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Midwinter Break

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Midwinter Break

By: Bernard MacLaverty
Narrated by: Stephen Hogan
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About this listen

An intense exploration of love and uncertainty when a long-married couple, Gerry and Stella, take a midwinter break in Amsterdam to refresh the senses, do some sightseeing and generally take stock of their lives. Their relationship seems easy, familiar - but over its course we discover the deep uncertainties between them.

Gerry, once an architect, is forgetful and set in his ways. Stella is tired of his lifestyle and angry at his constant undermining of her religious faith. Things are not helped by memories that resurface of a troubled time in their native Ireland. As their vacation comes to an end, we understand how far apart they are - and can only watch as they struggle to save themselves.

Bernard MacLaverty is a master storyteller, and this is the essential MacLaverty novel: compassionate observation, elegant writing and a heartrending story. It is also a profound examination of human love and how we live together - a chamber piece of resonance and power.

©2017 Bernard MacLaverty (P)2017 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"A work of extraordinary emotional precision and sympathy.... Full of scenes that are rendered with exquisite accuracy and care...this is a novel of great ambition by an artist at the height of his powers." (Colm Tóibín)
All stars
Most relevant
When I read for my degree in English it was to enjoy works like this - really beautifully crafted works of literary fiction. They are few and far between nowadays but the likes of Maclaverty, Boyd, Le Carre, Ishiguro, Faulks, Barry and McEwan keep the flame alive. This is a subtle and complex analysis of a long marriage in crisis. It is heartfelt and true and I loved it. The reading is exquisite.

Literature at its finest

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Wise and thought provoking. Beautifully written and beautifully read. Skillful and perceptive descriptions of emotions and of place.

A beautiful book

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If you could sum up Midwinter Break in three words, what would they be?

writer with insight

What did you like best about this story?

genuine and authentic

What does Stephen Hogan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

lyrical expression so delightful

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the very end

Any additional comments?

so much enjoyed this book had to listen to it twice - a very insightful reflection of human life - a joy to hear so well read

beautiful writing - great audio voice

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It is a fairly low key story of a retired couple who have slowly drifted apart.

Gentle and well observed story

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it took me a while to get into this but once I did, I was hooked. I love the mindfulness - the attention to detail, something which is at odds with the world in which we live. This is a story for those who love a slow build up and are willing to put in the time - it's worth it as the pay off is great.

slow moving masterpiece

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