The Heart of Winter

by Jonathan Evison

One of The Washington Post's 10 Noteworthy Books for January
One of The Los Angeles Times' 10 Books to Add to Your Reading List in January
One of The Seattle Times' 24 Books to Look Out for in 2025
One of Kirkus' Best 20 Books to Read in January

The extraordinary new novel by Jonathan Evison, about a married couple in their golden years, from when they met across big ups, deep downs, and survive-it-all, opposites-attract love

Abe Winter and Ruth Warneke were never meant to be together--at least if you ask Ruth. Yet their catastrophic blind date in college evolved into a seventy-year marriage and a life on a farm on Bainbridge Island with their hens and beloved Labrador, Megs. Through the years, the Winters have fallen in and out of lockstep, and from their haunting losses and guarded secrets, a dependable partnership has been forged.

But when Ruth's loose tooth turns out to be something much more malicious, the beautiful, reliable life they've created together comes to a crisis. As Ruth struggles with her crumbling independence, Abe must learn how to take care of her while their three living children question his ability to look after his wife. And once again, the couple has to reconfigure how to be there for each other.

In this bighearted and profound portrait of a marriage, Jonathan Evison explores seventy years of big moments in subtle ways, elegantly braiding the Winters' turbulent history with their present-day battles, showing us how the oddly paired college kids became parents, fell apart and back together, and grew into the Abe and Ruth of today. Endlessly heartwarming and moving, The Heart of Winter is a reminder that true love lives in small, everyday moments.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 059347354X
• ISBN13: 9780593473542
• Release Date: January 2025
• Publisher: Dutton
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Vying for Book of the Year!

A husband and wife. A full, imperfect life. Growing pains. Just into the second chapter, my heart felt full - this is so eloquently written that it takes no time feeling as though you’re personal friends with the main characters. The nuances, the tiny moments that make up a life - all captured so gracefully in the writing. I’d find myself suddenly smiling warmly, letting out a little laugh, or letting out an “oh no.” There’s also no denying the plentiful tears - both subtle drops and streaming rivers. It’s early in the year, but I do think this may be vying for my favorite book of the year! Reading this is a must, no questions asked. Disclaimer: this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.