In the Midst of Winter

A Novel

By: Isabel Allende

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Alma Cuervo

New York Times and worldwide best-selling author Isabel Allende returns with a sweeping novel that journeys from present-day Brooklyn to Guatemala in the recent past to 1970s Chile and Brazil that offers “a timely message about immigration and the meaning of home” (People).

During the biggest Brooklyn snowstorm in living memory, Richard Bowmaster, a lonely university professor in his 60s, hits the car of Evelyn Ortega, a young undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, and what at first seems an inconvenience takes a more serious turn when Evelyn comes to his house, seeking help. At a loss, the professor asks his tenant, Lucia Maraz, a fellow academic from Chile, for her advice.

As these three lives intertwine, each will discover truths about how they have been shaped by the tragedies they witnessed, and Richard and Lucia will find unexpected, long overdue love. Allende returns here to themes that have propelled some of her finest work: political injustice, the art of survival, and the essential nature of — and our need for — love.

©2017 Isabel Allende (P)2017 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Each of the narrators, Dennis Boutsikaris, Jasmine Jones, and Alma Cuervo, embodies the tone, personality, and pain of his or her characters, with Cuervo providing the most genuine performance. Listeners may become so engaged in the characters' histories that they experience a jolt upon being brought back to the present and the narrative about the minor car accident that draws these three people together." (AudioFile)

beautifully written page turner

I could not put it down. It is perfect for a cold winter's day. And should be read by all those who unfairly approve of Trump's wall.

Good Road Trip Book

I enjoyed it. not sure why the Everlyn voice rrad for Richar's most revealing chapter.

Excellent book!

What made the experience of listening to In the Midst of Winter the most enjoyable?

The narrators of this awesome Allende book did such a great job. Easy to follow the different characters!

Contemporary Canterbury Tales

In the Midst of Winter brings together two academics, Chilean Lucia and American Richard. Rounding out the group is young Guatemalan refugee Evelyn. After a car accident, this odd grouping must work together during this biggest snowstorm. #Contemporary #Immigrants #Refugee #Tapsgiving

Insider view of asylum-seeker plight

Sensitive treatment of the inner experience of bereaved illegal migrant asylum seekers.... interesting plot ... insider view of romance in later years

Allende is as exceptional as ever

I’m a huge fan of Isabel Allende and the very unique and seemingly effortless way she can bring a character to life. I always want her stories to last longer!

For the first time I did not love the narration though. Two were terrific but one was quite poor. I would have hoped the direction, post-production or editing teams would have addressed the mispronunciations and clunky cadence so some of the story was a little tough to get through.

Good story, poorly narrated

Isabel Allende is always a great storyteller. It is unfortunate that audible chose to have three different narrators, some better than others. The changing voices were disruptive and bore no connection to the storyline. One narrator, a young woman, could not even pronounce Spanish names correctly.

Reality of immigration, hardships endured

You get connected with different people, all very different from each other & their endurance to make a better life for themselves in spite of horrible past experiences.

Fabulous story, presentation and writing

I love Isabel Allende’s books, and this one is one of my top favorites. Everything about it is interesting-the characters, the story, the presentation and writing and the historic perspectives.

Another great one by Allende!

Isabel Allende NEVER disappoints! I loved all the characters but especially Evelyn. I experienced a great sadness with Richard, Lucia, and Evelyn’s life stories. Beautifully written!