(Jun/Jul 2012) The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey

[LynnB]

The Snow Child

Post your comments here.

[Laurie]

I didn't like this book, , at first, put it down for about a week, picked it up later when I had all day to read, and after 100 pages, was hooked. It's a bit of magical realism and fairytale and Hallmark movie, so very different from the historical fiction and non-fiction that I usually read. Characters are well-developed and it's a quick read, once I got into it. So, yes, I recommend it as a light, time-off, wonder-a-bit read.

[Sera]

I loved this story. I know that many readers felt their interest diminished as the book went on, but I felt that it was well thought out and ended as it should have.

[Carol]

I agree with Sera. I really liked all the characters in this story and I thought I knew how it would end but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a really touching story of loss, healing and love.

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

It wasn't until I pushed on past the first few hundred pages that I realized I was reading what should be a Great Literature Classic nominee. This is such a good book. I wish I could influence those who award prizes and decide which books are Canon. I'd be out there madly recommending this book to be on on every Literature Class List. This is definitely one of those books that you will want to read twice, 20 years apart between readings, probably at age 30 and 50, at least.

It took me awhile to realize I was reading such a nuanced exploration of how devastating tragedies, which seem impossible to live through or get over, and cause so many of us to shut down, may yet provide a foundation for a richer life if we give ourselves permission to continue in our efforts to connect with our friends and neighbors.

[Elle]

I couldn't agree more April. This book touched me profoundly and I have recommended it to everyone I know.

[Teresa]

I read this book as a book club selection and didn't think it would appeal to me initially as I anticipated a fantasy/magic type of theme. But, it was more interesting than I had thought. I believe the author chose this venue to describe the life of a homesteader in Alaska. I enjoyed this aspect of the story - the moose kill, trappings, potato farming, etc. Mabel's story begins on such a depressing note that I almost didn't want to read any further; but, it picks up after the first hundred pages. It was interesting to see how the strength in adversity brought Mabel back and taught her to appreciate the love of the wilderness in Alaska.

I would rate this a 2 1/2 to 3 star read mainly for the depictions of living in the Alaskan wilderness - not so much the Snow Child portion of the story. As a parent, I couldn't get past the fact that they let a child go into the wilderness without protection and that she survived ~ too unrealistic for me to suspend disbelief.