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Winter's End (2006)

by Jean-Claude Mourlevat(Favorite Author)

3.49 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0763644501 (ISBN13: 9780763644505)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Candlewick Press

review 1: I know that this book doesn't receive much of readers' affection because some readers cannot stand its unrealistic dialogues and details. I noticed these kinds of things, but in my opinions, this book is still a decent book in its own way, and I'll tell you why.First, I freaking love dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction, and I always try to read as many books in this genre as I can. This book may not be the kind of dystopian novels I've read and freaking enjoyed, like "The Hunger Games" or "Divergent" (I guess because French people have their own mind and way to express themselves in literature ^^), but it still features some of the signature stuff belonging to dystopian fiction, such as the theme of a group of young people trying to run away from an evil group of people tha... moret are governing the country; the element of them having to fight in some kind of arena for fun (although there was not much of this element in this book as I hoped, thought and wished to read... That's one minus point for this book). Starting off with a great premise, this book brought me to a whole new world and a whole new adventure that I really wish to read in this kind of book. The first part of the book, from chapter 1 to chapter 10, was the best of "Le combat d'hiver" (sorry I have to use the original French title since I don't know what it's called when published in English). Then the story stuck in some low points (actually it went through a lot of high and low points), then some high points, especially the part about the horse-humans, the "before the fight", the fight in the arena and the death of Milos (which I really did not approve, since he's my favorite character, but the way he died was told in a really touching and epic way that really moved me. But the reason for his death is... nonsense!).The things that I didn't like in this book - additional to some points listed above - are the fact that not all the 4 of our main characters participate in the uprising (when reading the back cover, I thought that some how they would all end up in the fighting in the arena and I could enjoy something like "The Hunger Games", or at least they all must fight the Phalange together, but sadly Helen was left out...), and the pushed, unrealistic result of the uprising, when Bart and Milena don't have to fight anything or shed any blood to win the battle. I wish the author could write this book with more epic details, more fighting, more arena-themed atmosphere instead of making this book look and sound more like a book about war and politics and uprising to gain back freedom. Those would make a perfect book! However, as I said before, French authors have their own way of expressing themselves in literature (and I sometimes cannot understand them, although I love France a lot), so just be it! ^^
review 2: I can't explain this book.It was a dystopia, that read like a fantasy. Although set in a (possibly future) dystopian society, it reminded me of historical novels I've read. Realistic, yet completely 'out there'. From the first few pages, I was hooked. Completely immersed in this world I knew so little about. After about a hundred pages, I'd made a fanmix for this book. Helen, Bartolomeo, Milena and Milos are the children of rebels. Rebels that fought against an oppressive regime (the Phalange) and were defeated and killed. Their children are locked away in dark boarding schools with strict rules and regulations. They are allowed limited ventures out in to the town to see their 'consolers', the closest things to mothers these adolescents will ever know. When the two female protagonists meet the two male protagonists, it sets off a chain of events that will change their country forever, because each of these teenagers has a role to play to finish what their parents started. They try to run away to a secret Resistance movement, but not all of them make it. One is taken away to fight in Roman Gladiator-like games for the entertainment of the sadistic Phalangists.This was like no other YA Dystopian novel I have ever read. It just felt completely different, maybe because it wasn't 'futuristic' or all that sci-fi (with the exception of dog-human hybrids, but we never find out how they came in to existence). It felt historical, like Nazi Germany or Communist Russia. The world of Winter Song is bleak, dark, and solemn, and that is reflected in the writing.I adored the characters. The four protagonists and their allies. I wish the relationships of the characters were slightly more developed, it felt like the two couples had only known each other for a few days before they were being described as 'lovers', but perhaps that was a translation mistake. Also, the characters were very much treated like adults once they left their boarding schools, both by those around them and the author. For someone the same age as them, this was refreshing and empowering.The only major problem I had with this novel was how vague it was on the details. At the end of the book you find yourself with so many unanswered questions, mainly about the world building. How did the Phalange come in to power? Did they genetically engineer the Devils? What country is this set in? This was a beautifully written, yet heartbreaking book, and I don't understand the low average rating. Should be at least a 3.80 if you ask me. Please give it a read. less

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