Winter Garden

Hannah often writes about strong female characters, and Winter Garden is no exception. Within this novel, conflict and redemption emerge within women’s relationships, creating an exploration of female bonds and how they shape the lives and personalities of women.

The strongest example of conflict and redemption within women’s relationships occurs within the Whitson family and the relationships between Anya, Meredith, and Nina. These characters are very different, yet some commonalities link them together as they struggle through personal and familial conflicts. For example, Anya manages her stress by cooking and knitting. Nina does so through photography, and Meredith does chores as a distraction. However, none of the women talk, which prevents them from overcoming their conflict sooner. Meredith and Nina feel emotionally estranged from their mother, wondering why she is so cold towards them. This lack of maternal support in turn creates insecurity in their own lives, as the sisters struggle to be close even with one another.

Once they find the value of open communication, they learn that their conflict is easily resolved and overcome. Once Anya fulfills her promise to Evan to tell her daughters the fairy tale, she gradually finds it easier to tell, and by opening up to her daughters she is able to reclaim her true identity and confront her past.