One evening, Jack and Mabel seem to recognize that they just might have a chance to make a life for themselves out there and they joyfully make a little girl out of snow. They sleep easily that night, feeling happy and light. The next morning, the little snow girl has disappeared, and only footprints leading away from where she stood remain. A little human girl starts to appear in the woods behind their cabin - wearing the same scarf and mittens they had placed on the snow girl. Mabel is reminded of a fairy tale she loved as a little girl... This is a story that blurs the line between what is real and what is imagined, and dares you to believe in the magic of possibility.
This novel took my breath away. It is a quiet and beautiful, but evokes such strong and powerful emotions. You feel the depths of Mabel's despair and Jack's feeling of inadequacy; you rejoice in the highs of summer days and their winters with the girl. The beauty of the Alaskan wilderness is described in such a way that I feel as though I have seen it with my own eyes. The characters themselves became so real to me.... I feel like I know them. The way Jack and Mabel's relationship evolves and grows is so natural. I was truly moved by it all. The writing, above all else, is incredible. It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel.
There is magic in these pages, and I want to believe. No, I do believe. I believe in it all.
*****
The Snow Child
by Eowyn Ivey
Little, Brown 2012
389 pages
Source: Publisher for honest review
*****
Links for Purchase:
2 comments:
I have heard so much about this. I can't wait to read it and am wondering if the audio book version is a good choice as well. I may have to check it out.
I am on a hold list for this at the library and I so can't wait to read it!
Post a Comment