Publisher Description

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.

Notes

Paperback edition of the bestselling novel set in 1920s Alaska, featuring a couple who long for a child, and build a snow girl who comes to life. A beautifully designed package, it takes its inspiration from a Russian fairytale. 'This book is real magic, shot through from cover to cover with the cold, wild beauty of the Alaskan frontier.' Ali Shaw

Author Biography

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.

Review

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

Promotional

THE SNOW CHILD was an international bestseller in hardback and paperback (over 350,000 copies sold in the UK alone), and went on to win Eowyn Ivey the International Author of the Year award at the 2012 National Book Awards

Long Description

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.

Review Quote

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

Promotional "Headline"

The magical, internationally bestselling debut novel from Eowyn Ivey, THE SNOW CHILD is a fairy-tale for adults that brings the Alaskan landscape to unforgettable life.

Description for Sales People

A novel which explores both a childless couple's longing for a child and their experience of learning to love, and also to let go of, the little girl who comes unexpectedly into their lives, this is an unusually insightful and deeply moving exploration of what it means to be a parent

Details