Eowyn Ivey's The Snow Child is widely praised for its lyrical prose and evocative depiction of the Alaskan wilderness. Readers appreciate the enchanting fairy tale elements woven into a tale of grief and hope. However, some find the pacing uneven and elements of the plot predictable. Overall, it is celebrated as a magical and heartfelt debut.

Fans of richly atmospheric and emotionally resonant stories will enjoy Eowyn Ivey's The Snow Child. Similar to books like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, it captivates readers drawn to magical realism, folklore, and the deep emotional landscapes of its characters.

In 1920s Alaska, a childless couple, Jack and Mabel, struggling with grief, build a snow child during the first snowfall. They are mystified when the snow child disappears, and they begin to see a mysterious girl, Faina, who visits them in winter but returns to the woods each spring. Over time, Faina's presence helps them heal, despite her ultimate disappearance. Sensitive topics include stillbirth and grief.

Mysterious / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Fantastical / Contemplative

- Eowyn Ivey was inspired to write The Snow Child after reading the fairy tale "Snegurochka," a Russian folktale about an elderly couple who create a child out of snow.
- The novel was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2013, highlighting Ivey's debut effort as a remarkable achievement in the literary world.
- The Snow Child draws on Ivey's own experiences of living in Alaska, which helped her create its vivid and immersive setting.

**Mabel**  
A woman grappling with profound grief after a stillborn pregnancy, who moves to Alaska with her husband seeking solace in isolation and the wilderness. Over time, she begins to heal and open her heart, confronting the impermanence of life's moments.

**Jack**  
Mabel's husband, who supports her dream of moving to Alaska while quietly dealing with his own grief over their lost child. He is committed to making their new life a success, forming strong bonds with others as he navigates his emotions.

**Faina**  
A mysterious and resilient young girl who appears to be adapted to the harsh wilderness and strikes a deep connection with Mabel and Jack. Her presence leads to significant personal growth for both.

**Garrett Benson**  
A young man who finds solace in nature, similar to Faina, and becomes deeply involved in the lives of the main characters. His journey involves learning the balance between independence and community.

**George and Esther Benson**  
A kind and supportive couple who provide essential aid and companionship to Mabel and Jack during their frontier years. Through their actions, they embody resilience and compassion amidst the challenges of wilderness life.

Eowyn Ivey

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Novel

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Before You Read

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

The Snow Child Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-10

The Snow Child Part 1, Chapters 4-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-13

The Snow Child Part 1, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 14-20

The Snow Child Part 2, Chapters 14-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 21-27

The Snow Child Part 2, Chapters 21-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 28-35

The Snow Child Part 2, Chapters 28-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 36-44

The Snow Child Part 3, Chapters 36-44 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 45-52

The Snow Child Part 3, Chapters 45-52 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 53-54

The Snow Child Part 3, Chapters 53-54 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue

The Snow Child Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Snow Child Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

The Snow Child Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Snow Child Important Quotes

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The Snow Child

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