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Agnieszka's Reviews > Midwinter Break
Midwinter Break
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In every relationship,’ said Stella, ‘there’s a flower and a gardener. One who does the work and one who displays.
At first nothing heralded this book would be such rewarding experience. The story about ageing couple seldom seems to have something revealing to offer. Gerry and Stella. He's a retired architect and university lecturer, she used to be a school teacher. They come from Ireland though by now they spent quite a chunk of their lives in Scotland. They're catholics though Gerry doesn't take it seriously any more. He also drinks too much while Stella is in search for something that could provide her more fulfillment in the last part of her life and lessen sense of emptiness and futility. And a few day vacation in Amsterdam during winter season seems to be a longed-for occasion. Because Stella, apart from visiting museums, wandering through the city and enjoying leisure days, appears to have a plan.
I truly don't know how MacLaverty did it. How from such cliched motives he managed to create something so fresh and not banal at all. How from these unrefined ingredients he prepared such an extraordinary feast. And I don't know either why the novel so resonated with me. Was it because it being well written or perhaps the prevailing factor was my age that made me more willing to looking back at what had happened to me and how I handled some stuff or in some cases how I didn't.
I enjoyed the novel immensely. I liked all cultural references to architecture and paintings MacLaverty pointed there and I truly felt for the protagonists. By turns I was surprised, at times slightly bored or simply amused by their daily rituals yet still I cared for them. I was touched by Gerry's protectiveness and could understand Stella's requirements either. I liked it was tender but deprived of sentimentality. I would hate to be put in the middle of melodrama.
Initially I slightly gravitated towards Gerry, not because he seemed to me more fragile or easier to hurt, no, not at all, rather due to Stella's activities. She was so preoccupied with her target, so determined and her mind seemed to be perfectly made. I thought about Gerry to be more relatable and didn't mind his drinking though I could see a problem in the long run. From the other hand I didn't share Stella's interests neither her religiousness. And yet I felt close to her. At first glance the protagonists felt so easy to read and still remained complex and full of contradictions. In fact I'm still mulling over the fact that the novel on such an unadventurous and trite theme can be so satisfying and inspiring read. It takes a true master to convey the story where seemingly nothing happens like pure roller coaster of emotions and feelings.
by
In every relationship,’ said Stella, ‘there’s a flower and a gardener. One who does the work and one who displays.
At first nothing heralded this book would be such rewarding experience. The story about ageing couple seldom seems to have something revealing to offer. Gerry and Stella. He's a retired architect and university lecturer, she used to be a school teacher. They come from Ireland though by now they spent quite a chunk of their lives in Scotland. They're catholics though Gerry doesn't take it seriously any more. He also drinks too much while Stella is in search for something that could provide her more fulfillment in the last part of her life and lessen sense of emptiness and futility. And a few day vacation in Amsterdam during winter season seems to be a longed-for occasion. Because Stella, apart from visiting museums, wandering through the city and enjoying leisure days, appears to have a plan.
I truly don't know how MacLaverty did it. How from such cliched motives he managed to create something so fresh and not banal at all. How from these unrefined ingredients he prepared such an extraordinary feast. And I don't know either why the novel so resonated with me. Was it because it being well written or perhaps the prevailing factor was my age that made me more willing to looking back at what had happened to me and how I handled some stuff or in some cases how I didn't.
I enjoyed the novel immensely. I liked all cultural references to architecture and paintings MacLaverty pointed there and I truly felt for the protagonists. By turns I was surprised, at times slightly bored or simply amused by their daily rituals yet still I cared for them. I was touched by Gerry's protectiveness and could understand Stella's requirements either. I liked it was tender but deprived of sentimentality. I would hate to be put in the middle of melodrama.
Initially I slightly gravitated towards Gerry, not because he seemed to me more fragile or easier to hurt, no, not at all, rather due to Stella's activities. She was so preoccupied with her target, so determined and her mind seemed to be perfectly made. I thought about Gerry to be more relatable and didn't mind his drinking though I could see a problem in the long run. From the other hand I didn't share Stella's interests neither her religiousness. And yet I felt close to her. At first glance the protagonists felt so easy to read and still remained complex and full of contradictions. In fact I'm still mulling over the fact that the novel on such an unadventurous and trite theme can be so satisfying and inspiring read. It takes a true master to convey the story where seemingly nothing happens like pure roller coaster of emotions and feelings.
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Reading Progress
January 29, 2018
– Shelved
February 27, 2019
–
Started Reading
March 2, 2019
–
30.86%
"Getting drunk was a form of temporary suicide. But the good thing was you got a chance to begin all over again the next day."
page
79
March 2, 2019
–
39.45%
"... and I was telling her about Ailment Hour. She said she and her husband did exactly the same thing only they call it the organ recital."
page
101
March 2, 2019
–
53.13%
"‘The mother’s cheating,’ said Gerry. ‘The mother’s teaching,’ said Stella. ‘Encouraging the wee one not to feel a failure. Anyway, teaching’s an anagram of cheating."
page
136
March 2, 2019
–
53.13%
"‘In every relationship,’ said Stella, ‘there’s a flower and a gardener. One who does the work and one who displays."
page
136
March 2, 2019
–
93.36%
"What was love but a lifetime of conversations. And silences. Knowing when to be silent. Above all, knowing when to laugh."
page
239
March 2, 2019
–
94.92%
"He believed that everything and everybody in the world was worthy of notice but this person beside him was something beyond that. To him her presence was as important as the world. And the stars around it. If she was an instance of the goodness in this world then passing through by her side was miracle enough."
page
243
March 2, 2019
–
Finished Reading
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Mar 03, 2019 06:51AM
It's great to hear of the pleasure you got from reading this book, Agnieszka. And isn't it indeed amazing that such a banal-sounding story can pack so much power.
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Books with relatable characters are the best ones to give us perspective, aren’t they? Loved coming across your lovely thoughts, Agnieszka.
Excellent review, Agnieszka. I'm really interested in reading this novel, so I'm glad to see you found it very satisfying :)
Fionnuala wrote: "It's great to hear of the pleasure you got from reading this book, Agnieszka. And isn't it indeed amazing that such a banal-sounding story can pack so much power."Thanks, Fio. I'm still astonished how much the novel resonated with me and how I wished the protagonists they could make it. In fact when I'm looking at my younger friends I'm sometimes so dispirited to see how easily they turn away from problems that sometims are not problems at all, how they are reluctant to go for their marriage and life.
Cheryl wrote: "Books with relatable characters are the best ones to give us perspective, aren’t they? Loved coming across your lovely thoughts, Agnieszka."Many thanks, Cheryl. Always glad to see you in comment thread :) As to the novel - I really enjoyed it, in fact I was quite lucky lately in my reading choices. This very one, Jesmyn Ward with Sing, Unburied, Sing and two other titles that I rated with full marks.
Candi wrote: "Excellent review, Agnieszka. I'm really interested in reading this novel, so I'm glad to see you found it very satisfying :)"Thanks a lot, Candi. And I'll be genuinely interested in your response to that quiet story when you get to it. I was definitely impressed. Happy reading :)
You make it sound like a must-read!
I like books that leave one caring about the characters without being able to put your finger on why the author managed so, Agnieszka - lovely and tempting write-up!
I love your uncertainty here Agnieszka. Your own writing suggests a book that will keep ruminating with you for a long time to come. Such books tend to return to us as situations in our own lives mirror something from the novel. Your review suggests a wonderful reading experience. Thanks.
Well Agna, you certainly did sell this book to me. This sounds like "my kind" of book, so so much, that I just added it to my to-buy cart. Thank you for the gift of showing me a new potential favorite author!
That was an enjoyable read (your review)! Sometimes trite is just what we need at times (for me at least)!
I like your description of how you related to the characters of Gerry and Stella, and how that changed somewhat as the novel progressed. I had much the same reaction.
Bloodorange wrote: "You make it sound like a must-read!"Probably the pleasure I got from the read affected the review, Ewa. But it's true, to me it was a must-read and very welcomed one! Would love to know your thoughts if you decide to give it a go.
Ilse wrote: "I like books that leave one caring about the characters without being able to put your finger on why the author managed so, Agnieszka - lovely and tempting write-up!"Indeed, Ilse. These books feel to us the best. I cared for Gerry and Stella and I thought it was absolutely crucial their love could last . Not often one has an opportunity so strongly relate to bookish creations.
RK-ïsme wrote: "I love your uncertainty here Agnieszka. Your own writing suggests a book that will keep ruminating with you for a long time to come. Such books tend to return to us as situations in our own lives m..."Many thanks, RK. Yes, the book left me doumbfounded by its simplicity and depth at the same time. And I keep thinking about it. For sure one of these reads that leaves a reader with many reflections.
Excellent review, Agnieszka. You definitely piqued my interest in this book!
I really enjoyed reading your review Agnieszka. I was simirlarly affected by his novel Grace Notes and so I'm looking forward to reading this one as well.
Dolors wrote: "Well Agna, you certainly did sell this book to me. This sounds like "my kind" of book, so so much, that I just added it to my to-buy cart. Thank you for the gift of showing me a new potential favor..."I very much hope this one will turn out your kind of book, Dolors. In my opinion it's very worthwhile read and I still feel presence of Gerry and Stella around me.
David wrote: "That was an enjoyable read (your review)! Sometimes trite is just what we need at times (for me at least)!"So true, David. Trite and simple can be meaningfull and very enjoyable reads. Glad you liked it.
Paul wrote: "I like your description of how you related to the characters of Gerry and Stella, and how that changed somewhat as the novel progressed. I had much the same reaction."Many thanks, Paul. Glad we share the same sentiment towards the protagonists and their relationship. I found it very reliable.
Fran wrote: "Excellent review, Agnieszka. You definitely piqued my interest in this book!"Many thanks, Fran. Glad yoy enjoyed the review. Will be curious your thoughts if you decide to read it.
Marina wrote: "I really enjoyed reading your review Agnieszka. I was simirlarly affected by his novel Grace Notes and so I'm looking forward to reading this one as well."Glad you enjoyed the review, Marina, and thanks for mentioning Grace Notes. After Midwinter break, that was my introduction to MacLaverty, would love to read something else by him. And it sounds pretty good to me. And enjoy your read as well!
I liked every part of your review, from wondering why you were entertained considering the plot development to the pleasure of the characters company. Thanks so much.
I am glad the book worked out for you in the end, Agna; I have been finding myself slipping away at the end of the books with promise. You pique my interest in the author of whom I have never heard of. But it could also be attributed to the fact that you found a little piece or two of yourself in the protagonists :) It is so good to read one of your reviews.
Cheryl wrote: "I liked every part of your review, from wondering why you were entertained considering the plot development to the pleasure of the characters company. Thanks so much."Sorry it took me so long to reply, Cheryl. I'm so glad the review appealed to you. I'm still under a spell that story, its protagonists and their expectations.
Seemita wrote: "I am glad the book worked out for you in the end, Agna; I have been finding myself slipping away at the end of the books with promise. You pique my interest in the author of whom I have never heard..."Many thanks, dear Simi. It's good to see you too :) It was my first novel by the author and I should thank Tony and Fio for bringing this one to my attention. Also the timing was perfect too. In my current mood this quiet, low-keyed story was that what I needed.
The last lines- It takes a true master to convey the story where seemingly nothing happens like pure roller coaster of emotions and feelings -of your brilliant write-up act as an USP for the book :)I'm coming across the author for very first time but you review has convinced me well enough to try it out soon, Thanks for it, Agniezska !
Gaurav wrote: "The last lines- It takes a true master to convey the story where seemingly nothing happens like pure roller coaster of emotions and feelings -of your brilliant write-up act as an USP for the book :..."My pleasure, Gaurav. Hope Stella and Gerry's story will win you over too. Happy reading!
This write up echoes the compelling nature of the novel Agnieszka... something about the way you describe it is pulling me to read it. What an excellent review!
Julie wrote: "This write up echoes the compelling nature of the novel Agnieszka... something about the way you describe it is pulling me to read it. What an excellent review!"I'm the glad the review appealed to you, Julie. And hope MacLaverty's story will get to you either. Will be waiting for your insights from the read.
