Winter Journey

By: Diane Armstrong

Narrated by: Deidre Rubenstein

Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Halina Shore is a Polish born forensic dentist living in Australia. When she travels to Poland to take part in the investigation of a war crime, she finds herself at the center of a bitter struggle in a community that has been divided by a grim legacy. As the investigation proceeds, her professional assignment becomes a confronting personal odyssey as the truth about her own past begins to emerge.

Inspired by a true incident that took place in Poland in 1941 but was concealed for 60 years, Diane Armstrong's gripping novel is a detective story that is part mystery, part history, and part forensic investigation. It is also a tale of love, loss, and unimaginable sacrifice.

©2005 Diana Armstrong (P)2005 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

Critic reviews

"The best and worst of the human spirit are dredged up in this profoundly moving, compelling, and superbly written story." (Australian Women's Weekly)

Worth it

What a book, it brought on so many emotions within me. I recommend this book if you like history.

Historical Story Marred by Unnecessary Fluff

First off, let me say that the historical parts of Winter Journey were fascinating, horrifying and educated me on one more atrocity of WWII that I never knew existed . . . the killing of several hundred Jewish citizens in Jedwabne, Poland by it's own citizens, NOT the Germans . . . it is a true story (the town renamed for the book) . . . but I was sadly "put off" by the author's continuous need to place Halina in one sexual escapade after another . . . the forensic dentist, Halina, talented and experienced at her craft, would have been at the very least in her fifties, but most probably older . . . and the graphic sex detracted from the story line . . . the forensics, the delving into her past, that's what kept me listening . . . but I felt like it took way too long to get there because I had to wade through too much mud . . .

Very Moving Story

I really enjoyed this book it was wrtten excellently, interesting subject matter and well researched actual events. Very moving.

Wow!

This is one of those books that will sit with you long after you've read it. Beautifully written and you can picture yourself being in the book. This is a must read!

Such a journey

I liked this book, the little intricacies that the author leaves you with here and there. Helena learns the lesson so many people never learn, though she did learn it too late. Talk to your ancestors, learn their stories. The author Weaves the story of life in a small Polish village that existed in our grandparents and great grandparents time.

What a story....

This was a good listen. So hard for us to imagine as we sit in our modern comfort listening to horrific events if WWII.
There are moments of frustration when the book pieces didn’t quite fit together like a perfect puzzle, but life doesn’t work that way either, does it?
This is right up there with another World War II book that’s a favorite by Kristin Hannah, Winter Garden. Or the Nightingale, same author.
This book transported me back In time. Very sad story that’s very well written and told. I struggled a bit with all of the Polish names; keeping track of the characters, but that is my only critique.

Confronting you beginnings.

Would you consider the audio edition of Winter Journey to be better than the print version?

I always like the audio version best, it is like seeing a play. The narrator is acting out all the parts for you.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The priest for his gentle ways and knowledge.

Which character – as performed by Deidre Rubenstein – was your favorite?

Halina was my favorite character. Deidre Rubenstein really brought her to life for me.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes I did want to listen to it all in one sitting but alas I did not have the free time to do it on this book.

Any additional comments?

Great story that comes full circle with a surprising ending.

True, very true - novel, story, page turning.

It is a novel but the author performed a very good research. Some of the most unbelievable stories are based on solid facts. You will be not unhappy if you choose this book (but you will cry a lot reading it).

Its ok

I like this book. If it is indeed a true story, it is a remarkable story. It is well written and the characters and their circumstances are good.
It is not a mystery like most but the ending took me by suprise.
If there is anything missing, it is something that is missing from most books written about this black period. Soul searching.

Fascinating and thought-provoking

I love when a novel is entertaining and also enlightening. The story was fascinating with some disturbing historical events.