Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.02 AVERAGE
3.02 AVERAGE
memeraryfiction's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The writing is lovely, but the story is ultimately forgettable. This is a book that benefits (in terms of both reading experience and my final rating) from going into it without reading the synopsis on the back cover. I enjoyed it at first, as I like the writing and couldn't tell for a bit where the book was going or what its vibe was. However, the plot and characters are never terribly engaging, and the awkward, messy relationships in the book (which could make it great) never give it much in terms of story, interest, or likeability.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Terminal illness
Moderate: Animal death, Cancer, Incest, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Police brutality, Death of parent, Alcohol, and War
laurencesenter's review against another edition
4.0
The relationship between the Winterlings is beautifully realised. All the scruffy jealousies, arguments and love are a joy to read.
fionab_16's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ionarachel's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
kimmy98's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated
5.0
obscuredbyclouds's review against another edition
2.0
This Spanish novel about two sisters set in Spain, post world war 2 has an airy dreamy tone. It feels a bit like reading a magic realism story, except there is no real magic. Just some weird stuff. I didn't mind the style, but I found the story lacking and the characters remained flat. However, there were some images and scenes that have stayed with me, a month after having finished the book.
If you're into these kind of books - light and strange and without much to get your teeth into - then you might really enjoy The Winterlings.
If you're into these kind of books - light and strange and without much to get your teeth into - then you might really enjoy The Winterlings.
scribepub's review against another edition
Rich, sensual prose perfectly conjured by Samuel Rutter’s evocative translation.
Lucy Scholes, The National
The haunting story of two witchy sisters who return to their late grandfather’s home in the Spanish village of their childhood … skilfully written and powerfully imaginative.
Kerryn Goldsworthy, Sydney Morning Herald
Gripping … With nods to magical realism and the American gothic tradition, [The Winterlings] follows a pair of sisters as they return to their deceased grandfather’s home in a Galician village – but their reappearance brings the insular parish’s dark secrets to the fore.
Vogue
A novel like The Winterlings refutes, by far, the so-called crisis of the genre … Under the splendid references of Valle-Inclán, Cunqueiro or the first Luis Mateo Díez, this novel is a tribute to the popular oral narrative. A novel shaped by intrigue, a perfect recreation of rural atmospheres, and a tempestuous past. A novel of disturbing humour, rigorous writing, and accomplished ambition.
Jesús Ferrer, La Razón
Cristina-Sánchez-Andrade is, simply, one of the best writers in Spain. Her language is vastly rich. A memorable narration. A flawless and unusual novel.
Xurxo Fernández, El Correro Gallego
Sánchez-Andrade’s dark humour and simple language befit the magical-realist realm of this enigmatic tale about how the repercussions of human action, however ancient, can re-emerge at unpredictable times.
TLS
An intoxicating introduction to [Cristina Sánchez-Andrade’s] work.
Lucy Scholes, Bookanista
Lucy Scholes, The National
The haunting story of two witchy sisters who return to their late grandfather’s home in the Spanish village of their childhood … skilfully written and powerfully imaginative.
Kerryn Goldsworthy, Sydney Morning Herald
Gripping … With nods to magical realism and the American gothic tradition, [The Winterlings] follows a pair of sisters as they return to their deceased grandfather’s home in a Galician village – but their reappearance brings the insular parish’s dark secrets to the fore.
Vogue
A novel like The Winterlings refutes, by far, the so-called crisis of the genre … Under the splendid references of Valle-Inclán, Cunqueiro or the first Luis Mateo Díez, this novel is a tribute to the popular oral narrative. A novel shaped by intrigue, a perfect recreation of rural atmospheres, and a tempestuous past. A novel of disturbing humour, rigorous writing, and accomplished ambition.
Jesús Ferrer, La Razón
Cristina-Sánchez-Andrade is, simply, one of the best writers in Spain. Her language is vastly rich. A memorable narration. A flawless and unusual novel.
Xurxo Fernández, El Correro Gallego
Sánchez-Andrade’s dark humour and simple language befit the magical-realist realm of this enigmatic tale about how the repercussions of human action, however ancient, can re-emerge at unpredictable times.
TLS
An intoxicating introduction to [Cristina Sánchez-Andrade’s] work.
Lucy Scholes, Bookanista
emmstuke's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
mslaura's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun story to read with its folkloric feel and its interesting array of characters!
Ratings:
Writing 4
Story line 4
Characters 4
Impact 3
Overall rating: 3.75
Ratings:
Writing 4
Story line 4
Characters 4
Impact 3
Overall rating: 3.75