Book Review – Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

When their father dies, two sisters promise to get to know their secretive Russian mother. She tells them a tragic tale of her escape from Russia during WWII and it sends them down a road of self reflection and togetherness.

As usual, Hannah writes another novel that is engrossing and sad and uplifting at the same time. Each sister finds her own peace in life and their mother finally deals with the guilt she has carried her whole life. She forgives herself and finds new closeness with her daughters.

She also finds out that some of her tragic past wasn’t so tragic and she finds new purpose from this information. I won’t give it away, though. You deserve to read that for yourself in the novel. It makes it worthwhile.

Nina, the younger sister, endeared herself to me as she was a photographer who views her world through a lens, but often hides behind it too. As a fellow photographer, I can attest to this. Sometimes it’s easier to observe than to take part. Brilliant writing there, Ms. Hannah.

4 out of 5 stars for almost making me cry more than once during this page turner.