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A Spell of Winter – 1996 Winner

Helen Dunmore

Catherine and her brother, Rob, don’t know why they have been abandoned by their parents.

Alone in their grandfather’s decaying country house, they roam the wild grounds freely with minds attuned to the rural wilderness. Lost in their own private world, they seek and find new lines to cross.

But as the First World War draws closer, crimes both big and small threaten the delicate refuge they have built. Cathy will do anything to protect their dark Eden from anyone, or anything, that threatens to destroy it.

"Were she alive now Helen would no doubt be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Prize and the women whose writing has been recognised by it, and would still feel gratitude for the encouragement and inspiration that the prize gave her."
Helen Dunmore's son, Patrick Dunmore

1996 Shortlist

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