Reviews

Winter Loon by Susan Bernhard

holcolbrook's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

Overall, I just did not enjoy my experience with this book. Is it the worst written? No. Does it have the worst plot ever? No. But did I like the writing or the plot? No.

I wish the MC had done a little more reflecting on what happened to him and around him, and how that was impacting his choices. There is definitely a little bit to chew on in here, but it wasn’t even that interesting to dissect the MC’s decisions

spclteach's review against another edition

4.0

Worth your time

This book makes you think and is such a sweet story to read. It will make you want to hug your family closer.

ketutar's review against another edition

4.0

The start was hard. I thought it would be too depressing, and I was scared to read it. But it turned out good. Healing.

stephnbaby's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

vividmasha's review against another edition

1.0

17% DNF ... truly one of the worst books I’ve ever tried to get through. I just couldn’t torture myself anymore. No redeeming qualities.

elegyandprose's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wes Ballot, abandoned by his father after his mother’s tragic death, finds solace and love amid his grief. Set in frozen Minnesota, the novel delves into the complexities of family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth. As buried secrets unravel and violence erupts, Wes embarks on a journey to uncover his past and shape his future.

Winter Loon is a devastating yet beautifully written debut novel that delves deep into the heartaches of loss, resilience, and redemption. From the chilling backdrop of a frozen Minnesota lake to the warmth of human connection, the story grips you from the start.

What struck me most about this book was its ending. As someone who usually struggles with book endings, I found myself profoundly moved by the poignant conclusion. The last 10 pages had me in tears, touched by the raw emotion and beauty of the narrative.

With its powerful storytelling and compelling characters, “Winter Loon” is a masterpiece that earns a solid 5/5 rating from me. It’s a reminder of the strength we find in confronting our demons, the healing power of love, and the resilience of the human spirit.

If you’re looking for a touching coming-of-age story that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page, Winter Loon is a must-read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Alcoholism

heidisreads's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars
A gritty coming of age story. Wes, a young man looks for a place to belong after can't save his mother from drowning and his father abandons him (again). I began this book hoping for an "armchair travel" to the great northern woods of Minnesota - I was looking forward to the setting so much! Don't read this book for that...

bunrab's review against another edition

3.0

I was hoping for more mystery and less predictability. I just don't seem to see coming-of-age stories as heartwarming the way other people do.

susanp's review against another edition

4.0

Excellent writing, but so depressing and dispiriting. Everyone was so broken and injured. Where are the "foothills" in Minnesota?

quiltmom14's review against another edition

3.0

Meh