
Suddenly, a young girl starts to appear around their homestead, and over time they earn her trust. Their longing for a child is evident, and the girl’s presence turns a miserable landscape into something magical and wonderful. Ivey’s writing is especially effective here – pointing out the beauty of nature, how the snowflakes fall on eyelashes, the many wild flowers and plants, the variety of animals.
The characters are also wonderfully written. Mabel, whilst at first seemingly weak and fragile, proves herself to be headstrong and hardworking. Jack is stubborn and perhaps a little gruff, but softens up. The Snow Child’ herself is as much of a mystery to the reader as Jack and Mabel, which gives everything a bit of an ethereal feel.
The relationship between Jack and Mabel is very realistic – they are not a passionate couple, they are an old couple, familiar with each others ways, the initial spark long gone. The Snow Child brings them back together, reignites that spark, and that is one of my favourite parts of the story – seeing these two people, who clearly love each other very much, finally appreciating each other once again. Mabel gains confidence, her grief lessens although there is still a melancholy air about her. Jack softens, the wall between him and his wife breaking down.
Overall, this was a beautifully written book that explored various themes – relationships, loss, grief. I especially liked how all of the Snow Child’s speech was written without any quotation marks, as if she was talking directly into the heads of the other characters. It made her all the more mysterious. This should hopefully appeal to many groups of readers – those who like fiction, and those who like something a bit more fantastical.
This sounds like a very sweet read! I was wondering- does the book have an explanation about where the Snow Child came from?
Do you mean the story itself? There is mention of a Russian folk story, and some inspiration from Arthur Ransome =)
I have to admit, every time Snow Child pops up on my recommendations, I’m really wary of it for some reason. After reading your review though, I’ll have to give it a chance :DThanks, Rinn!
Haha, why are you wary? You definitely should give it a chance =)
Many thanks for the thumbs-up Rinn. It sounds like really a good read. Especially the distinction (division even?) between historical fiction and magical realism. I’ve grown fonder of the former, having read both Wolf Halla and Bring Up the Bodies recently. And you bought the hardback copy of the book! Still my favorite format to read. :-)Arnel Sweizz (Seattle Divorce Lawyers)
It’s a really beautiful novel. And actually I got the paperback – if I bought hardbacks I’d never be able to carry what I’m reading around anywhere xDThanks for commenting! I need to read Wolf Hall, it’s on my to-read list for this year =)