A winning combination of intriguing mystery and tender love story
I’ve become a great fan of Elisabeth Gifford’s previous books having read and enjoyed The Sea House, The Lost Lights of St Kilda and my absolute favourite, The Good Doctor of Warsaw. I’m pleased to say A Woman Made of Snow incorporates all the elements I’ve enjoyed in the earlier books – fascinating period settings, atmospheric locations, a combination of mystery and love story, and a cast of well-crafted characters. I mean, what more do you want in a work of historical fiction?
The book moves back and forth in time between 1949 and a century earlier. Caroline (Caro) is trying to balance the demands of motherhood with her desire for independence and to navigate the increasingly tricky relationship with her mother-in-law, Martha. Her counterpart in the earlier timeline is facing a similar conflict between the expectations of society and her desire for personal freedom. Her affection for a member of the Gillan family, destined to remain unrequited, nevertheless inspires a loyalty that will remain undiscovered for years.
For me, the standout sections of the book were those set in the Arctic aboard a whaling ship. These positively oozed atmosphere, capturing both the beauty of the scenery and its inherent dangers – the intense cold, the risk of frostbite or of ships becoming icebound or even crushed in the shifting ice. It also introduced me to a way of life I had limited knowledge of before, about which I’ll say no more so as not to spoil your enjoyment of the story.
Those who enjoy the mystery element of a story will be gripped by the gradual accumulation of clues to the identity of the body found in the grounds of Kelly Castle. Mirroring the research that goes into writing a work of historical fiction this involves diaries, letters and photographs. However prepare to be surprised when the answer is finally revealed, and to find yourself a little tearful at the end of the book.
As well as being an intriguing mystery and a touching love story, what I enjoyed about the book was the way it also explores more serious issues such as prejudice, inequality, and social class. A Woman of Snow is another thoroughly absorbing read from the pen of Elisabeth Gifford.
The book moves back and forth in time between 1949 and a century earlier. Caroline (Caro) is trying to balance the demands of motherhood with her desire for independence and to navigate the increasingly tricky relationship with her mother-in-law, Martha. Her counterpart in the earlier timeline is facing a similar conflict between the expectations of society and her desire for personal freedom. Her affection for a member of the Gillan family, destined to remain unrequited, nevertheless inspires a loyalty that will remain undiscovered for years.
For me, the standout sections of the book were those set in the Arctic aboard a whaling ship. These positively oozed atmosphere, capturing both the beauty of the scenery and its inherent dangers – the intense cold, the risk of frostbite or of ships becoming icebound or even crushed in the shifting ice. It also introduced me to a way of life I had limited knowledge of before, about which I’ll say no more so as not to spoil your enjoyment of the story.
Those who enjoy the mystery element of a story will be gripped by the gradual accumulation of clues to the identity of the body found in the grounds of Kelly Castle. Mirroring the research that goes into writing a work of historical fiction this involves diaries, letters and photographs. However prepare to be surprised when the answer is finally revealed, and to find yourself a little tearful at the end of the book.
As well as being an intriguing mystery and a touching love story, what I enjoyed about the book was the way it also explores more serious issues such as prejudice, inequality, and social class. A Woman of Snow is another thoroughly absorbing read from the pen of Elisabeth Gifford.