WINTER GHOSTS by Kate Mosse

Publisher: Putnam
Date published: February 3, 2011
ISBN: 978-0399157158
Historical Fiction
Hardback
Reviewed by Gina

Obtained by library

Still emotionally fragile following the death of his brother, George, Freddie Watson embarks on a journey that begins in France but ends up with potent self-discovery.

When word came of George’s death in World War I, Freddie went about life as if he were okay. He missed his brother, his parents grieved, he was the one left to fill his brother’s shoes. But no one looked at him. No one addressed his pain. After his parents’ death Freddie gives into his longing and takes a journey to France. There, after a car accident, he meets a young woman, Fabrissa. For the first time he is able to talk about George and his death. In turn, Fabrissa tells him about her family and their life. He finds himself drawn to the dark haired, gray-eyed woman. So much so he quickly realizes he would do anything for her. At a risk to his own life, in the hours after their meeting, the test of his devotion to her almost costs him his life.

Kate Mosse’s WINTER GHOSTS is a bit different from her earlier books, LABYRINTH (2006) and SEPULCHRE (2008) in that it is much shorter and there are fewer characters. Her voice is still unique and even stronger making this long anticipated read even better. While less than 300 pages, it is not a slow or easy read because Ms. Mosse writes such rich characters you need to sit with them while they tell their story. I felt such a connection to Fabrissa and how she reached out to Freddie to help him come to terms with his own grief. The author takes you into the chill of the woods and you feel the textures of the clothing, food and furniture.

Like her haunting previous books there is a haunting link to the past, a past that needs to be resolved along with a linking to the present. WINTER GHOSTS does not have a happy ending, but it does have a good ending. One that will sit with you long after you have turned the last page.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.