“Stunning. . . Oliveira writes with feeling.”—The New York Times Book Review“[An] engrossing story. . . that feels utterly timely.”—People, “The Best New Books”New York, 1879: An epic blizzard descends on Albany, devastating the city. When the snow finally settles, two newly orphaned girls are missing. Determined not to give up hope, Dr. Mary Sutter, a former Civil War surgeon, searches for the … hope, Dr. Mary Sutter, a former Civil War surgeon, searches for the two sisters. When what happened to them is finally revealed, Dr. Sutter must fight the most powerful of Albany’s citizens, risking personal and public danger as she seeks to protect the fragile, putting at risk loves and lives in her quest to right unimaginable wrongs.
As contemporary as it is historic, Winter Sisters is part gripping thriller, part family saga, and ultimately a story of trauma and resilience that explores the tremendous good and unspeakable evil of which humans are capable.
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Winter Sisters by Robin Oliveira is the second book in the Mary Sutter series. In Albany, New York in March of 1879 the O’Donnell family heads out. David to the lumber district, Bonnie to her millinery shop and the girls (Claire and Emma) to the grammar school. That afternoon a horrible blizzard strikes the area. After the storm, David and Bonnie are both found dead. Claire and Emma were released from school after the storm, but they never made it home. Dr. Mary Sutter and her husband, William search for the girls, but they are unable to locate them. Mary routinely visits the police station, but Captain Arthur Mantel urges her to give up her quest. If the girls have not been found by now, they are presumed dead. Mary is not about to give up that easily. What happened to the O’Donnell girls?
While the Winter Sisters is the second book in the series, it can be read alone. My Name is Mary Sutter is summarized early in the Winter Sisters along with the history (backstory) of each main character. I like that the main character is a female doctor (such a rarity in that time period). I found the pace to be lethargic which can be attributed to the abundant details and the authors formal (and descriptive) writing style. The author’s descriptions help readers visualize the scenes. However, she needs to find a balance between not enough and too much. I was amazed to find that the age of consent (for relations) for “women” was ten in New York (how sad and disturbing) in 1879. The author included some fascinating historical information into the story which helped capture the era. The attitude towards women by many men (but not all) was accurately portrayed. The mystery was simple and easily solved before the answers are revealed. Winter Sisters contains foul language as well as vivid descriptions of violence and child rape (described in graphic detail from a medical viewpoint by Dr. Sutter). I read Winter Sisters, but I could not get into the story (it failed to hold my attention). The ending wraps up all the storylines neatly and happily.
A gripping, immersive historical novel. Complicated and well-plotted, with eye-popping revelations about the law in post-Civil War New York.
I had a problem reading this
kept me interested the whole way through
This book had a surprising ending. You really do not know who the Other Man is until almost the very end. You may figure it out. I learned that back in the 1800’s the age of consent in NY was only 10!!! This was a very good story and it really held my interest all the way through. Read it. You will not be sorry.
This author’s books always make me think, this was no exception. Thank you!
This is a book that stays with you after you have finished reading it. Based on actual law in the time period, the story draws you in to the lives of the characters and leaves you profoundly changed.
Outstanding story. I felt the raw emotions of each character as they worked their way thru the mysteries enveloping them. As a reader, I felt I was a spider on the wall looking in as an observer. The author pulls you in so deep that you can feel the cold, the dirt, the hurt, the betrayal, the love……so much so, that when you finish, the story, the characters stay with you long afterwards. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book in spite of the many tragic events in the novel. I think I marveled at the strength of Mary both personally and professionally. It was shocking to learn that back in the 1800s women were considered consenting adults at age of 10 years!! I thought the author did a wonderful job of blending the historical elements with fictional components. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author!
It was an eye opener
An incredible story of the sexual abuse towards woman and young girls that occurs still today by men in power. It should be read by all. It shows how little that our world has advanced in protecting females as well as procecuting perpetrators.
Loved the twists and turns of a tragedy within a tragedy. Every word leading you to read more!!!
I only skimmed this depressing book. Don’t recommend it.
It’s a wonderful story about important topics in a place I’ve been reading about. My only disappointment was to learn how much of the book was fiction. i prefer my historical fiction books to be heavier on the history side. It’s very much worth your while to read if you like stories that seem to be torn from newspaper headlines but set in a different time period.
historical fiction but based on actual laws re how women and children were treated in 1880’s. Loved the story even though some of the events were difficult to imagine really occurred.
This excellent glimpse into the past will make you think of women’s rights, how far we have come and yet, still far to the go.
A good read. Informative historical perspective.
This book truly held my interest. Not only is it a story that keeps you wanting to know what is on the next page, but really gives you a feel for what life was like at that time in our history.
Well written, historical
It was light and easy read, wanted a little more story.