhand comment about women during the siege of Leningrad. I knew very little about modern day St. Petersburg, next to nothing about Leningrad, and absolutely nothing about how the city fared during World War II.
What does the Winter Garden symbolize? At the novel's beginning, the winter garden symbolizes a place of grief and loss. Meredith and Nina often find their mother sitting alone in the garden, especially after Evan's death. Sometimes, she knits in the garden, and sometimes, she looks like she's praying.
What is the purpose of a Winter Garden? The winter garden is an area that is designed to grow flowers. It can serve for ornamental purposes, but can also be used for growing edible fruits. The winter garden also serves as an additional living space that allows the use of solar energy.
Is Winter Garden worth reading? It's worth every penny and for me, this book is a Forever Top Favorite. Here's the blurb: Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist.
Is there romance in the winter garden? The love scenes in this book have a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer power that love has to bind and heal two hurting people. If you enjoy a character-driven romance, Winter Garden will be just what you are looking for. Thomas and Madeline are two of the most vivid characters I have encountered this year.