The Winter Palace
A sweeping novel of war, survival and enduring love.
In 1939, Anton, a captain in the Polish army, says goodbye to his wife, Elisabeth. They make a vow that – whatever happens, however much time passes – they’ll meet again at the Winter Palace, their stately home in the Polish countryside.
The winds of war draw them far apart. Anton is captured and sent to Siberia as a POW. He eventually joins a lost army that battles through snowstorms and scorching deserts in Central Asia to find freedom. Anton survives, driven by his determination to join Elisabeth again. She, meanwhile, is forced to be the ‘mistress’ of a Nazi officer before escaping to join the Polish resistance.
As the war ends, Anton and Elisabeth are at the opposite ends of the world. Anton is in Australia. Elisabeth is in Poland, awaiting his return for months and then years. Will they ever meet again at the Winter Palace?
From 1930s Europe to present-day Australia, this is a sweeping story of love that cannot be broken by time, distance, war or even death.
BOOK CLUB KIT
Download The Winter Palace Book Club Kit, with background on the novel, an interview, and sample topics to get your discussion going.
Kate Forsyth
Completely enthralling . . . a masterpiece of historical fiction.
Carmel Bird
Lisa Medved
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bmichie31
Fabee
Helen O’Toole