Midwinter Break
Reviews
A beautiful slice of life novel following the relationship development of Gerry and Stella as they go on a midwinter break to Amsterdam.
This is a deep dive into their past and present and a confrontation of their future, both as individuals and a couple. I absolutely adored this book and really quickly fell in love with both Gerry and Stella. I really enjoyed the way this novel was told, with memories and thoughts popping into the present day story, it was incredibly realistic.
This is a novel that is both deep as it explores some touchy topics but simultaneously extremely humorous in the things both characters say and how they interact with each other. It was emotional and yet so comforting.
This is one of those books you can just get stuck into completely and lose yourself in their lives. I will definitely be re-reading this novel when I need a slice of comfort and a quick read!
A meditation on a retired married couple seen through a winter trip they take to Amsterdam with flashbacks of their relationship.
Highlights
Sitting beside Stella in this grey light seemed to Gerry such a privilege, such a wonderful thing to be doing, despite the nightmare of their surroundings.
“I’m not a deluded alcoholic.” - G
“In saying that, you prove you're both. Deluded and alcoholic.” - S
“What is wrong with you?”
“It's not what's wrong with me,” said Stella. “If they dont let you on this plane, I’d be delighted to go home on my own”
It had been a really good break. Just the two of them.
What was she doing? Sitting on a toilet reviewing her life?
Me too honestly - the best thinking place
“If you could only see yourself. You used to be so kind and considerate. What's happened to you? Youre nothing but appetite.”
Stella to Gerry
“You'll do yourself damage.” - Stella
“As if you would care.” - Gerry
Once or twice she caught Gerry looking at her. He seemed afraid to ask how things had gone.
there she was - Stella - the top of her head highlighted as she looked down, reading. It never ceased to amaze him the thrill he got at seeing her. Catching her unawares.
Just come back to me, Gerry, please.
not speech - inner thought
For the curtains of cream to cascade and form a white priestly collar
The skyline had the sharpness of an etching
There was silence between them until Stella said, “ln spite of everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.”
“I agree.”
“Do you really believe that?”Stella smiled.
“Yes. A quote from Anne Frank” said Gerry.
Gerry said: "I love you more than Coco Pops.'
He had to cross a main road rumbling with traffic and reached out to take Stella by the hand before realising she wasn't with him. His hand went to his pocket to disguise the empty gesture.
But Gerry thought of the hand holding as an intimacy – different to 'hooking on'. It was skin to skin. The snugness of the fit. The hands made for each other.
“Why? Did you think itd be a turn-on - like sleeping with a Priest?”
“Priests usually have enough independence to choose their own pyjamas.”