Title: Winter Solstice
Author: Rosamunde Pilcher
First published August 1, 2000
698 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780340752487 (ISBN10: 0340752483)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
Rosamunde Pilcher’s Winter Solstice is a heartwarming tale about the unlikely connections between five very different people. Elfrida Phipps, a former stage actress, moves to Dibton to start anew but finds herself feeling lonely.
Oscar Blundell gave up his music career for his family, but the sacrifice is weighing on him. Carrie returns from Australia to care for her aunt’s teenage daughter, Lucy, while her mother is off on a romantic getaway.
Sam Howard is trying to rebuild his life after his wife leaves him. These strangers find themselves brought together in a large estate house near Creagan, Scotland, on the shortest day of the year.
It is in this house that their lives will be forever changed. Winter Solstice is a beautiful story of love, loyalty, and the power of human connection that will warm the hearts of readers both old and new.
About the Author
Rosamunde Scott was born on September 22nd, 1924, in Lelant, Cornwall, England. Her parents were Helen and Charles Scott, who was a British commander.
Her father was stationed in Burma, so her mother stayed in England while Rosamunde was born. Rosamunde attended St. Clare’s Polwithen and Howell’s School Llandaff before going to Miss Kerr-Sanders’ Secretarial College.
She began writing at the young age of seven and published her first short story at 18. From 1943 to 1946, she served with the Women’s Naval Service.
On December 7th, 1946, she married Graham Hope Pilcher, a war hero and jute industry executive who passed away in March 2009. They moved to Dundee, Scotland, where Rosamunde remained until she passed away in 2019.
They had two daughters, two sons, and 14 grandchildren. One of her sons is also a novelist.
Her first book, a romance novel, was published by Mills & Boon in 1949 under a pseudonym. She went on to publish 10 novels under that name.
In 1955, she began writing under her married name Rosamunde Pilcher, and by 1965, she used her own name for all her novels. In 1996, her novel won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
She retired from writing in 2000 after publishing her last book. Two years later, she was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Editoral Review
Wishful Drinking, written by renowned writer and actress Carrie Fisher, is a unique exploration of her personal experiences and struggles, woven together with wit, humor, and candid honesty. With its first publication in 2008, the book became an instant classic in the genre of memoir and autobiography, attracting fans and admirers from all walks of life.
Fisher’s style of writing is conversational, witty, and unapologetically honest, inviting readers into her world with open arms. Her memoir is a mix of anecdotes, personal reflections, scrapbook memorabilia, and photographs, creating an intimate and vivid account of her life.
The themes of mental illness, addiction, and family dynamics are interwoven throughout the narrative, creating a compelling and moving story. The plot of the book centers around Fisher’s experiences growing up in a celebrity family, her rise to fame in the Star Wars franchise, her struggles with addiction and mental illness, and her journey to find herself.
The book delves into her personal life, including her romantic relationships and difficulties with maintaining them. Fisher’s writing is filled with insights into human nature, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of life that everyone can relate to.
Wishful Drinking is significant for its contribution to the discourse on mental illness and addiction, which Fisher bravely and candidly addresses through her personal experiences. In doing so, she opened a dialogue on the topic, which is still relevant today.
Her honest portrayal of her life sheds light on the challenges that come with fame and fortune, as well as on the struggles that many face, regardless of their social status. The book’s strength lies in Fisher’s candid and humorous style of writing, which keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last.
Her ability to find humor in even the darkest moments of her life is a testament to her resilience and strength. Fisher’s insights into human nature, relationships, and mental illness make Wishful Drinking a standout read.
While the book does have its flaws, such as a lack of organization in some places and an overly casual tone, Wishful Drinking is a must-read for anyone interested in personal memoirs or anyone looking for an engaging and witty account of one’s personal experiences. Fisher paints a vivid picture of her life, filled with humor and heartbreak, leaving readers feeling more connected and empathetic towards others.
In conclusion, Wishful Drinking is highly recommended for anyone looking for a compelling, witty, and honest memoir. The writing is engaging, and the insights into mental illness and addiction are valuable contributions to the discourse.
Fisher’s humor and candidness make this book a joy to read, and her story provides hope and inspiration to anyone struggling with their own challenges. With its unique and personal touch, Wishful Drinking is a standout memoir that will keep readers coming back for more.
