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Snowflake
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A delightful story of the life of Snowflake, who was "all stars and arrows, squares and triangles of ice and light". Through Snowflake's special role in the pattern of creation and life, Paul Gallico has given us a simple allegory on the meaning of life, its oneness and ultimate safety.
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Hardcover, 64 pages
Published
January 1976
by Michael Joseph Ltd
(first published 1952)
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Tumbling through the pale wintry sky, we follow Snowflake through her short life, from the hillsides of a mountain village to the great, stormy sea from which she finally evaporates. On the way she experiences the full range of human emotion; from great sadness and fear to deep love and contentment. From floating placidly around lakes to fighting great fires, Snowflake even has time to have children with her great love ‘Raindrop’ … in-between musing on the meaning of life, that is.
This book is s ...more
This book is s ...more
found this sorting books for the library booksale, and borrowed it because I like many of Gallico's. This religious biography of a snowflake, and her marriage to a raindrop, was very odd.
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Such gentle drama! If you want to raise a future water conservationist, this would be a great place to start. I bought this for a baby shower gift but it's almost more appropriate for someone at the end of their life, who needs to be reminded that they were (are) useful + loved.
A deeply spiritual read about interconnectedness, transformation and purpose. ...more
A deeply spiritual read about interconnectedness, transformation and purpose. ...more
I was charmed by the story of a snowflake born in the Alps and her journey thru life. She experiences both beauty and joy as well as fear and loneliness. There is a religious underpinning to the story as she tries to understand "the One who created her" but even the non-spiritual should enjoy this beautiful story.
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This is absolutely one of the best "childrens" books I have ever read. Reminiscent of the larger meaning of the Chronicles of Narnia, it is the sweetest tale of the life and times of a snowflake and how she fits into the world and makes it better for everyone, including herself.
THANK YOU, SHERRIE! ...more
THANK YOU, SHERRIE! ...more
This certainly wasn't a bad book, but I feel that the impact the author intended it to have was lost on me. The use of Him and Creation with capitals was a bit too much for me. I understand his intentions though and it's a pretty little book. Great for bedtime reading, but not much else.
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Gallico seemed to specialise in these small, feel good books, and was expert at writing a "nice" book
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Poetical and charming I found this a perfect allegory of life.
Beautiful little book, with wonderful writing. Very special.
May 29, 2019
Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all)
rated it
it was ok
Shelves:
don-t-know-where-to-shelve-this
Paul Gallico must have been an oddity. He started out as a sportswriter/literary critic, and eventually wrote The Poseidon Adventure and a couple of psycho-hostage novels. In between times, he wrote a lot of sentimental stuff that sold like hotcakes. Some of it, like The Silent Miaow: A Manual for Kittens, Strays, and Homeless Cats his manual for orphan cats, is pretty cute. Some of it is pure schlock or, like Jennie, downright depressing.
This very short, very fast read is the life-cycle (so to ...more
This very short, very fast read is the life-cycle (so to ...more
Cute little story about the life cycle of a snowflake. Not much to say since it is so short, but it's a story of contemplation about existence, understanding that everything is here for a reason, and that experiencing emotions are a part of life. There was a lot of mention about God without saying so much, but the capital He always gives that away. As someone who does not practice a religion, I still felt there was a really good message about stepping back and realizing your worth and all of the
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Cute concept, but clearly written by a much more God loving religious person than I am. I guess it must be nice to feel like something up there loves you so much, and maybe in the 50’s people really felt that way, but it was way too Christian for my tastes. Too bad, I felt like the idea had merit, but could have been done better
Enchanting. A timely message for these dark days
I really didn’t expect the first book in over three years to make me cry would be one about a snowflake.
A small book, a few 'eureka!' moments and helps explain our place in the scheme of things. Interestingly, an audio version by Peter Gabriel misses out the parts mentioning God. Which isn't surprising, given his involvement with the blasphemous Martin Scorsese film about Christ.
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This little book has been hanging around my house for well...it was printed in 1953!
It's a charming story about the meaning of life as told through the eyes of a snowflake. She is born, has all kinds of life experiences and meets Raindrop and has babies. He dies and she dies and goes to heaven. Perfect ending, huh? Oh by the way, she has to go through fire first. Things are not just that easy. ...more
It's a charming story about the meaning of life as told through the eyes of a snowflake. She is born, has all kinds of life experiences and meets Raindrop and has babies. He dies and she dies and goes to heaven. Perfect ending, huh? Oh by the way, she has to go through fire first. Things are not just that easy. ...more
Beautifully written, simple and yet aloof. Snowflake is everyone; unique and common all at once and her life experiences are universal. She overcomes heartbreak and pain to find love, purpose and divinity, what more could any one hope for.
I liked Snowflake very much. It made me cry, even. Snowflake as Everyman. Part of Creation. Made by God. Sometimes understanding and feeling God's providential care. Often not. While its small and unassuming looks may say "child's book", its depth is enough for grown-ups too.
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I loved the way the journey water makes was described and filled in, but there were strong religious connotations throughout the story, which I did not feel connected to, or liked.
I happened to meet this book luckily.Because my favorite musician had made this book's audiobook.I really love the story.
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A true classic from an author who seems to specialise in classics. Easy reading and thought provoking in the best possible way. A must have.
I love the story in this book!
It's such a cute story. It would make a wonderful bedtime read for children. But like all such books there's a lot to take away for people of any age.
Heartwarming.
<3 ...more
Heartwarming.
<3 ...more
A childhood favourite
I think I'll reread this fantasy novel at some time in the future.
that's a touching story for me as a woman.
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that's a touching story for me as a woman.
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Paul William Gallico was born in New York City, on 26th July, 1897. His father was an Italian, and his mother came from Austria; they emigrated to New York in 1895.
He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Boar ...more
He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Boar ...more
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