The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Facing the unimaginable grief that comes with the loss of a newborn child, married couple Jack and Mabel have moved to the rugged wilderness of 1920's Alaska. Upon their arrival, they realize that despite their best efforts to escape, grief has followed them to their new home, bringing even more troubles bare. Not the strong young man he once was, Jack struggles to keep up with the heavy labor of maintaining a farm. Left to the solitude of the cabin and a husband who can barely look her in the eye, Mabel has nothing to do but wallow in her loneliness.

But there is hope. Jack, who has to take several trips into town, befriends a local man who invites him and Mabel to have dinner with his wife and sons. Although Mabel would rather stay in the quiet of their cabin, she agrees to go to the dinner. After that evening, the couple leaves the neighbors place with their spirits slightly lifted. Upon their arrival home, a frivolous snowball fight ensues, culminating with the construction of a small snow child.

In the night, Jack awakes, startled to see that the snow child is gone. He sees small footprints leaving the site where the child stood, and as he looks out into the woods, he glimpses a young, fair-haired girl running through the trees. The next day, Jack attempts to keep what he saw to himself, but soon, Mabel notices the tracks as well. When she too sees the girl running amongst the trees, the couple is truly puzzled. Is this child the answer to their prayers, or simply the "cabin fever" effect of their grief?

This debut novel by author Eowyn Ivey is a modern day fairy tale filled with a powerful emotional presence. Ivey's simple portrayal of this grief stricken couple leaps off of the pages and stays with you for a long time. I really enjoyed the way that the setting/tone seemed to reflect the main character's emotions. The opening, when the couple is overcome with the grief of their lost child, is written in a way that I could almost feel the coolness of the landscape. This tale of love, loss, and moving forward combines the fantastic with the harsh realities of the world, providing an extremely satisfying read.

For more information, visit the authors website,
http://www.eowynivey.com/,  the book's preview,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSS0lK6Fy24&feature=player_embedded  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11250053-the-snow-child and
http://www.amazon.com/review/RQL4M6NPE2Z7W/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0316175676&nodeID=&tag=&linkCode=


(week 11, book 12)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 and is filed under ,,,,,. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response.

13 Responses to “The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey”

  1. This is a lovely giveaway idea! I have completed step 1.

    ErinKSeals@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Can't wait to win this giveaway ,
    I have completed step 1 , I hope I win

    parwaizriaz@gmail.com

    www.khairusworld.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. interesting review.
    I have completed step 1
    h_vo2293@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm captivated by this review. I did the amazon step and hope I can win this book.
    thisbookforfree@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I did the steps requested ( great review by the way )
    ambersplace@otelco.net

    ReplyDelete
  6. Makes me think of my stepdaughter, who lives in Alaska! Read the review & indicated that I found it helpful. Email: agelessjen@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I completed step 1
    sandy1955 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for entering! Can you please leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you win?

      Delete
  9. Hi!
    I completed step 1!
    Thanks for the chance!
    ~Mippy :)
    bunnysmip (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I completed the first step. Checked yes this review was helpful. This book looks like a good read.
    Me4Wrest@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very good review, Ethan. I've heard good buzz about this book and your review helped to confirm that. I hope you've found some people to talk about books with--though I get a great deal of pleasure out of reading, it's also good to be able to share my thoughts and reactions and learn how other people feel.

    abeck01@snet.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations to Barb, Mippy, and Khairu! They will each receive a copy of The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Thanks to the publisher for making this giveaway available, and thanks to all who entered. Be sure to check this site for future giveaway opportunities.

    ReplyDelete

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