A Long Winter

by Colm Tóibín
A Long Winter cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1087
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-09-25
  • ISBN: 9781035079865
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2025-09-04
  • Reviews: 3

A Long Winter by Colm Tóibín is a poignant tale set in the rugged Pyrenees, where a family's life is irrevocably changed by the disappearance of a mother. After a heated argument, Miquel's mother vanishes into the snow, leaving him and his father to endure the long, harsh winter together. As Miquel searches desperately for his mother, he finds solace and a glimmer of new love in Manolo, an orphaned servant boy who arrives to help. The novel beautifully explores themes of loss, loneliness, and the complex bond between a mother and son, all set against the backdrop of a harsh, unforgiving landscape./n/nTóibín's masterful storytelling delves into the emotional turmoil of Miquel and his father, their strained relationship, and the resilience required to survive both the physical and emotional cold. The arrival of Manolo introduces a new dynamic, offering Miquel a chance at hope and a different kind of life. The novel is praised for its eloquent expression of human connection and the enduring power of love 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.

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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