Snow falls on Solace in Winter by Mary Lawson as Oprah Winfrey names it her book club pick for November.
The fifth novel by Lawson arrived in stores on Nov. 10, 2026, according to USA Today. Winfrey placed her latest selection in a hibernating Canadian town during the deep winter of 1969.
“Beautifully written and deeply moving, ‘Solace in Winter’ reminds us that even in our loneliest moments, unexpected connections can open our hearts, heal old wounds, and change our lives in ways we never imagined,” Winfrey said in a statement reported by CP24.
Widower Jack takes in an injured draft dodger after two accidents on the road into town. His home fills with a dog and a growing cast of characters while his daughter Sally remains displeased with the new guests, USA Today reported.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in a fictional settlement sharing the world of Lawson’s previous works. The Associated Press said that the 80-year-old author previously penned the prize-winning debut novel “Crow Lake” alongside Booker Prize longlisted titles “The Other Side of the Bridge” and “A Town Called Solace.”
Lawson lives in Kingston upon Thames near London. Her upbringing in a small farming community in Ontario inspires her snowy settings.
Lawson thought the phone call from the media mogul was a scam when it first came through. She nearly hung up on her before recognizing the voice.
“Is this for real?” Lawson remembered asking, according to CP24.
“Oprah Winfrey, who has introduced countless amazing writers to thousands upon thousands of readers, who has championed books unceasingly for years and years, and I’d nearly hung up on her. It still makes me go faint to think about it,” Lawson wrote in a statement shared with USA Today.
The novel is set in a snowy, hibernating Canadian town during the winter of 1969 against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
Solace in Winter is Lawson’s fifth novel, following previous bestsellers such as “Crow Lake” and “A Town Called Solace.”
Winfrey’s discussion with Lawson can be seen on Winfrey’s YouTube channel and other video podcast outlets, as reported by CP24.
Worth a look