Winter Solstice

WINTER SOLSTICE is one of my favorites among Pilcher’s later novels, and one I often re-read at during the holiday season. I love it for its warmth and sensitivity, but most of all for the spirit of hope, generosity, and renewal that permeates the entire novel. The book follows several characters who at first seem to have little in common: Elfrida, an older single woman befriended by Oscar and Gloria Blundell; Sam, an executive with an international wool company; Carrie, who has just returned to London having left her job at a European ski resort; and Lucy, Carrie’s 14-year-old niece. Carrie is distantly related to Elfrida, but the women haven’t been in touch in years. Elfrida is the center — in a way, the anchor — of the novel. A retired actress, Elfrida is both practical and exuberant; she embraces life with cheerful, even determined optimism. Yet her own experiences, including the loss of the man she loved, have given her an accepting and compassionate spirit and an understanding of others’ pain that helps draw the others together. Every character in the novel seems to have a life beyond the page. I feel, after several readings, as if I know them well enough to recognize them across the street — as if I could visit Creagan and be greeted as a friend not seen in several years. Oscar’s gentle nature and innate kindness endear him to me. Carrie is level-headed and more patient with her self-centered sister and mother than I would be; she’s an ideal aunt. Lucy is one of the nicest young teens you’ll come across, despite the usual assortment of adolescent insecurities and the handicap of being raised by a selfish mother and grandmother. And Sam is a good man as well as a capable and assured businessman. As the blurb suggests, it’s tragedy that brings them all together, tragedy and the loss of love. And yet it is love in the broader sense that heals each of them, that opens for them a brighter future. One of the things I treasure most about WINTER SOLSTICE is that Pilcher’s writing doesn’t descend into sappy or overly-facile resolutions; instead, the book ends on an hopeful note, with several new beginnings that, while deeply satisfying, don’t guarantee storybook “happy ever afters.” Pilcher’s underlying belief in healing and hope reminds me of the writings of Elizabeth Goudge, which may be one reason I enjoy her books so much. I highly recommend WINTER SOLSTICE, particularly if you’re looking for novel with both holiday spirit and emotional depth. The title has several meanings; the winter solstice is both the season in which half or more of the book takes place, and a reminder and celebration of the rebirth of light, life, and joy. It is a lovely book, one I will treasure for many years to come. Review originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard blog.

What a fabulous read. "Winter Solstice" is a quiet novel about how we make our own families, finding them in the most unexpected ways and places. In this novel, five very-different people make their way to a manor house in the north of Scotland, where they become snowed in for the winter holidays, which none of them were expecting to celebrate, all for their own reasons. Most of the story centers around Elfrida, a former actress of a certain age who moves to a small town in Hampshire to start anew after a severe loss. There, she meets Oscar - a church organist and teacher - and his family. When Oscar experiences his own tragedy, he is forced to move, and chooses to move to Scotland, where he is half-owner of a house which he hasn't visited in years. In friendship, Elfrida offers to drive to Scotland w/ him. Elfrida's "niece," Carrie, has moved home to London from several years working in Austria, b/c of her own hearbreak. There, Carrie catches up w/ HER niece, 14-year-old Lucy, whom Carrie's sister nor mother want to care for over the Christmas holiday. As Carrie feels badly for Lucy, she offers to take her to visit Elfrida for the holiday. Mother and grandmother gladly accept. Except...where is Elfrida? She isn't in Hampshire! Apparently, she has decamped for the Scottish Highlands! Then, a complete stranger stops at the door where Carrie greets him, only to find out that he is actually there to buy half the house from Oscar's cousin! Sam is the new manager of a defunct woolen mill whose company wants to resurrect it, and needs a place to live, as he has recently returned from working in New York for years, leaving behind his own grief. This sets up some tension between the adults, as Oscar really has no where else to live, and cannot afford to buy out his cousin, or Sam, if he buys the half of a house. The reader can see how all this is going to end, but it's the getting to the end that is so lovely, and so hard to put down. The resolutions to each individual's problems are unique, unforeseen, and really satisfying. As well, the descriptions of the Highlands in the deep snow are really breathtaking, and just add to my bucket-list resolve to visit soon. A solid 5 stars and a deeply-satisfying third book in my trilogy of Christmas-themed reads to end 2023.

Book was definitely different from my usual selection but in a good way. ITT has a good feel to it although it is a bit long. Enough mystery and happenings to hold your attention.

This lovely story is a joy to read. Simple, elegant. The language and words are like a balm to the spirit. Lonely woman gets a surprise from life. Lonely man finds his heart again. Such an uplifting story, but never condescending. Step into a wonderful place with very special people. It is near Christmas, and not a happy time for our characters. Each person makes their story a part to add to the glorious whole. Pure enjoyment in a lovely written book. Recommend.

Pilcherさんの作品を、初めて読みました。じんわりと、心が温かくなりました。 コーンウォールや、スコットランドの風景も、登場人物の口をかりて、美しく描写されています。 物語の時期がクリスマスなので、12月頃に読むのがお薦めです。 他のPilcher作品も、読みたいと思いました。

Passend zur Weihnachtszeit hatte ich mir das Buch mit als erstes für meinen kindle als e-book auf englisch angeschafft. Es ist ein sehr bewegendes Buch, voller Herzenswärme und sehr empfehlenswert.

Used copy in excellent condition. Great cozy Christmas read.

Delighful time spent reading this book. Imagine a warm hug, or sitting by a fire with a warm drink. This book gives those cozy feelings. I enjoyed it so much that I ordered 2 more books from this author straight away. The story meanders in a lovely way, without thrilling action. It follows the lives of several characters over the holiday season and their personal struggles/triumphs. Lovely relaxing read.