In the Midst of Winter: A Novel

Author Isabel Allende has written at least twenty-three books and translated many, including those of romance novelist Barbara Cartland. This is the first book I have read of Allende’s, but her craftsmanship is such that I look forward to reading many more. With In the Midst of Winter, Allende has written a geo-political, pan-American, Gothic mystery and romance. Much like the author, Lucia is a Chilean academic at a certain stage in her life. She lives in the basement apartment of her colleague, who is as distant and taciturn as one who is very afraid of life. He has three cats who are all unimaginatively named and are useful for rat-catching in his Brooklyn building. When one cat falls ill, he must venture into a snowstorm to seek care, which will end up totally changing and upending his careful life.

Lucia is a risk-taker, and as she takes those risks, it is clear to the reader that her plans are not very carefully thought out. This is a timely story since the two main female characters are immigrants, one of them being illegal. A good solid story and a good read.