Snow in Winter

by Margaret Bacon

Her childhood in England's Yorkshire Dales - waiting for the father who never came - has taught Nell Thorpe the dangers of relying upon a man for her emotional or physical livelihood. Unlike Chrissie, the quiet, home-loving cousin she was raised with, Nell is a career woman, an academic with no intention of ever marrying or raising children.
But when Nell meets Gregory Nansen on a skiing holiday, just as Chrissie contemplates entering the workplace, the cousins discover that life has more surprises and satisfactions in store than either has expected.

Genres: Romance

Hardcover

First published July 1, 1996

About the author

Margaret Bacon was brought up in the Yorkshire Dales, and educated at The Mount School, York and at Oxford. She taught history before her marriage to a Civil Engineer whose profession entailed much travel and frequent moves of house. Her first book, 'Journey to Guyana', was an account of two years spent in South America. Her subsequent books, including one children's novel, have all been fiction. She has two daughters and is now settled in Wiltshire.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Soon the wind would rise and whip the snow into new patterns, swirling it away from the centres of the fields, piling it up into great drifts, sculpting them into fantastic new shapes. But not yet. Now was the moment of stillness and white peace when the snow lay like a blessing across the dale, mantling ugliness and obliterating all human scars" (p. 337-338).

[Rhiannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is about 3.5 stars for me.

I enjoyed the details and descriptors in this easy to read novel. I enjoyed seeing how it transcended the lifespans of Nell and Chrissie— cousins who grew up together with completely different experiences. Heartbreaking at times, especially with some stark moments at the end. Overall I enjoyed this read, and it offered important life lessons.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow in Winter, by Margaret Bacon is a marvelous book. I found it browsing the library shelves. It was written thirty-seven years ago, and is the story of two cousins who grew up on an English farm during WWII. Essentially a tale of contrasts, one girl grows up to be a traditional wife and mother and the other a career woman who values her independence. It is a commentary on almost all aspects of modern life, but is essentially a women's book. I can't believe I've never heard of it (or Margaret Bacon). It is beautifully written, a compassionately told story--and very important, I think, for its insightful observations about what we've gained and what we've lost with "progress". I highly recommend it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot driven but reflective, rich characters, occasionally pleasingly melodramatic, overall beautifully observed. Reminded me of Nevile Shute. I'll definitely seek out more of her work.