The Winter Rose
The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly, published by Hyperion Books in January 2008, is a historical fiction novel that spans 720 pages. Set in East London during the summer of 1900, the story unfolds twelve years after a notorious figure haunted the streets of Whitechapel. It follows India Selwyn-Jones, a recent medical school graduate, as she strives to shut down local opium dens with the support of her fiancé, Freddie Lytton, an aspiring Liberal MP. However, her noble efforts lead her into a dangerous entanglement with Sid Malone, the area’s crime lord, setting the stage for a complex narrative of love and sacrifice.
Readers will find a rich exploration of the struggles faced by India and Sid as they navigate their tumultuous relationship amidst the backdrop of a gritty, unforgiving city. The novel delves into themes of ambition, love, and the harsh realities of life in a divided society. As India becomes increasingly embroiled in the criminal underworld, she must confront her feelings for Sid while dealing with the pressures from her fiancé, who is determined to secure his future through their marriage. The story captures the essence of their impossible love and the sacrifices they must make, ultimately leading them on a journey that may bring them back together in unexpected ways.
Official synopsis Publisher
It has been twelve years since a dark, murderous figure stalked the alleys and courts of Whitechapel. And yet, in the summer of 1900, East London is still poor, still brutal, still a shadow city to its western twin. Among the reformers is an idealistic young woman named India Selwyn-Jones, recently graduated from medical school. With the help of her influential fiance–Freddie Lytton, an up-and-coming Liberal MP–she works to shut down the area’s opium dens that destroy both body and soul. Her selfless activities better her patients’ lives and bring her immense gratification, but unfortunately, they also bring her into direct conflict with East London’s ruling crime lord–Sid Malone.
India is not good for business and at first, Malone wants her out. But against all odds, India and Sid fall in love. Different in nearly every way, they share one thing in common–they’re both wounded souls. Their love is impossible and they know it, yet they cling to it desperately. Lytton, India’s fiance, will stop at nothing to marry India and gain her family’s fortune.
Fractious criminal underlings and rivals conspire against Sid. When Sid is finally betrayed by one of his own, he must flee London to save his life. Mistakenly thinking him dead, India, pregnant and desperate, marries Freddie to provide a father for hers and Sid’s child. India and Sid must each make a terrible sacrifice–a sacrifice that will change them both forever. One that will lead them to other lives, and other places…and perhaps–one distant, bittersweet day–back to each other.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Winter Rose” about?
Who is the author of “The Winter Rose”?
When was “The Winter Rose” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Winter Rose”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
