This article was previously published on www.myingmag.com. ing Magazine is Michigan State University’s student-run publication covering life, arts, entertainment and more.
Winter is often referred to as a time of quiet reflection; for some, the season can evoke melancholy, and for others, hope. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey perfectly captures this haunting ambiance of winter in which characters grapple with both love and loss.
“She knew the snow and it carried her gently… She knew the land by heart.”
Inspired by a Russian folktale, The Snow Child transports readers to the haunting Alaskan wilderness in 1920, where characters Jack and Mabel hope to heal and start anew. Despite loving each other unconditionally, they are burdened with memories of their stillborn baby, which causes them to drift apart. After the first snowfall, they decide to build a child out of snow together.
“Sculpted in the white snow were perfect, lovely eyes, a nose, and small, white lips. She even thought she could see cheekbones and a little chin…How could she speak her surprise?”