Boy in Winter

The new novel from Rachel Seiffert, author of the Booker-shortlisted The Dark Room.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

In the early morning hours of November 1941, a small Ukrainian town found itself under the swift and devastating invasion of the SS, mere weeks after the German forces had launched their offensive. The town, known for its peaceful and idyllic existence, was now a scene of chaos and destruction. Amidst the turmoil, a young woman named Rachel Seiffert embarked on a powerful novel that delved into the lives of three individuals who were caught up in the unfolding events.

The first character we meet is Ephraim, a Jewish man who has been forced to gather with his fellow community members, fearing the imminent threat of transportation to a concentration camp. He anxiously awaits word of his two sons, who had disappeared since the beginning of the invasion. With a heavy heart, he clings to the hope that they may still be alive and that he will be able to reunite with them.

Meanwhile, Yasia, a young woman driven by the desire to find her lover, sets out on a perilous journey to bring him home. She embarks on this quest in search of safety and protection, away from the invading forces that have caused so much destruction. However, her journey brings her face to face with harsh truths about the people closest to her, testing the strength of her relationships and revealing the depths of betrayal.

Otto Pohl, a German engineer, finds himself in a peculiar situation. He has come to the town to avoid participating in a war he considers criminal. However, he is soon confronted with an even greater crime that is unfolding behind the lines, a crime that demands his attention and action. With no one else to turn to, Otto must confront the darkness and carry out his own form of justice.

In the midst of this chaos, a young boy named Yankel emerges as a beacon of hope. Determined to protect his young brother and himself, he risks his own chances of survival by throwing himself into the hands of strangers. His bravery and selflessness inspire those around him, offering a glimmer of light in the darkest of times.

A Boy in Winter is a powerful tale that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a story of hope when all seems lost, and of mercy when the world seems devoid of it. Rachel Seiffert's writing is masterful, capturing the emotions and struggles of her characters with a depth and authenticity that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Through the eyes of Ephraim, Yasia, Otto, and Yankel, we witness the indomitable human spirit and the power of compassion in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781844089994