The Snow Child

A bewitching tale of heartbreak and hope set in 1920s Alaska.

Jack and Mabel have staked everything on making a fresh start for themselves in a homestead 'at the world's edge' in the raw Alaskan wilderness. But as the days grow shorter, Jack is losing his battle to clear the land, and Mabel can no longer contain her grief for the baby she lost many years before.

The evening the first snow falls, their mood unaccountably changes. In a moment of tenderness, the pair are surprised to find themselves building a snowman - or rather a snow girl - together. The next morning, all trace of her has disappeared, and Jack can't quite shake the notion that he glimpsed a small figure - a child - running through the spruce trees in the dawn light. And how to explain the little but very human tracks Mabel finds at the edge of their property?

Written with the clarity and vividness of the Russian fairytale from which it takes its inspiration, THE SNOW CHILD is an instant classic - the story of a couple who take a child into their hearts, all the while knowing they can never truly call her their own.

“A magical, heartbreaking story... gorgeous. - Marie Claire It's the harsh beauty of the landscape that gives this stunning first novel its unique shape and atmosphere. - The Times It is an exceptional book that deserves to melt millions of hearts. - Sunday Express A story about finding love in unexpected places... full of fire and ice. - Financial Times”

A magical, heartbreaking story... gorgeous. - Marie Claire

It's the harsh beauty of the landscape that gives this stunning first novel its unique shape and atmosphere. - The Times

It is an exceptional book that deserves to melt millions of hearts. - Sunday Express

A story about finding love in unexpected places... full of fire and ice. - Financial Times

Named after a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Eowyn Ivey currently works at an independent bookstore in Palmer, Alaska. Before that, she was a reporter and editor for the Frontiersman newspaper. Eowyn lives in Alaska with her husband and two daughters. THE SNOW CHILD is her debut novel.

A bewitching tale of heartbreak and hope set in 1920s Alaska.Jack and Mabel have staked everything on making a fresh start for themselves in a homestead 'at the world's edge' in the raw Alaskan wilderness. But as the days grow shorter, Jack is losing his battle to clear the land, and Mabel can no longer contain her grief for the baby she lost many years before.The evening the first snow falls, their mood unaccountably changes. In a moment of tenderness, the pair are surprised to find themselves building a snowman - or rather a snow girl - together. The next morning, all trace of her has disappeared, and Jack can't quite shake the notion that he glimpsed a small figure - a child - running through the spruce trees in the dawn light. And how to explain the little but very human tracks Mabel finds at the edge of their property? Written with the clarity and vividness of the Russian fairytale from which it takes its inspiration, THE SNOW CHILD is an instant classic - the story of a couple who take a child into their hearts, all the while knowing they can never truly call her their own.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.