Midwinter Break

A Novel

By: Bernard MacLaverty

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

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 HighBridge, A Division of Recorded Books

Profound study of a marriage.

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

Profound, tender, moving.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. The book sets up the conflict quite early and the characterization deepens at the same rate as the story develops always leaving one asking the question: what happened to these people and what will happen next.

Which character – as performed by James Cameron Stewart – was your favorite?

Gerry was my favorite. Stella sounded a little bit like Marge Simpson with an Ulster accent.

Who was the most memorable character of Midwinter Break and why?

Ultimately, Stella has the most dramatic arc.

Any additional comments?

This is the first book I've read or listened to by this author and I have since TBR'd all his books.

Dreadful narration

Might be a good book but appalling mess of accents by narrator made it unlistenable.

Thought it would never end

A subject covered frequently the last few years - Grey Divorce. The only reason that I finished it was that I like sound in the background when I am cleaning house. Faith and fact are always at odds so this is not new. Small warning, since I have worked with addicts, the ending is a plan of action and the statistics make a happy ending very unlikely. So the book ends much like it began. There is nothing about it that I would recommend.

Most boring book EVER!!!!

Total sleep aid. Narrator’s voice was soothing , and the story plot was elusive. Could not wait until the end (was determined to complete it, since I paid for it!) and STILL have no sense of the story’s substance.