Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Plume (2012), Edition: Original, 320 pages
Description
"Seattle, 1933. Vera Ray kisses her three-year-old son, Daniel, good night and reluctantly leaves for work. She hates the night shift, but it's the only way she can earn enough to keep destitution at bay. In the morning--even though it's the second of May--a heavy snow is falling. Vera rushes to wake Daniel, but his bed is empty. His teddy bear lies outside in the snow. Seattle, present day. On the second of May, Seattle Herald reporter Claire Aldridge awakens to another late-season snowstorm. Assigned to cover this "blackberry winter" and its predecessor decades earlier, Claire learns of Daniel's unsolved abduction and vows to unearth the truth--only to discover that she and Vera are linked in unexpected ways"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member CeeAnne
I received this book through the Early Reviewers program (thank you!) yesterday, and started it last night. I absolutely could not put it down all day and just finished it. I haven't been that sucked in by a book in a while!
Usually when I read a story that jumps between two periods of time I am
Usually when I read a story that jumps between two periods of time I am
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drawn to one story more than the other and almost skimming the one that isn't my favorite. That was definitely not the case with this book as both stories were amazing. Sarah Jio did an excellent job of blending the two stories together so that it truly was like one. I loved both Vera and Claire. I loved the ways that they were similar without being too much so. I loved that I expected the ending to be predictable, but it absolutely wasn't. And I love that I have found a new author to add to my list of favorites. Show Less
LibraryThing member dgmlrhodes
This is the second book by Sarah Jio that I have read and I absolutely loved both of them. In Blackberry Winter, a mystery from 1933 is slowly revealed across the pages as Claire, a reporter seeks to solve the mystery of a boy who disappeared in1933. The story alternates between Claire's story in
This is a beautifully rendered story. Although it won't be for everyone, I love this author and this story.
Reader received a complimentary copy from Library Thing early reviewers.
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the present day, and Vera's story in the past. Vera is the mother of the missing boy and her story is beautiful as it tells of a struggling single mother seeking to care for her young son. Claire who is struggling with her own grief seeks to unravel the mystery and heal in her own rights. Across the decades, these two women have many shared bonds, which are revealed as the mystery is solved. This is a beautifully rendered story. Although it won't be for everyone, I love this author and this story.
Reader received a complimentary copy from Library Thing early reviewers.
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LibraryThing member melaniehope
This was a great mystery story. The story alternates between Seattle in 1933 and then, in 2010. In 1933, we are introduced to Vera. She works long hours in a hotel to just make enough for her and her son to survive. One wintry morning, she returns home to find her 3 year old son missing without a
Then the story flashes forward to 2010 and we met Claire. A newsreporter, who seems to have a troubled marriage and a tragic accident in her past that still haunts her. When a strange May snowstorm hits Seattle, Clair is assigned to write a feature story on a similar storm that hit Seattle in the 1930s. As she begins investigating leads, she learns of the story of Vera and the unsolved case of her missing boy. She becomes very dedicated to unraveling the truth and as she does, she realizes she may somehow be linked to Vera's story.
This was a real engrossing read. At times the story seemed a little Charles Dicken's with so many coincidences and connections between all the characters, but it definitely did not alter my enjoyment of this book. I kept wanting to pick this book up every chance I got to read more about Vera and Claire. I liked that the chapters alternated between both characters. Great book! I received this book as part of the Early Review program.
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trace.Then the story flashes forward to 2010 and we met Claire. A newsreporter, who seems to have a troubled marriage and a tragic accident in her past that still haunts her. When a strange May snowstorm hits Seattle, Clair is assigned to write a feature story on a similar storm that hit Seattle in the 1930s. As she begins investigating leads, she learns of the story of Vera and the unsolved case of her missing boy. She becomes very dedicated to unraveling the truth and as she does, she realizes she may somehow be linked to Vera's story.
This was a real engrossing read. At times the story seemed a little Charles Dicken's with so many coincidences and connections between all the characters, but it definitely did not alter my enjoyment of this book. I kept wanting to pick this book up every chance I got to read more about Vera and Claire. I liked that the chapters alternated between both characters. Great book! I received this book as part of the Early Review program.
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LibraryThing member mpmills
In 2010, Claire, a feature reporter for a Seattle newspaper, is given an assignment to write about a snowstorm that is hitting the city in May. Claire's research soon discovers a similar snowstorm that happened in 1933 when a three-year-old boy disappeared. I enjoyed the characters of Claire and
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the boy's mother, Vera, and felt they had a lot in common, even though they came from a different time and social position. And I loved that the story ended the way it did, even though I thought it was almost too perfect. Good Book! Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
I was offered the chance to review Sarah Jio's debut novel, The Violets of March, in 2011. I am sooooo very glad I said yes. And I've happily said yes to every one since!
Sarah's latest book is Blackberry Winter. And it might just be my favourite - so far.
In the opening chapter we meet Vera Ray.
The book then moves forward almost eighty years and we meet a Seattle newspaper reporter named Claire. It's the second of May and a snowstorm has hit Seattle. Claire is assigned to write a piece for the newspaper on this anomaly. Her research uncovers the story of a missing boy named Daniel.
Jio alternates her narrative between the past and present, revealing a little more each chapter. (which made it hard for me to find a place to stop for the night!)
I slipped easily into the story. Jio sets the scenes and establishes the players effortlessly. I was drawn to both women leads - they are both likable and sympathetic characters. Although there is the mystery of what happened to Daniel, there is much more to the story. Claire's marriage is falling apart and she has yet to deal with a heartbreaking loss in her life. And what of Vera? Daniel was a much loved child - but who was his father?
As Claire investigates further, connections appear between her life and Vera's. I love the serendipity of it all - it makes you think (hope) that maybe, just maybe, there are things beyond our control that happen for a reason.
In Blackberry Winter, Sarah Jio explores the connection between mother and child, love and loss, regret and redemption with emotion and candor.
Emily from The Violets of March makes a cameo appearance in this book as well. I was glad to see how her life has progressed and it was nice to visit Bainbridge Island again.
The title? Blackberry Winter "is old-fashioned weather jargon for a late-season cold snap - think of plunging temperatures and snowfall in May, just when the delicate white flowers are beginning to appear on the blackberry vines."
One of the main characters loves hot chocolate. I think a big steaming mug of cocoa would be the perfect accompaniment for this warm, rich, satisfying book. Settle back in a comfy armchair and enjoy yet another wonderful read from Sarah Jio.
Sarah's latest book is Blackberry Winter. And it might just be my favourite - so far.
In the opening chapter we meet Vera Ray.
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Times are tough in 1933 and Vera is lucky to have a job cleaning rooms at night at a posh hotel in Seattle. But it also means she is forced to leave her three year old son Daniel alone in their attic rooms. After her shift finishes she races home through a freak snowstorm (it's the 2nd of May!) and finds Daniel's bed empty.....The book then moves forward almost eighty years and we meet a Seattle newspaper reporter named Claire. It's the second of May and a snowstorm has hit Seattle. Claire is assigned to write a piece for the newspaper on this anomaly. Her research uncovers the story of a missing boy named Daniel.
Jio alternates her narrative between the past and present, revealing a little more each chapter. (which made it hard for me to find a place to stop for the night!)
I slipped easily into the story. Jio sets the scenes and establishes the players effortlessly. I was drawn to both women leads - they are both likable and sympathetic characters. Although there is the mystery of what happened to Daniel, there is much more to the story. Claire's marriage is falling apart and she has yet to deal with a heartbreaking loss in her life. And what of Vera? Daniel was a much loved child - but who was his father?
As Claire investigates further, connections appear between her life and Vera's. I love the serendipity of it all - it makes you think (hope) that maybe, just maybe, there are things beyond our control that happen for a reason.
In Blackberry Winter, Sarah Jio explores the connection between mother and child, love and loss, regret and redemption with emotion and candor.
Emily from The Violets of March makes a cameo appearance in this book as well. I was glad to see how her life has progressed and it was nice to visit Bainbridge Island again.
The title? Blackberry Winter "is old-fashioned weather jargon for a late-season cold snap - think of plunging temperatures and snowfall in May, just when the delicate white flowers are beginning to appear on the blackberry vines."
One of the main characters loves hot chocolate. I think a big steaming mug of cocoa would be the perfect accompaniment for this warm, rich, satisfying book. Settle back in a comfy armchair and enjoy yet another wonderful read from Sarah Jio.
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
As a child, I learned the phrase Blackberry Winter when we had a sudden, surprising cold snap that left our springtime world blanketed in snow. As a kid, it was magical, and the image of the azaleas covered with snow still remains in memory. Not so long ago, I heard Hilary Kole sing a beautiful
Set in Seattle, one of my favorite towns, Blackberry Winter combines two tales from two times, both when there were late snows on the first of May. In the height of the depression, a young, single mother, headed to work as a chambermaid. Circumstances forced her to leave her precious son home alone, tucked safely in bed in their small apartment. In the morning,snow blanketed the town. Her son had vanished. Only his teddy bear abandoned in the snow, remained behind.
In the 2010 story, after the town is once covered by a May 1 snow, a newspaper writer is assigned to write a feature about the blackberry winter of 1933. The story of the missing boy captures her. As she digs to learn what happened to little Daniel and his mother, she also faces the ghosts haunting in her own life as well follow as a possible connection to the past.
I read this book pretty quickly. It took me a little longer to track down the lyrics to the song that captured both Ms Jio and me (which are written below, as well as a link to a video.) There were some weaker moments in the book, but mostly in the wrapping things up angle, so I can forgive some of the coincidences, especially if they involve a good coffee shop (don't want to say more for fear of spoilers.)
One of the things I especially enjoyed about this book was a glimpse into the world of the Depression in Seattle. I'd recently read several other Seattle based novels ( one written in 2000, but set in 2018; another set in an alternate reality present) so I feel like I've been to the town in the past, present, another present, and the future. Maybe it's time for a real visit? Will look for more by this author.
Lyrics to Blackberry Winter (video here.)
Blackberry Winter comes without a warning
Just when you think that Spring's around to stay
So you wake up on a cold rainy morning
And wonder what on Earth became of May.
Blackberry Winter only lasts a few days
Just long enough to get you feeling sad
When you think of all the love that you have wasted
On someone that you never really had.
I'll never get over losing you
But I had to learn that life goes on
And the memories grow dim
Like a half forgotten son
'Til the Blackberry Winter
Reminds me that you're gone.
I get so lonely, most of all in springtime
I wish I could enjoy the first of May
But I seem to know that Blackberry Winter
Is not so far away.
Thanks to the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for sending this lovely glimpse into two Blackberry Winters my way.
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rendition of Blackberry Winter. It has haunted me, and apparently haunted author Sarah Jio as well. In an author's note, she tells how hearing the song on the radio sparked her to write this story. That alone is enough to endear me to the book, however, the story Jio wrote is worth liking on its own.Set in Seattle, one of my favorite towns, Blackberry Winter combines two tales from two times, both when there were late snows on the first of May. In the height of the depression, a young, single mother, headed to work as a chambermaid. Circumstances forced her to leave her precious son home alone, tucked safely in bed in their small apartment. In the morning,snow blanketed the town. Her son had vanished. Only his teddy bear abandoned in the snow, remained behind.
In the 2010 story, after the town is once covered by a May 1 snow, a newspaper writer is assigned to write a feature about the blackberry winter of 1933. The story of the missing boy captures her. As she digs to learn what happened to little Daniel and his mother, she also faces the ghosts haunting in her own life as well follow as a possible connection to the past.
I read this book pretty quickly. It took me a little longer to track down the lyrics to the song that captured both Ms Jio and me (which are written below, as well as a link to a video.) There were some weaker moments in the book, but mostly in the wrapping things up angle, so I can forgive some of the coincidences, especially if they involve a good coffee shop (don't want to say more for fear of spoilers.)
One of the things I especially enjoyed about this book was a glimpse into the world of the Depression in Seattle. I'd recently read several other Seattle based novels ( one written in 2000, but set in 2018; another set in an alternate reality present) so I feel like I've been to the town in the past, present, another present, and the future. Maybe it's time for a real visit? Will look for more by this author.
Lyrics to Blackberry Winter (video here.)
Blackberry Winter comes without a warning
Just when you think that Spring's around to stay
So you wake up on a cold rainy morning
And wonder what on Earth became of May.
Blackberry Winter only lasts a few days
Just long enough to get you feeling sad
When you think of all the love that you have wasted
On someone that you never really had.
I'll never get over losing you
But I had to learn that life goes on
And the memories grow dim
Like a half forgotten son
'Til the Blackberry Winter
Reminds me that you're gone.
I get so lonely, most of all in springtime
I wish I could enjoy the first of May
But I seem to know that Blackberry Winter
Is not so far away.
Thanks to the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for sending this lovely glimpse into two Blackberry Winters my way.
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LibraryThing member tanya2009
I won this book through Librarything. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. The author did a great job with character development. The books main focus is on a young boy who goes missing in 1933. After losing her own child, Claire is fixated on finding out what happened to little Daniel.
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She never suspects the truth leads to her own back door. I highly recommend reading this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sharn
This book was wonderful. It's nice to read a mystery that doesn't have to be gory. I only gave this 4 stars and not 5 for a couple of reasons. 1) The more I read, the more I was able to predict some things and 2) I thought Claire's research came all too easy which made it a bit unbelievable for me
An out-of-the-blue snow storm hits in May and a reporter, Claire, finds out that the same thing happened in 1933. She's compelled to write a story about the 2 storms and finds an intriguing mystery to solve along the way. That with many side stories along the way made the book an enjoyable, easy read.
I will definitely recommend this one!
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but really I'm just nit picking.An out-of-the-blue snow storm hits in May and a reporter, Claire, finds out that the same thing happened in 1933. She's compelled to write a story about the 2 storms and finds an intriguing mystery to solve along the way. That with many side stories along the way made the book an enjoyable, easy read.
I will definitely recommend this one!
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LibraryThing member dpappas
This is the first of Sarah Jio's books that I have read. Sarah Jio has just gained a fan in me. I loved this book so much that I stayed up overnight to finish it. Sarah Jio has put together a beautiful book that will pull on readers' heartstrings. This is a tale of two women from different time
I loved reading about both Claire and Vera and how both their stories became eerily similar. I connected so well with both of them that I began to feel their sorrow. I loved reading about the two different time periods 1933 and 2010, both were written masterfully.
I was absolutely swept away in the mystery of Vera and Daniel Ray. I became just as obsessed with what happened to them as Claire was. I was extremely happy with how the mystery unfolded and was in tears at the ending.
I just can't say enough about this book and I definitely plan on recommending this book to others. This is a great read for book clubs and anyone wanting to read a story about a mother's love for her child.
I received this book from a Librarything Early Reviewer's Giveaway, that does not affect the content of my review in any way.
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periods who share similar heartbreak.I loved reading about both Claire and Vera and how both their stories became eerily similar. I connected so well with both of them that I began to feel their sorrow. I loved reading about the two different time periods 1933 and 2010, both were written masterfully.
I was absolutely swept away in the mystery of Vera and Daniel Ray. I became just as obsessed with what happened to them as Claire was. I was extremely happy with how the mystery unfolded and was in tears at the ending.
I just can't say enough about this book and I definitely plan on recommending this book to others. This is a great read for book clubs and anyone wanting to read a story about a mother's love for her child.
I received this book from a Librarything Early Reviewer's Giveaway, that does not affect the content of my review in any way.
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LibraryThing member slavenrm
As I'm now very accustomed to saying, and required to say by law, this book was delivered unto my door free of charge through a GoodReads giveaway.
The cover seems to scream romance. It ain't. The back of the book calls it a mystery. It's investigative but I'd not call that sufficient cause to
Overall the writing itself is wonderful and the majority of the book flies by with really a creeping sense of impending crescendo. Jio carefully and meticulously constructs this offering and the story really plays out quite wonderfully. My only real criticism is that the historical aspects of the novel are de-emphasized to the point at which you might very well believe even the historical bits could come to pass just as readily today. Most certainly people have changed little in 80 years but if you're going to paint your characters against this backdrop you could at least provide a bit more local color.
Blackberry Winter is certainly a worthwhile read for a couple of stormy afternoons but I'm not sure I'd put it in the elite reaches of my recommended reading list. It takes us on a journey but not one that really pops and makes me glad that I took the time.
The cover seems to scream romance. It ain't. The back of the book calls it a mystery. It's investigative but I'd not call that sufficient cause to
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categorize it as a "mystery". I'd summarize it more closely as simply a well-written and believable historical novel that centers closely on the dynamics of loss and motherhood. Everything else is really backdrop.Overall the writing itself is wonderful and the majority of the book flies by with really a creeping sense of impending crescendo. Jio carefully and meticulously constructs this offering and the story really plays out quite wonderfully. My only real criticism is that the historical aspects of the novel are de-emphasized to the point at which you might very well believe even the historical bits could come to pass just as readily today. Most certainly people have changed little in 80 years but if you're going to paint your characters against this backdrop you could at least provide a bit more local color.
Blackberry Winter is certainly a worthwhile read for a couple of stormy afternoons but I'm not sure I'd put it in the elite reaches of my recommended reading list. It takes us on a journey but not one that really pops and makes me glad that I took the time.
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LibraryThing member kathydassaro
This was the very first Sarah Jio book that I read and I really enjoyed it. I love the dual time story line in general and I have to say that this author is very good at blending two stories together.
This was an extremely quick and easy read. In the short time that it took to read, I was never
As I said, this book introduced me to Ms. Jio's writing and since I have read two more of her books. She is one of my new favorite authors and I look forward to her next book.
This was an extremely quick and easy read. In the short time that it took to read, I was never
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without it. I kept turning the pages late into the night; I just had to know what was going to happen next. As I said, this book introduced me to Ms. Jio's writing and since I have read two more of her books. She is one of my new favorite authors and I look forward to her next book.
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LibraryThing member Quiltinfun06
I am clearly a fan of Sara Jio . Blackberry Winter is the third book of hers that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I love her writing style and character development . Claire is a writer who has lost her edge after an accident. She is assigned to report on a weather oddity a snowstorm in May. This exact
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event occurred in 1933 at the same time that 3 year old Daniel Ray disappeared. Finding out what became of Daniel saves her carrier, marriage and her life. Certainly, I will be looking forward to further works by Jio. She is three for three with me. Show Less
LibraryThing member readingwithtea
"Your sentimentality about weather is adorable, but don't get too excited. I'm still wondering how I'm going to write six thousand words on snowmen."
In 1933, Vera Ray finished her night shift at the Olympic Hotel and stepped out into an unexpected May snowstorm. Arriving home, she found her
There's a small taste of mystery here, with a break-in and an inconclusive coroner's verdict, but mostly this is an investigation in the context of a marriage in trouble, interspersed with moments from the past to keep the reader interested if not better informed than our sleuthing protagonist. High society is under the microscope, as is Depression-era poverty and life as a single mother in the 30's.
Vera is a lovely character - determined, loving, resolute; and broken by the disappearance of her son. Claire is charmingly fallible and ill-at-ease in her husband's social circle. Top marks go to the best friends - Caroline and Abby are both no-nonsense, fun-loving and capable of spurring both the more demure heroines into a bit of action when necessary.
The novel is very firmly set in Seattle - I've never been, but I felt well grounded there. And now I know that Pike Place is a market and not just a Starbucks brand! There was some beautiful writing about Puget Sound and Bainbridge Island, and I'd be keen to see some of the places in the book if I ever make it to Seattle.
In its structure, this really reminded me of Russian Winter which I read earlier this year and very much enjoyed - the young woman digging secrets out of the past, intertwined with the young woman several decades ago who suffered a change of fortune. If you enjoyed that, read this, and vice versa.
A few tiny criticisms:
- I felt the men were generally undercooked. Ethan has a couple of odd-but-convenient-for-the-plot changes of heart, Dominic was a bit too nice, Sven was quite an interesting character but not developed as much as he might have been.
- I was a bit fed up with Claire by the end; she had become quite selfish and self-indulgent (admittedly, she'd had a rough year).
- The unexpected ending (which was delightful) then dragged a bit, or became too sentimental as they go to the old apartment - I wanted something with a bit more snap to it.
Having said all of that, it is a beautiful book with a solid but not gruesome mystery, and a complicated protagonist. Definitely worth checking out.
In 1933, Vera Ray finished her night shift at the Olympic Hotel and stepped out into an unexpected May snowstorm. Arriving home, she found her
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three-year-old son Daniel missing - and his teddy bear lying in the snow. Nearly eighty years later, another May blizzard sets reporter and newly bereaved mother Claire an assignment. Can she find out what happened to Daniel all those years before?There's a small taste of mystery here, with a break-in and an inconclusive coroner's verdict, but mostly this is an investigation in the context of a marriage in trouble, interspersed with moments from the past to keep the reader interested if not better informed than our sleuthing protagonist. High society is under the microscope, as is Depression-era poverty and life as a single mother in the 30's.
Vera is a lovely character - determined, loving, resolute; and broken by the disappearance of her son. Claire is charmingly fallible and ill-at-ease in her husband's social circle. Top marks go to the best friends - Caroline and Abby are both no-nonsense, fun-loving and capable of spurring both the more demure heroines into a bit of action when necessary.
The novel is very firmly set in Seattle - I've never been, but I felt well grounded there. And now I know that Pike Place is a market and not just a Starbucks brand! There was some beautiful writing about Puget Sound and Bainbridge Island, and I'd be keen to see some of the places in the book if I ever make it to Seattle.
In its structure, this really reminded me of Russian Winter which I read earlier this year and very much enjoyed - the young woman digging secrets out of the past, intertwined with the young woman several decades ago who suffered a change of fortune. If you enjoyed that, read this, and vice versa.
A few tiny criticisms:
- I felt the men were generally undercooked. Ethan has a couple of odd-but-convenient-for-the-plot changes of heart, Dominic was a bit too nice, Sven was quite an interesting character but not developed as much as he might have been.
- I was a bit fed up with Claire by the end; she had become quite selfish and self-indulgent (admittedly, she'd had a rough year).
- The unexpected ending (which was delightful) then dragged a bit, or became too sentimental as they go to the old apartment - I wanted something with a bit more snap to it.
Having said all of that, it is a beautiful book with a solid but not gruesome mystery, and a complicated protagonist. Definitely worth checking out.
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LibraryThing member teeth
This was a book that was hard to put down. it was a story about Claire Aldrige and vera Ray as their lives intersected 80 years apart. The story and the characters captivated me and i wil read mor of Sara Jio.
LibraryThing member Litfan
This is a quick, and fairly captivating read. It's the story of two women, almost a century apart, whose lives and histories intersect as one of them searches for the answer to a decades-old mystery. Claire Aldridge, a reporter, is in a crumbling marriage following a devastating loss, and is tasked
As the two stories unfold, there is a fair amount of predictability. The mystery of Claire's loss, hinted at but not directly revealed at first, becomes fairly obvious to the reader such that the constant "teasers" about what may have happened become a bit annoying. Some portions of the book felt overwritten-- for instance, characters "screamed" when it seemed more realistic that they may have simply raised their voice. While it added to the drama, it unfortunately lent a forced feeling to these scenes.
At its heart the story itself is really intriguing-- I read it in two sittings, and the plot was engaging with some twists that I didn't see coming. However, the characters didn't quite feel fully developed, and some aspects of the plot seemed inserted for convenience and therefore didn't quite feel realistic. A good mystery to cozy up with, but it could use some polish.
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with writing a story on the unusual snowstorm that hits Seattle in May-- the same date of another unexpected snowstorm in which Daniel, the 3 year old son of Vera Ray, goes missing. As the two stories unfold, there is a fair amount of predictability. The mystery of Claire's loss, hinted at but not directly revealed at first, becomes fairly obvious to the reader such that the constant "teasers" about what may have happened become a bit annoying. Some portions of the book felt overwritten-- for instance, characters "screamed" when it seemed more realistic that they may have simply raised their voice. While it added to the drama, it unfortunately lent a forced feeling to these scenes.
At its heart the story itself is really intriguing-- I read it in two sittings, and the plot was engaging with some twists that I didn't see coming. However, the characters didn't quite feel fully developed, and some aspects of the plot seemed inserted for convenience and therefore didn't quite feel realistic. A good mystery to cozy up with, but it could use some polish.
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
In 2011, Sarah Jio was a name frequently bandied about as an author that deserves watching as she quickly garnered rave reviews with her first two novels. With Blackberry Winter her third novel, she shows that hers is not a flash-in-the-pan notoriety but rather a well-deserved beginning to what one
Blackberry Winter tells the two separate but mysteriously connected stories of Vera Ray and Claire Aldridge. Vera is a single mother at a time where single mothers were practically social pariahs. Claire is a young, successful career woman who is facing her own demons. Both experience the most painful of losses a woman can ever experience. Even better, the twists of fate do not stop there. As the story flits back and forth between Vera’s experiences to Claire’s investigations, a reader is brought along on a ride full of happenstances that are a bit too predictable. The coincidences are too convenient, the connections between the two women are too pat for believability.
Even worse is the theme of the haves versus the have-nots that runs throughout the story. Vera’s abject poverty and the issues that brings is in sharp contrast to Claire’s abundance of wealth and her issues, and if it were not for Claire’s fundamental loss and pain that no amount of money can fix, it would be all too easy to become disgusted with her seemingly insignificant marital problems as compared to Vera’s much more basic human needs of shelter and food.
Yet, as annoying as predictability can be and as clichéd as the rich-versus-poor theme is, Blackberry Winter is utterly captivating. Ms. Jio rises above the clichés to create a story about the most basic of needs – love and security. Claire and Vera, in their collective pain and regardless of their financial backgrounds, are each seeking solace, and their neediness drives the emotional connection between character and reader. Their emotions are raw and brutal, and the resolving of the mystery behind Vera’s loss assuages only the edges of those brittle emotions.
Highly evocative and completely haunting, Blackberry Winter showcases Ms. Jio’s writing abilities. Vera and Claire are brimming with life, and her descriptions of Seattle, both past and present, conjure up mental images of the city as well as drawing on the other senses of smell and hearing. It is an absorbing story, one in which it is all too easy to finish within a few hours, and given the descriptions of cold and snow throughout the novel, it is a perfect Sunday afternoon fall/winter read.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to LibraryThing’s Early Reader Program for my review copy!
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hopes will be a long and successful career.Blackberry Winter tells the two separate but mysteriously connected stories of Vera Ray and Claire Aldridge. Vera is a single mother at a time where single mothers were practically social pariahs. Claire is a young, successful career woman who is facing her own demons. Both experience the most painful of losses a woman can ever experience. Even better, the twists of fate do not stop there. As the story flits back and forth between Vera’s experiences to Claire’s investigations, a reader is brought along on a ride full of happenstances that are a bit too predictable. The coincidences are too convenient, the connections between the two women are too pat for believability.
Even worse is the theme of the haves versus the have-nots that runs throughout the story. Vera’s abject poverty and the issues that brings is in sharp contrast to Claire’s abundance of wealth and her issues, and if it were not for Claire’s fundamental loss and pain that no amount of money can fix, it would be all too easy to become disgusted with her seemingly insignificant marital problems as compared to Vera’s much more basic human needs of shelter and food.
Yet, as annoying as predictability can be and as clichéd as the rich-versus-poor theme is, Blackberry Winter is utterly captivating. Ms. Jio rises above the clichés to create a story about the most basic of needs – love and security. Claire and Vera, in their collective pain and regardless of their financial backgrounds, are each seeking solace, and their neediness drives the emotional connection between character and reader. Their emotions are raw and brutal, and the resolving of the mystery behind Vera’s loss assuages only the edges of those brittle emotions.
Highly evocative and completely haunting, Blackberry Winter showcases Ms. Jio’s writing abilities. Vera and Claire are brimming with life, and her descriptions of Seattle, both past and present, conjure up mental images of the city as well as drawing on the other senses of smell and hearing. It is an absorbing story, one in which it is all too easy to finish within a few hours, and given the descriptions of cold and snow throughout the novel, it is a perfect Sunday afternoon fall/winter read.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to LibraryThing’s Early Reader Program for my review copy!
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LibraryThing member FHC
Yes! 1st completed book in Dewey's 24 hr Read a Thon this Sat 27th April!
review will be posted later...
review will be posted later...
LibraryThing member ethel55
Vera Ray and Claire Aldrige's lives intersect almost 80 years apart after similar late spring snowfalls called a Blackberry Winter. Vera Ray is a struggling single mother during the height of the Depression. There is very little food, or choice, when she decides to head to work overnight, leaving
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her three year old asleep in their rooms over a bar. Daniel disappears in the early morning snow, only his teddy bear is found. In present day Seattle, Claire, still suffering from loss of her own, is asked to write a weather feature about the Blackberry Winter snow they've received. She uncovers a cold case about a missing boy, never dreaming how her life will intersect in the story. Jio weaves together a great tale, nothing too strenuous, but the feelings and actions seem very real. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mrsmommybooknerd
I quite literally devoured this book in one sitting, only sitting down a short time ago to begin reading it. Jio writes such a beautiful, painful and engrossing story that the characters become etched in your heart. The story is nothing short of a masterpiece. I absolutely became so immersed in
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this novel, both wanting to see how it ended but also wanting to savor every page. I just loved it, every word. I cannot wait to read other books by Jio! Show Less
LibraryThing member Beamis12
What a heartfelt, poignant and bittersweet story. My favorite of hers so far, it is a combination of so many things, a mystery, characters trying to overcome a terrible grief and the horrible times after the great depression. Taking place in 1930 and in 2010 the story lines are related by the
ARC from publisher.
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horrible and terrifying loss of children. A rather simple, quiet story told in a very relateable manner, the characters tug on your heart strings and although the ending is a bit pat it is fitting in this story and actually went well with the tone and atmosphere. Look forward to Jio's next book.ARC from publisher.
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LibraryThing member JLricegirl
Although it was a bit predictable, it was a perfect laid back summer read. Nothing too deep or thought provoking, but I enjoyed it for what it was. The alternating narrators was a nice touch.
LibraryThing member LoriKBoyd
Loved this book. Couldn't put it down. The characters were so real. I love books that have two stories that eventually become one.
LibraryThing member dms02
Was this good? Oh yes, good for whacking the mosquito in my bedroom while I was trying to get through this. I love a good summer read...but this was not it! Poor dialogue and contrived plot. Were we really supposed to be surprised by all the "coincidences".
LibraryThing member dragonflydee1
Predictable, maybe a little "cheesy", but sometimes that is a good thing. Sarah Jio is really very good at melding past and present--that is what I like about her books. This one will tug at the heartstrings a little especially if you are a mom!
LibraryThing member mchwest
I loved all of these books by this author, including this one, but there were a bit too many coincidences for my taste. It's too much if even I can figure things out before the end of the book. Don't get me wrong, Sarah Jio has a new one coming out and can be requested on Early reviewers and I'm
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first in line, can't wait!!! Show Less
Language
Original publication date
2012