Barbara's Reviews > Midwinter Break

Mac Laverty is a writer of gorgeous prose, and deeply thoughtful novels. His latest novel strengthens his reputation as an exceptional writer. Stella and Gerry are a retired couple in their 70’s. Mac Laverty spreads details about their lives throughout the book rather than giving them to the reader upfront. They now live in Glasgow and have been there for several decades. Stella grew up in a large Catholic family in rural Northern Ireland and was the only student in her school to go on to get a university degree. She became a teacher at a girls’ comprehensive school in Belfast, where she and Gerry met at a dance. Gerry, also Catholic, studied architecture at a technical school in Belfast. He lacked the drive or perhaps talent to become an architect and ended up a university lecturer. They have one son, and one grandson. They live in Canada, and that distance is a source of heartbreak for Stella.

The book takes place during a trip the couple make to Amsterdam in January. The trip was Stella’s idea, and she has a purpose, which she doesn’t share with Gerry. Gerry is a “secret” drinker, and he works hard to hide his drinking from his wife. In this kind of situation, often the drinker believes others are unaware of their addiction. Both have their secrets, which is pushing them apart. Amsterdam in January is an unusual choice for a getaway, but Mac Laverty portrays the city not as dim and cold in the winter light, but as a place of discovery, and hidden corners.

While Gerry sleeps and drinks, Stella goes off on her own, looking for something she won’t share. Of the two, Stella continues to practice her Catholic faith, which Gerry has turned his back on.

She wanted to live the life of her Catholicism. This was where her kindness, if she had any, her generosity, her sense of justice had all come from. And her humility, she must not forget humility. Catholicism was her source of spiritual stem cells.

Gerry, always the architect, studies the buildings, and reflects.
He tried to build a picture of this landscape before the snow. And when he succeeded in doing so, he subtracted the buildings. Dismantling them, andimagined how it would have looked centuries ago…

As the story unfolds, the reader learns what drove Stella and Gerry out of Belfast. It was a single horrific event that continues to haunt each of them in different ways. As Gerry retreats into alcoholism, Stella considers a life without him. But this is a couple who deeply love each other.
It is a short trip that leads both of them to face their fears, their secrets, and the meaning of the lives they have lived.

Thanks to Net Galley for sharing a copy of this book for review.