'Maybe Christmas' he thought, 'doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . .means a little bit more!'
- Dr Seuss
There is something magical about this time of year. Despite the short days and cold winter nights we come together in celebration with each other and light up our cities and homes with joy. Or maybe it is because of the hard cold winter air that we do turn to each other, seeking shelter and comfort in the warm embrace of family or friends. Whatever the reason for our coming together this time of year is rife with days marked by traditions, both personal and public.
It is this coming together that author and journalist Deirdre Purcell makes the focus of her latest book; The Winter Gathering. This story opens as the protagonist, Maggie, is abandoned by her husband just before Christmas; her family celebrations shattered by this scenario that is far too real for many out there during these winter festivities. In an instant her friends coalesce around Maggie; supporting and comforting her while, unknowingly, initiating a lasting ceremony to be honoured each following year.
A decade later and the five women are again meeting up to celebrate their personal Christmas tradition. This time, however, there is an unorthodox addition to the party as they are joined by a handsome young man whose connection and intentions are not fully known. While this change to the norm proves a key thread in the book it is not the entire focus and through the pages of The Winter Gathering we learn about the struggles and triumphs in each of the five women’s lives.
Through her words Deirdre lets us into the lives of each of these women and shows us why Christmas is so much more than just the 24th and 25th of December. The women of The Winter Gathering show us that what makes this time of year important is the traditions and celebrations that we build up ourselves. Christmas is ultimately a time to be spent with the family that we cobble together from those we love.
Join Susan and Deirdre as together they explore the Christmas story and what it’s like trying to write about this king of holidays. Find out why Deirdre Purcell decided to write a story set during the Christmas period and what exactly she is trying to say in this work.
