A Spell Of Winter
This novel of early 20th century English pastoral life is a compelling story of a brother and sister whose lives evolve from innocent curiosity to protecting family secrets.
The novel’s narrator, Catherine, lives with her older brother, Rob, only siblings together in their country house. Their mother has left them and their father is “away.” Catherine is an innocent who has a sensual curiosity about life and death. What she has not learned from humans, she learns from animals which her brother shoots, but can’t bear to carry home.
A new neighbor shows an interest in Catherine. At tea, he admits to having met her mother, startling Catherine and opening new wounds. Although attracted to the cold and distant Olivia, Rob decides marriage is not a possibility for him or for Catherine because of their parents’ failure. Soon a brother/sister pact is made and they agree never to take partners. This decision is the turning point of this poignant novel.
Helen Dunmore delights us with her mastery of language, whether describing joy or sorrow, the spell of winter Catherine loves, or the loss of what was once precious to these characters.
