Jennifer Lane's Reviews > The Snow Child

The Thin Line Between Reality and Fantasy

When my book club chose this story about a 1920's married couple building a child out of snow, I was doubtful I would enjoy it. But I'm glad I gave it a try because this book was a delight!

Mabel and Jack have endured quite a few sadnesses in their years of marriage, but the most notable is their inability to conceive following the stillborn death of their first child. Motherless Mabel feels less than whole as a woman, and Jack feels helpless to ease her pain. Perhaps in an effort to escape their grief, they leave family in Pennsylvania to relocate to Alaska, where they try to farm the harsh, desolate land.

The first snowstorm brings out Mabel's playful side, and when she throws a snowball at her over-worked husband, he seems to come alive as well. They build a snowman (snow-girl) and dress her with a scarf and mittens. The next morning the showgirl has disappeared. But then a blond pixie girl who lives in the snowy forest starts showing up to the homestead. Did they create this girl out of snow?

This story is magical. I love the blurred lines between cynical realism and whimsical fantasy. There is also excellent characterization. I grew to love Mabel and Jack, and the little girl fascinated me. But my favorite character was their outspoken neighbor Esther, who reminded me of Kathy Bates on steroids. They grow 'em tough in Alaska!

Amazingly, this is a debut novel, and the author captures the vast beauty of her home state of Alaska exquisitely:

Everything was sparkled and sharp, as if the world were new, hatched that very morning from an icy egg. Willow branches were cloaked in hoarfrost, waterfalls encased in ice, and the snowy land speckled with the tracks of a hundred wild animals: red-backed voles, coyotes and fox, fat-footed lynx, moos and dancing magpies.

I read this as we got an early snowfall in Ohio--perfect timing. I have some questions about the ending and I look forward to discussing them in book club. Highly recommended!