This Winter
Author: Alice Oseman
Publisher: HarperCollins Children
Rating: 3.5/5
The story revolves around the Spring family—Tori, Charlie, and Oliver—navigating a particularly challenging Christmas. The premise sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, grief, and the struggle to reconcile with the past. While it offers moments of warmth and relatability, the narrative occasionally stumbles in delivering a cohesive impact.
One of the book’s strongest points is its portrayal of sibling relationships. Oliver’s desire to escape into Mario Kart, juxtaposed with the emotional weight carried by Tori and Charlie, is both touching and believable. The author adeptly captures the subtle ways siblings support each other, even amidst tension. The setting—a Christmas Day filled with unspoken words and fragile attempts at joy—is evocative and relatable to anyone who has experienced familial challenges during the holidays.
The writing is heartfelt, with moments that genuinely resonate, especially when the characters confront their emotions. The themes of healing and forgiveness are woven into the narrative with care, leaving readers with a sense of hope despite the emotional turbulence.
The pacing is uneven, with the emotional depth of certain scenes feeling rushed. While compelling, Tori and Charlie’s struggles are not explored as fully as they could be. Their arcs would have benefitted from more nuanced development to truly drive home the weight of their experiences.
Additionally, while Oliver’s subplot provides some light-hearted relief, it occasionally feels disconnected from the overarching narrative. The balance between drama and lighter moments is slightly off, sometimes leaving the story feeling disjointed.
This tale offers a heartfelt look at a family trying to piece itself back together, and it delivers moments of emotional resonance. However, its uneven pacing and underdeveloped arcs prevent it from reaching its full potential. Still, it’s a story that many readers will find relatable, particularly those drawn to narratives of family and forgiveness.
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