A review by silverliningsandpages
Winter Flowers by Angélique Villeneuve

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

Winter Flowers by Angélique Villeneuve, translated by Adriana Hunter is a quiet, intimate yet powerful portrait of trauma and renewal.  At it’s heart is a stirring love story that captures a depth of emotion and leaves a lasting impact. 

This novella is set in 1918, and portrays the reunion of a couple; the husband, returning from war with severe facial injuries and his wife who has scraped by, creating flower ornaments to stitch onto hats.  His spirit is broken, and her exhaustion and anxiety about making ends meet are palpable.  I loved the nuanced characterisation and the author’s wonderful way in conveying the strength of their ineffable feeling.

Whilst we are living in very different times, the parallels between the global tragedies of war and our pandemic are there: the devastating loss, trauma and deepening social divisions.  However, this is ultimately a hopeful story and I highly recommend it.

 

Thank you Peirene Press for the PR review copy in exchange for an honest opinion