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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
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.
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...
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
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
4.0
Excellent writing, but so depressing and dispiriting. Everyone was so broken and injured. Where are the "foothills" in Minnesota?
peaches1951's review against another edition
5.0
Susan Bernhard's writing is breathtakingly beautiful. Characters are clearly drawn, and the book is highly-charged with sensory images from the cold bleakness of a frozen lake to a toasty kitchen and the music of a waltz. This story starts bleakly, with Wes losing his mother to drowning, being deserted by his father, and left with bitter grandparents. We struggle with Wes to answer his own questions, to define family, to accept love. This book has echoes of Doig's "Last Bus to Wisdom" and Enger's "Virgil Wander", and this is high praise. Bernhard's writing is tight, and remarkable for a first novel. Dialogue is crisp. The ending deeply satisfying.
azzab's review
3.0
Well-written but I personally found it miserable in parts, and I couldn't connect with the main character.
Lovely language used however.
Lovely language used however.