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?

Book Recommendation | The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

Something a little different today on my blog, I'm bringing to you a book recommendation. I made a promise to myself that I would read more often once I finished my studying and its been so nice to pick up books that I actually enjoy and want to read for a change. I thought that I would write a few recommendations of books that I particularly enjoy and so I definitely knew that I would have to share my thoughts on Jojo Moyes' latest one which is called The One Plus One.

Having read a lot of Jojo's other books and loving them (particularly Me Before You) when I read the blurb of this latest one I've got to be completely honest it didn't entice me in as much as some of her others have done in the past. However I don't really pay too much attention to blurbs and I went ahead and got it as soon as I saw it in paperback which was around the summer time.

I had a few other books to read first but I started The One Plus One after my holiday so the end of September earlier October. One of the biggest mistakes I've made with Jojo's books in the past is that I read them too quick - I've finished most of the others over the space of a weekend and so this time I wanted to make this one last. Making this book last is harder than you would think especially when you enjoy it and its difficult to put down so its an accomplishment in itself that this book lasted me so long! Anyway onto what I think about the book...

You can read what the book is about from the link I've left above but its basically based on four characters who, as always with Jojo's characters are all totally likeable and relatable to. I always feel like I'm losing a friend once I finish one of her books as I become so hooked up and emotionally attached to the characters. I would say that the main themes of the book are family, relationships, love and hope. The chapters switch between narratives, which is a quality I've come to love in Jojo's books, so basically each new chapter will tell the story of events from a different character's perspective. This keeps things fresh and interesting in the way it hops from the point of view of say Jess a grown up woman to Nicky a teenage boy.

I'm really glad that I didn't let my initial feelings on the blurb put me off reading this book because I really enjoyed it. The One Plus One made me laugh out loud in places, it warmed my heart, gave me a lump in my throat and basically ticked all the boxes of an all round satisfying read. I was sad to finish this and hope that Jojo has another one on the way for us soon! Definitely a book to snuggle up with this winter and read if you haven't already.

 

QOTD: What book are you reading at the moment?