Before The Winter Ends

by Khadro Mohamed

In the cold Wellington winter, Omar’s grades are slipping, his mum is unwell and his best friend is growing distant. Two decades earlier in Mogadishu, Asha and Yasser are falling in love and starting to build a life together while a burgeoning war threatens to take it away.

Before the Winter Ends explores the relationship between mother and son across Aotearoa New Zealand, Somalia and Egypt as they search for understanding and try to bridge the distance between them. Khadro Mohamed’s debut novel is a stark portrayal of how the past illuminates the present and how grief shapes a family.

289 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a book that captures the dynamic of how mental health affects single parents and their child. And done so well. Period.

I felt a sense of gratitude to be privy to Omar’s life.

Will not forget this story and enjoyed it, though slow going in middle, due to heavy theme of mental health.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by New Zealand author Khadro Mohamed. It explores the complex relationship between Omar and his mother, Asha, a refugee from war-torn Somalia. Told in three parts, the narrative takes us through Wellington, Somalia, and Egypt. At its heart, the novel reflects on what defines a sense of home and examines the lasting impact of intergenerational grief and trauma. A quietly beautiful story that has given me much to reflect on — I highly recommend it.

[Zachary Ngow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed We're All Made of Lightning, so I pre-ordered this book. But, it has been a few months since it's come out. Been a slower reading year for me.

Especially at the start, this book is very external without much vision inside characters' minds. On the other hand this plays into the isolation of the characters. I sort of get not mentioning Asha's name in the first part, but in some places I found it a bit awkward (e.g. when the narrator used "Omar's mum"). Another thing is I didn't quite believe Omar (although at the end he felt more real to me). He was a little too 'clean' (same with Nick) seeming to be believable to me. Some of the narration had that 'clean' feeling as well. The short chapters were good (I maybe prefer short chapters?) though in some cases it did feel like things happened a bit quickly without feeling 'earned' (arguments resolved too soon).

My favourite parts were in Cairo. I liked the pyramid scene and market scenes. What happened to Yasser was also well written (sad obviously).

Unfortunately I didn't like the book as much as others. It has good reviews in Kete Books and The Spinoff. I think mostly this is because I didn't like the style so much, and found the first part less interesting. But once we were in Cairo it took off and I finished it within a couple hours. So that must mean something (obviously a compelling story)!

[LibraryKath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great honour of launching this wonderful book, a couple of weeks ago. I was one of the lucky beta readers and I can tell you that I was completely mesmerised by it. Khadro weaves a compelling story of loss, loneliness, finding identity and belonging. She has a gift for descriptive prose that transports you to the settings, and for capturing emotion. Get your hands on this book and read it!

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khadro, your writing and prose is always so beautiful! There is so much feeling and heart in your words. Reading a story like this set in Welly, all the locations and references really meant I could visualise the characters and their journeys/heartbreaks/loneliness - and the storyline gave me a new lens to view life in NZ through. Thank you xxx

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muted generational grief is a difficult thing to write about, but Khadro has done it exceptionally. Kia piki te ao marama e hoa.