The Snow Child
by Eowyn Ivey.
A fairy story threading through the grim reality of life in the 1920's Alaskan wilderness for new arrivals Jack and Mabel.
Some described this as a book of two halves whereas others didn't see the join, and for us all it was a great read.
- Atmospheric with wonderful descriptions of mountains, frozen lakes and wildlife in the beautiful snow covered landscape
was described in stark contrast with Mabel's depression as she reflects on her life, her relationship and the now seemingly fool hardy decision to move 100s of miles from home to live in this desolate place.
Unresolved grief has left a wedge between the couple leaving husband Jack feeling lonely too as he tries to work out solutions to their desperate poverty, unable to see how they can survive.
We are introduced to other characters, all well written and believable with each having a significant contribution to make,
to not only show Jack and Mabel the survival skills for the wilderness and making a making a good life for themselves but also the coming to terms with the loss of a baby at birth.
We have the wonderful Esther, a solid earthy and strong character contrasting with the tantalizing sprite like Faina, who dances into Mabel's life - is she real? is she a figment of the imagination?
is she a bit of wishful thinking? - or is Mabel taking refuge in her childhood memories, of her father telling bedtime stories...
all is revealed as life in Alaska starts to change and we are drawn into the developing friendships and events in this well-structured debut novel from Eowyn Ivey.
The Snow Child is an excellent read, ' I didn't want it to end' ' I didn't want it to end badly'.
It exceeded expectations and scored a magnificent four and half shiny ones.
SB
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