A Long Winter

by Colm Tóibín
A Long Winter cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 1087
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-11-11
  • ISBN: 9781035079865
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2025-09-04
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

In the snowy mountains of the Pyrenees, Miquel's life is turned upside down when his mother leaves home after an argument. With his younger brother away on military service and his father ostracized by the townspeople, Miquel and his father must navigate the harsh winter and their growing resentment toward each other. Their struggle for survival is interrupted by the arrival of Manolo, an orphaned servant boy from a neighboring village, who brings with him the promise of new connections and a different future. As Miquel grapples with the absence of his mother, Manolo's quiet presence and longing gaze offer a glimmer of hope and the possibility of new love. The novel masterfully evokes themes of loss, loneliness, and survival, weaving a powerful story of human resilience and the bonds that form in the face of adversity.

Reviews
The Independent · Unknown · 2025-09-19
mixed 3.50

The novella is too long for a short story but falls short of being a full novel, yet it contains enough emotional content to sustain multiple stories.

The reviewer points out that the length of the novella is somewhat problematic, as it is too long to be considered a short story but does not quite reach the depth of a full novel. Despite this, the emotional content within the story is rich and compelling. The reviewer suggests that the emotional depth of the narrative could easily sustain several stories. The overall sentiment is that while the length may be an issue, the emotional resonance of the story is strong and engaging.

Quick quotes

    It's too long for a short story but falls far short of novel length.

    There's enough emotional content within it to sustain several stories.

    A stereophonic treat.

Queensland Reviewers Collective · Unknown · 2025-09-16
emotional 4.00

The story is told through a personal reflection rather than a traditional narrative, offering a deep emotional connection. The setting in the Pyrenees Mountains adds a unique atmosphere to the tale.

The reviewer appreciates how the story is presented as a personal reflection rather than a straightforward narrative. This approach allows for a more intimate exploration of the characters and their experiences. The setting in the Pyrenees Mountains is highlighted as particularly effective, adding a rich and unique atmosphere to the story. The emotional depth and the way the events are experienced by the protagonist, Miguel, are noted as standout elements. Overall, the reviewer finds the story compelling and emotionally resonant, despite its unconventional structure.

Quick quotes

    In many ways, it is a simple story not told as a narrative but as a personal reflection of specific events as they were experienced by Miguel.

    The setting in the Pyrenees Mountains adds a unique atmosphere to the tale.

    There's enough emotional content within it to sustain several stories.

The Irish Times · 2025-09-04
persuasive 4.20

The prose is persuasive and uncluttered, with a journalistic precision that enhances the storytelling. The avoidance of mandarin mannerisms makes the narrative accessible and engaging.

The reviewer praises Colm Tóibín's prose for its precision and clarity, noting that it is both persuasive and uncluttered. They appreciate the journalistic approach that avoids unnecessary complexity, making the story accessible to a wide audience. The reviewer also highlights the emotional depth of the narrative, which is conveyed through a straightforward yet powerful style. This approach allows the characters and their experiences to shine, making the story both compelling and memorable.

Quick quotes

    An abiding journalistic concern for precision makes the prose persuasive but uncluttered.

    Tóibín scrupulously avoids the mandarin mannerisms that can often clutter literary prose.

    The emotional depth of the narrative is conveyed through a straightforward yet powerful style.

Rereading Lives · Unknown · 2013-03-17
positive 4.50

All the short stories in the collection are superb, except for 'A Long Winter', which stands out as unique due to its setting in the Pyrenees Mountains.

The reviewer highly praises the collection of short stories, noting that all of them are superb. However, 'A Long Winter' is singled out as unique due to its setting in the Pyrenees Mountains, contrasting with the other stories set in Ireland. The reviewer appreciates the distinctiveness of 'A Long Winter' and its ability to stand out within the collection. The overall sentiment is positive, with a particular highlight on the unique setting and emotional depth of 'A Long Winter'.

Quick quotes

    All of the short stories are superb.

    All but 'A Long Winter', which is set in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain, are set in Ireland.

    A Long Winter stands out as unique due to its setting.

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