By Karen Swan
In The Winter Guest, bestselling author Karen Swan weaves an evocative tale of romance, family secrets and unexpected revelations.
Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland and France, the novel moves between the glamour of 1960s Paris and a snow-covered present day. It explores how buried truths can reshape family histories and challenge everything we believe about those closest to us.
At the heart of the story, Dulcie sits beside her dying grandmother in a grand villa overlooking Lake Geneva. Their quiet days take an unexpected turn when a visitor arrives with an urgent message. His revelations threaten to shatter Dulcie’s understanding of the woman she loves. Consequently, she must confront a past that holds secrets her grandmother has kept for decades.
Love, secrets and a life-changing revelation
The narrative transports readers to Paris in 1961, where twenty-two-year-old Lise Erlach enjoys an enviable life as an ambassador’s wife.
Surrounded by glittering receptions, an elegant residence, and influential social circles, Lise attracts attention wherever she goes. However, a passionate affair introduces complications that will change her future. Meanwhile, a crisis unfolds far away, threatening to alter the course of several lives.
In The Winter Guest, Swan blends historical intrigue with contemporary family drama. The contrasting timelines gradually reveal how past decisions continue to shape the present. Moreover, the novel’s atmospheric settings offer an appealing escape for readers who enjoy emotionally rich storytelling. As Dulcie searches for answers, the tension builds around the question of how well we can truly know the people we love.
With its blend of romance, mystery and intergenerational secrets, The Winter Guest promises an engaging read for fans of escapist fiction. Swan’s evocative locations and layered relationships create an intriguing backdrop for a story about love, identity and the consequences of concealed truths.
About the author
Karen Swan is a Sunday Times and international bestselling author. Her twenty-nine books have sold more than five million copies worldwide. She writes two novels each year, often setting complex love stories in evocative locations. A former fashion editor, Swan considers travel essential to her research. She lives in Sussex, England, with her family and three dogs.
- PUBLISHER | Penguin Random House SA |
- ISBN | 9780857507495 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R395.00 |
- Classification | Fiction |
