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Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Snow Child in Books
Dec 14, 2018
“Terrific”, “Spellbinding” and “Enchanting” are just three of the many words that critics have used to describe this book; they are also a slight exaggeration. Obviously it is a matter of personal opinion but this novel, whilst having an interesting storyline, was a little too drawn out and, at times… not exactly boring but not all that gripping.
Set in Alaska during the 1920s this is the story of a couple, Jack and Mabel, who, aside from a stillbirth, have not had any children despite their desperate longing. Now that they are both approaching fifty years of age they know that they will never be able to have a son or daughter of their own. One winter, during the first snowfall, the two of them on an uncharacteristic, spur of the moment impulse build a snowman next to their cabin. Rather than building a large snowman they make a smaller one in the shape of a girl, decorating her with scarves and mittens – they have made a snow girl.
Eowyn Ivey has based her novel on a Russian fairy tale, <i>Snegurochka</i>, which in English translates to <i>The Snow Maiden</i>. It was Arthur Ransome’s retelling, <i>Little Daughter of the Snow</i>, which inspired Ivey, but the general storyline is essentially the same, although some versions have alternative endings. For those who are familiar with <i>Snegurochka</i> and its variants will know that it does not end happily therefore it seems inevitable that <i>The Snow Child</i> will head in the same direction. However which ending will it most resemble?
Throughout the novel it is impossible to be absolutely sure that the little girl who turns up outside the cabin the day after the snowman has been built (and destroyed) is in fact the snow girl magically transformed into flesh and bone; or whether it is a lost child and the circumstance are purely coincidental. There is a third option: Jack and Mabel could be imagining things through their desperate longing, but this is easy to rule out.
The snow is understandably a key theme throughout the story. At the beginning the anticipated Alaskan winter is imagined as a “cold on the valley like a coming death”. Not only will it be unbearably freezing, Jack and Mabel will struggle to make do with their limited amount of food and supplies. After the arrival of the child the winter becomes a happy occasion. Jack and Mabel’s relationship improves and they become less isolated after befriending some neighbours. The only heartbreak is when the girl, Faina, disappears in the spring; but as she comes back as soon as it snows, winter becomes something to look forward to. Another snowy link in the story is Faina’s name, which she claims means “the colour on snow when the sun turns” in Russian. This also makes the idea of her truly being the snow girl more convincing.
The novel does predictably have an unhappy ending but the epilogue makes up for this by revealing the contentment of the remaining characters a few years into the future.
As already mentioned, <i>The Snow Child</i> was not a very gripping read, but it was a beautiful tale in the way that fairy tales, even those with unhappy endings, often can be.
Set in Alaska during the 1920s this is the story of a couple, Jack and Mabel, who, aside from a stillbirth, have not had any children despite their desperate longing. Now that they are both approaching fifty years of age they know that they will never be able to have a son or daughter of their own. One winter, during the first snowfall, the two of them on an uncharacteristic, spur of the moment impulse build a snowman next to their cabin. Rather than building a large snowman they make a smaller one in the shape of a girl, decorating her with scarves and mittens – they have made a snow girl.
Eowyn Ivey has based her novel on a Russian fairy tale, <i>Snegurochka</i>, which in English translates to <i>The Snow Maiden</i>. It was Arthur Ransome’s retelling, <i>Little Daughter of the Snow</i>, which inspired Ivey, but the general storyline is essentially the same, although some versions have alternative endings. For those who are familiar with <i>Snegurochka</i> and its variants will know that it does not end happily therefore it seems inevitable that <i>The Snow Child</i> will head in the same direction. However which ending will it most resemble?
Throughout the novel it is impossible to be absolutely sure that the little girl who turns up outside the cabin the day after the snowman has been built (and destroyed) is in fact the snow girl magically transformed into flesh and bone; or whether it is a lost child and the circumstance are purely coincidental. There is a third option: Jack and Mabel could be imagining things through their desperate longing, but this is easy to rule out.
The snow is understandably a key theme throughout the story. At the beginning the anticipated Alaskan winter is imagined as a “cold on the valley like a coming death”. Not only will it be unbearably freezing, Jack and Mabel will struggle to make do with their limited amount of food and supplies. After the arrival of the child the winter becomes a happy occasion. Jack and Mabel’s relationship improves and they become less isolated after befriending some neighbours. The only heartbreak is when the girl, Faina, disappears in the spring; but as she comes back as soon as it snows, winter becomes something to look forward to. Another snowy link in the story is Faina’s name, which she claims means “the colour on snow when the sun turns” in Russian. This also makes the idea of her truly being the snow girl more convincing.
The novel does predictably have an unhappy ending but the epilogue makes up for this by revealing the contentment of the remaining characters a few years into the future.
As already mentioned, <i>The Snow Child</i> was not a very gripping read, but it was a beautiful tale in the way that fairy tales, even those with unhappy endings, often can be.
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated Rattlesnake Road in Books
May 7, 2021
I loved the slow burn between Declan and Grey!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I don't know about you, but when I read a blurb, my mind goes off on one, and I get an idea in my head how this particular book is gonna go. Mostly, it runs along the lines of the book, but sometimes, it doesn't. Sometimes, my mind is so far off base, that the book surprieses you, and you can't say why!
This book, right here!
I have no idea where my mind when I read the blurb, I have long since given up questioning my book mind, cos it's far too much like hard work, but where it wasn't, I know, was NOT here!
Such a very different read for me than of late, and I thoroughyl enjoyed it, bar one thing, and I'll come back to that, but Lord, I really enjoyed this book.
Grey is suffering, and that suffering comes across clearly, and darkly. She drinks to blot it all out, until she takes a step too far and loses it all. Making good on a age old promise is the only way she get find herself again. But buying a house unseen comes with pitfalls, and that house being on prime real estate comes with a greedy man who wants her house. And the house has secrets, that take time to come out. The cabin in the middle of nowhere does come with a very nice side affect though: a cowboy, right next door.
I loved Grey. She is flawed, she knows that, but that final push makes her see she needs to get out, and get better. The cabin is close to her cousin and they made a promise years agao, that if Grey ever left New York, she would come here. Declan, the neighbour, is a balm to her soul, he really is. And the fact that he waits til her divorce is final, is very telling about his nature. That he thumps the developer for what he does to Grey is also telling.
Said developer, Lucas, was the one who surprised me. His past, what he did, what he got away with, and how it all came to light. While I didn't like what he does to Grey, he is an interesting character. And his part in the story is essential, I think.
I loved the slow burn between Declan and Grey, I really did. Chemistry is hot and bright, but the physical stuff takes time, and I loved being made to wait.
The only thing, the ONLY thing that stops me from giving it the full 5 stars is only Grey has a say. Declan, and maybe even Lucas, would have made this a full 5 star read. I am greedy, I know but I would have loved to get into both Declan and Lucas' mind, I really would. What Declan was thinking when he first meets Grey, when he tells her of his past. And Lucas, too, when he finds out what Grey has found!
Some difficult topics talked about here, all very well handled.
A very VERY enjoyable read!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I don't know about you, but when I read a blurb, my mind goes off on one, and I get an idea in my head how this particular book is gonna go. Mostly, it runs along the lines of the book, but sometimes, it doesn't. Sometimes, my mind is so far off base, that the book surprieses you, and you can't say why!
This book, right here!
I have no idea where my mind when I read the blurb, I have long since given up questioning my book mind, cos it's far too much like hard work, but where it wasn't, I know, was NOT here!
Such a very different read for me than of late, and I thoroughyl enjoyed it, bar one thing, and I'll come back to that, but Lord, I really enjoyed this book.
Grey is suffering, and that suffering comes across clearly, and darkly. She drinks to blot it all out, until she takes a step too far and loses it all. Making good on a age old promise is the only way she get find herself again. But buying a house unseen comes with pitfalls, and that house being on prime real estate comes with a greedy man who wants her house. And the house has secrets, that take time to come out. The cabin in the middle of nowhere does come with a very nice side affect though: a cowboy, right next door.
I loved Grey. She is flawed, she knows that, but that final push makes her see she needs to get out, and get better. The cabin is close to her cousin and they made a promise years agao, that if Grey ever left New York, she would come here. Declan, the neighbour, is a balm to her soul, he really is. And the fact that he waits til her divorce is final, is very telling about his nature. That he thumps the developer for what he does to Grey is also telling.
Said developer, Lucas, was the one who surprised me. His past, what he did, what he got away with, and how it all came to light. While I didn't like what he does to Grey, he is an interesting character. And his part in the story is essential, I think.
I loved the slow burn between Declan and Grey, I really did. Chemistry is hot and bright, but the physical stuff takes time, and I loved being made to wait.
The only thing, the ONLY thing that stops me from giving it the full 5 stars is only Grey has a say. Declan, and maybe even Lucas, would have made this a full 5 star read. I am greedy, I know but I would have loved to get into both Declan and Lucas' mind, I really would. What Declan was thinking when he first meets Grey, when he tells her of his past. And Lucas, too, when he finds out what Grey has found!
Some difficult topics talked about here, all very well handled.
A very VERY enjoyable read!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated The Skeleton Makes a Friend in Books
Nov 9, 2018
Sid's Friends Draw Georgia to Murder
Dr. Georgia Thackery has landed a summer job teaching a high school enrichment program on the campus of Overfeld College. Even better, she's found a semi-private cabin on a nearby lake to rent, meaning that her daughter, Madison, and her best friend, Sid, are able to accompany her. Even better, they are isolated enough that Sid, who is a living skeleton, can get outside the house occasionally. Their solitude is interrupted when a teen shows up asking to meet Sid. She is a member of Sid's clan in an online game, and she thinks a third member of their clan has gone missing. Sid and Georgia haven't investigated for too long before they stumble over a dead body. Can they figure out what is going on?
Those who love this series are in for another treat. Drop everything and read this book now. If you haven't picked up the series yet, you really should do so. Yes, there is a slight paranormal element to the book, but it really is slight. The characters are so strong that you'd swear they were fully fleshed out, yes, even Sid. We don't have a large cast of recurring characters, but the new characters more than make up for it. The twists keep us guessing up until the very end, when everything comes together perfectly. But it is Georgia, Sid, and Madison that make up the heart of this book. Their relationship is wonderful, and the bone puns and other jokes kept me smiling. I truly enjoyed my time with the characters.
Those who love this series are in for another treat. Drop everything and read this book now. If you haven't picked up the series yet, you really should do so. Yes, there is a slight paranormal element to the book, but it really is slight. The characters are so strong that you'd swear they were fully fleshed out, yes, even Sid. We don't have a large cast of recurring characters, but the new characters more than make up for it. The twists keep us guessing up until the very end, when everything comes together perfectly. But it is Georgia, Sid, and Madison that make up the heart of this book. Their relationship is wonderful, and the bone puns and other jokes kept me smiling. I truly enjoyed my time with the characters.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Murder on Memory Lake in Books
Apr 8, 2020
Tranquility Shattered by Murder
Things are looking up for Alberta Scaglione in her retirement. She’s inherited money and a cabin on Memory Lake from an aunt, and her granddaughter, Jinx, has come back into her life thanks to a job for the local paper in Tranquility, New Jersey. However, things take a sad turn when Alberta finds the body of her childhood nemesis in the lake. Alberta quickly realizes the woman was murdered, and Jinx talks Alberta into investigating to jump start her transition to crime reporter. Can they solve the case?
The book starts out with a couple of chapters that are little more than data dumps, giving us the background on the characters. Yes, we need to know the information, but it could have been slipped into the novel better. The mystery itself is strong with several viable suspects and a logical trail to the great climax with some fun red herrings along the way. Alberta and Jinx are joined by another couple family members, and the four women are a delight, making me laugh a few times. The book is written in omniscient point of view, but mostly sticking with Alberta and Jinx. It mostly works, but it allows for passages of the characters pondering life. These felt like they’d be more at home in a literary novel than a mystery. The book closes out with a few recipes. The bones of the book are good, but overall, it felt overwritten. There is enough enjoyable elements to the book that if you are curious about the book, I recommend you check it out and see what you think for yourself.
The book starts out with a couple of chapters that are little more than data dumps, giving us the background on the characters. Yes, we need to know the information, but it could have been slipped into the novel better. The mystery itself is strong with several viable suspects and a logical trail to the great climax with some fun red herrings along the way. Alberta and Jinx are joined by another couple family members, and the four women are a delight, making me laugh a few times. The book is written in omniscient point of view, but mostly sticking with Alberta and Jinx. It mostly works, but it allows for passages of the characters pondering life. These felt like they’d be more at home in a literary novel than a mystery. The book closes out with a few recipes. The bones of the book are good, but overall, it felt overwritten. There is enough enjoyable elements to the book that if you are curious about the book, I recommend you check it out and see what you think for yourself.
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Mulberry Mischief in Books
Aug 28, 2019
Halloween Mischief and Murder
It’s the week before Halloween in Oriole Point, Michigan, yet the town is focusing on health thanks to the Haunted Halloween Harvest Health Fair. The Saturday the festival opens, Marlee Jacob, owner of the Berry Basket, is cornered by Leticia the Lake Lady. Leticia is one of the odd characters who call the town home. She is ranting about the shadow people who have come to town and demanding that Marlee order mulberries so Leticia can use their protective properties to cover her cabin. Marlee thinks Leticia is harmless if a little off, but that’s before a dead body turns up. Will the latest happenings disrupt the health fair?
Picking up this book, I knew I was in for another fantastic ride, and I wasn’t disappointed. While it takes a couple chapters for the body to drop, we are meeting characters who will become important to the story and trying to make sense of some puzzling things that start to happen. The pace doesn’t slow at all once the murder takes place, and the revelations are only beginning as Marlee pieces things together. The suspects are all strong, and I could have believed any of them were guilty until Marlee pieced together the final clues. Of course, the series regulars are as fun and charming as always – I love them! I’m not quite ready for fall, but this book still put me in the Halloween spirit. We get four berry inspired recipes – two featuring Mulberries and two berry inspired Halloween treats. I really can’t recommend this series highly enough. New fans will be hooked, and existing fans will love Marlee’s latest adventure.
Picking up this book, I knew I was in for another fantastic ride, and I wasn’t disappointed. While it takes a couple chapters for the body to drop, we are meeting characters who will become important to the story and trying to make sense of some puzzling things that start to happen. The pace doesn’t slow at all once the murder takes place, and the revelations are only beginning as Marlee pieces things together. The suspects are all strong, and I could have believed any of them were guilty until Marlee pieced together the final clues. Of course, the series regulars are as fun and charming as always – I love them! I’m not quite ready for fall, but this book still put me in the Halloween spirit. We get four berry inspired recipes – two featuring Mulberries and two berry inspired Halloween treats. I really can’t recommend this series highly enough. New fans will be hooked, and existing fans will love Marlee’s latest adventure.