Book Recommendation: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Today I've got another book recommendation for you, and its the perfect addition to cosy up to on these chilled winter's evenings. I read The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey a couple of years ago now and I'm currently a third of a way through it for the second time, which just goes to show that I enjoyed this as I only read books more than once if they're particularly good.

The Snow Child is set in 1920s Alaska, and I feel that the storytelling of the harsh, freezing conditions of where it takes place are particularly what make this story so vivid. The descriptions of the setting are so realistic in places that it almost leaves you with a shiver - definitely one to take to bed with a hot water bottle and a candle burning nearby! The narrative focuses around two characters, a married couple in their struggle to start a new life somewhere and escape the reality that they are unable to conceive a child together. However the unexpected presence of a child that arrives with the freshly fallen snow changes things forever for the couple.

In addition to the vivid descriptions of the snowy Alaskan land , what also makes the story is the fragile, sadness of the characters. You can really feel the lifetime of heartache in each page and at times it makes for a very touching story. Despite the sadness there is also an overwhelming feeling of hope to the story and it takes on an almost fairy tale like edge to it with the mystery of the little girl in the snow, you are often left asking is she real or is she some magical creature? This book is ultimately about survival and keeping the hope alive when all else is against you. Its also about family and love and what becomes of love after the saddest of outcomes.

I really love this story as its almost like a fairy tale in a way with its magical twists and turns that leave you turning the page for more. Its a very moving, sweet tale of a family formed from unexpected circumstances. And because of its snowy setting it really is quite a lovely book to read in the winter.

QOTD: What are you reading at the moment?