“The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey is a novel that tells the story of an older couple living in the Alaskan wilderness, who are struggling with the pain of not being able to have children. One winter’s day, they build a child out of snow, and the next day, the snow child is gone, but they begin to see a young girl in the woods. The story is a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Snegurochka,” or “The Snow Maiden.”
The novel is a beautiful blend of historical fiction and magical realism, and it was shortlisted for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. The story is full of symbolism and allegory, and it explores themes of loss, love, and the beauty of nature. The character of the snow child represents the couple’s desire for a child, and the wilderness represents the harsh reality of their situation. The novel is a poignant reminder of the power of imagination and the importance of hope, even in the darkest of times.
Overview of ‘The Snow Child’
“The Snow Child” is a novel by Eowyn Ivey that was published in 2012. The book is based on a Russian fairy tale called “Snegurochka,” which means “The Snow Maiden.” The story is set in Alaska in the 1920s and follows a childless couple, Jack and Mabel, who are struggling to survive on their homestead.
One winter’s night, they build a child out of snow, and the next day the snow child is gone. But soon after, they start seeing a young girl in the woods who seems to be living off the land. The girl, named Faina, becomes a regular visitor and brings joy and hope into Jack and Mabel’s lives.
The novel is a mix of historical fiction and magical realism, with themes of love, loss, and the power of nature. It explores the idea of parenthood and the lengths people will go to have a child. The book has been well-received by critics and readers alike, with many praising Ivey’s writing style and the vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness.
The Allegorical Nature of ‘The Snow Child’
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey is a novel that is rich in allegory. The story of a childless couple who create a daughter out of snow, only to have her come to life, is a metaphor for the power of imagination and the human desire for companionship.
The character of Faina, the snow child, represents the wild and untamed spirit of nature. Her presence in the lives of Jack and Mabel, the couple who create her, brings them closer to the land and to each other. In this way, Faina is a symbol of the healing power of nature and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.
The novel also explores the themes of loss and grief. Jack and Mabel are struggling to come to terms with the death of their child, and the creation of the snow child is a way for them to cope with their loss. Faina represents the hope that they can find a way to move forward and find happiness again.
Character Analysis and Allegory
The Snow Child is a novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the power of imagination. The characters in the novel are complex and nuanced, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The protagonist, Mabel, is a woman who has suffered a great loss in her life. She is struggling to come to terms with the death of her child and the resulting strain on her marriage. Throughout the novel, Mabel undergoes a transformation as she learns to let go of her grief and embrace the beauty of the world around her.
The character of Faina, the snow child, is a symbol of the power of imagination. She represents the idea that anything is possible if one is willing to believe in it. Faina is a mysterious and otherworldly character who brings joy and wonder into the lives of those around her.
The character of Jack, Mabel’s husband, is a symbol of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges he faces, Jack remains optimistic and determined to make a better life for himself and his family. He is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
Themes and Symbols
“The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey is a novel that explores various themes and symbols throughout its narrative. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Themes:
- Family: The novel explores the theme of family in various ways, from the loss of a child to the creation of a new one. Mabel and Jack’s journey to create a family of their own is a central theme of the novel.
- Nature: The Alaskan wilderness is a significant theme in the novel, representing both beauty and danger. The novel explores the relationship between humans and nature and how they can coexist.
- Identity: The novel explores the theme of identity through the character of Faina, who is both a wild and free spirit and a vulnerable child. The novel also explores the identity of Mabel and Jack as they face challenges and grow throughout the narrative.
Symbols:
- The Snow Child: The snow child is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. It represents the possibility of creating something beautiful out of nothing and the power of imagination.
- The Fox: The fox is a symbol of freedom and wildness. It represents the untamed nature of the Alaskan wilderness and the spirit of Faina.
- The Homestead: The homestead is a symbol of both opportunity and isolation. It represents the chance for a new life and the challenges that come with living in a remote and harsh environment.
Interpretations of the Ending
The ending of “The Snow Child” has been interpreted in various ways. Some readers believe that the snow child, Faina, is a magical being who returns to the forest, leaving Jack and Mabel to mourn her loss. Others interpret the ending as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death, with Faina representing the natural world and Jack and Mabel representing humanity.
One interpretation is that Faina is a symbol of hope and renewal. Her presence in Jack and Mabel’s lives brings them joy and happiness, and her disappearance represents the fleeting nature of these emotions. This interpretation suggests that Faina is a magical being who embodies the spirit of the forest and the changing seasons.
Another interpretation is that Faina is a symbol of the natural world and its cycles of birth, growth, and decay. In this view, Faina represents the renewal of life in the spring and the inevitable return of winter and death. This interpretation suggests that the novel is a meditation on the human relationship with nature and the need to accept the cyclical nature of life.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey is set in 1920s Alaska, a time when the state was still a territory and not yet a state. During this time, many people were drawn to Alaska by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act of 1862. This act allowed people to claim land and establish farms, but it was a difficult and often dangerous way of life. The harsh winters and isolation made life in Alaska challenging, especially for those who were not used to the extreme conditions.
The novel also draws on the Russian folktale of Snegurochka, or The Snow Maiden. This folktale tells the story of a childless couple who create a daughter out of snow, who comes to life and brings them joy. The Snow Child takes this folktale and reimagines it in the Alaskan wilderness, creating a story that is both familiar and new.
The Snow Child also explores themes of grief, loss, and the power of nature. The characters in the novel are struggling with the loss of a child and the challenges of living in a harsh environment, and the magical elements of the story serve as a way of coping with these struggles. The novel also depicts the beauty and power of nature, and the way that it can both inspire and terrify those who live in it.
Comparisons to the Russian Fairy Tale
“The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey is a retelling of the Russian folktale Snegurochka, also known as The Snow Maiden. The story follows a childless couple in 1920s Alaska who build a child out of snow, which later comes to life. The novel has several similarities and differences with the original story.
In the Russian folktale, Snegurochka is the daughter of Father Frost and the Spring Beauty. She is born from a childless couple’s desire for a child and is made entirely of snow. Similarly, the couple in “The Snow Child” builds a child out of snow and wishes for it to come to life. However, in the novel, the child is not a direct creation of Father Frost, and her origins are left unexplained.
Another difference between the two stories is the setting. Snegurochka takes place in a traditional Russian village, while “The Snow Child” is set in the wilderness of Alaska. The novel also explores themes of survival, isolation, and the harsh realities of living in a remote area.
Despite these differences, “The Snow Child” stays true to the heart of the original folktale. Both stories explore the longing for a child and the magical possibilities that come with it. The novel also incorporates Russian folklore and traditions, such as the use of a banya (a traditional Russian sauna) and the celebration of Maslenitsa (a Russian festival).
Critical Reception and Reviews
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey has received critical acclaim since its publication. NPR describes it as “a first novel by a native Alaskan journalist and bookseller named Eowyn Ivey, suggests that if you face winter head-on, you might find a heartwarming tale.” The Guardian praises Ivey’s elegant writing, which contrasts with the rough places she describes, and depicts the cold and wild beauty of the Alaskan frontier as much of a character as Mabel and Jack.
The Bibliofile notes that The Snow Child is based on the Russian folktale, Snegurochk, which means “Snow Maiden,” about a couple who build a child out of snow. The review praises Ivey’s ability to bring the story to life, stating that “The Snow Child is a beautiful and haunting novel that explores the complex relationships between parents and children, the power of nature, and the human desire for connection.”
The Literary Edit describes The Snow Child as a thought-provoking and haunting tale, delicately written with such prowess that it’s hard to believe it’s Ivey’s first novel. The review notes that the cold and wild beauty of the Alaskan frontier is as much of a character as Mabel and Jack, making it the perfect evening read as the British winter fast approaches.
BookBrowse praises Ivey’s ability to create a story that is both magical and realistic, stating that “The Snow Child is a magical and deeply moving novel about love, loss, and the possibility of miracles.” The review also notes that the novel is a lovely allegory for parenthood, with Faina’s mysterious provenance scarcely upstaging the miracle of cells becoming a child.
Influence on Modern Literature and Storytelling
“The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey has had a significant impact on modern literature and storytelling. The novel’s unique blend of historical fiction and magical realism has inspired many contemporary writers to explore similar themes in their works.
One of the most notable influences of “The Snow Child” can be seen in the emergence of the genre known as “folklore fantasy.” This genre combines elements of traditional folklore with modern storytelling techniques to create a new and exciting form of literature.
In addition, “The Snow Child” has also helped to popularize the use of magical realism in contemporary literature. This literary technique, which involves the use of magical or supernatural elements in otherwise realistic settings, has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to the success of novels like “The Snow Child.”