The Snow Child

by Eowyn Ivey
The Snow Child cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 3028
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780755380534
  • Publisher: Headline Review
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Snow Child is a bewitching tale set in the remote Alaskan wilderness of the 1920s. Jack and Mabel, seeking a fresh start, find themselves grappling with the harsh realities of homesteading and the lingering pain of a lost child. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a mysterious little girl appears on their land, sparking wonder and unease. The story, inspired by a Russian fairy tale, unfolds with vivid clarity and a sense of magical realism, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. Eowyn Ivey's novel is a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and has captivated readers with its enchanting narrative and richly drawn characters. The Snow Child is an instant classic that seamlessly blends the harsh beauty of the Alaskan landscape with the profound emotions of its characters, creating a timeless and hauntingly beautiful story.

Reviews
Once Upon a Bookcase · 2014-12-07
wonderful 4.25

The Snow Child is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story full of love and wonder, leaving a lasting impression.

The reviewer finds The Snow Child to be an absolute wonder, a story that is both heartbreaking and full of hope. It's a tale that doesn't offer easy explanations but instead invites readers to immerse themselves in its emotional depth. The characters and their journey leave a lasting impression, making it a book that resonates long after the final page.

Quick quotes

    The Snow Child is an absolute wonder.

    It's a heartbreaking story, but one full of hope and love.

    It's not a story of explanations, it's one of emotional depth and resonance.

Never Imitate · 2014-11-30
profound 4.50

The story is a profound exploration of grief and survival, with a touch of magical realism. The characters' journey is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

The reviewer sees The Snow Child as a deeply moving story that delves into themes of grief and survival, set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. They appreciate the blend of realism and magic, which adds a layer of intrigue and wonder to the narrative. The characters' struggles and eventual growth are portrayed with sensitivity, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant read. The reviewer finds the balance between heartbreak and hope to be particularly well-executed.

Quick quotes

    The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey, is a story of grief and survival.

    It tells the tale of Mabel and Jack who have moved to Alaska to make a fresh start.

    The blend of realism and magic in the story is both captivating and poignant.

The Guardian · 2012-02-24
evocative 4.00

The novel is deeply atmospheric, immersing readers in the wilderness of Alaska. The story's melancholy and hardship are palpable, creating a poignant experience.

The reviewer highlights how Eowyn Ivey's debut novel is steeped in the raw and untamed atmosphere of the Alaskan wilderness, making it feel almost real. They appreciate the deep emotional resonance and the way the hardships faced by the characters permeate the narrative, creating a moving and melancholic tale. The story's ability to evoke a sense of place and emotion is particularly noted, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The Snow Child, her debut work, is so saturated with wilderness atmosphere that you almost feel you've been there yourself.

    The novel is a beautifully melancholic tale that captures the essence of isolation and the human spirit.

    Ivey's writing is evocative and poignant, drawing readers into a world that is both harsh and beautiful.

The Tattooed Book · 2011-12-26
heartwarming 4.75

This modern fairytale is one of the most beautiful and heartwarming stories, despite its occasional heartbreaking moments. It is a tale that lingers in the mind long after reading.

The reviewer describes The Snow Child as a modern fairytale that is both beautiful and heartwarming, even in its more heartbreaking moments. They find the story to be deeply moving and emotionally rich, with a blend of warmth and sorrow that makes it unforgettable. The reviewer appreciates the way the narrative weaves together elements of magic and reality, creating a tale that is both enchanting and poignant. They highlight the story's ability to stay with the reader long after the final page, making it a truly memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This modern fairytale is most definitely one of the most beautiful and heartwarming (and occasionally heartbreaking) books I have ever read.

    The story is a blend of magic and reality that is both enchanting and poignant.

    The Snow Child is a tale that lingers in the mind long after reading.

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