I completed a book tag a few weeks ago where I was asked if I had a treasured book and I was hard-pressed to choose one, ask me again today and I’ll tell you I do have one and it’s called Seas of Snow. I think there’s quite a lovely story behind me reading this book, for me anyway. This book was published by Unbound, a crowding funding publisher, and I pledged towards the publication of this book, however, when it arrived I was scared to read it. I’d convinced myself I loved it before it was even published, even promoting it in several of my blog posts; so, when it arrived I was so nervous in case I didn’t enjoy it. I delayed reading it for so long, my nerves even transferred to the author who was anxious to hear my thoughts. Eventually I plucked up the courage to read it….
From the inside cover:
1950s England. Five-year-old Gracie Scott lives with her Mam and next door to her best friend Billy. An only child, she has never known her Da. When her Uncle Joe moves in, his physical abuse of Gracie’s mother starts almost immediately. But when his attentions wander to Gracie, an even more sinister pattern of behaviour begins.
As Gracie grows older, she finds solace and liberation in books, poetry and her enduring friendship with Billy. Together they escape into the poetic fairy-tale worlds of their imaginations.
But will fairy tales be enough to save Gracie from Uncle Joe’s psychopathic behaviour – and how far will it go?
My Thoughts:
Seas of Snow is exceptional.
Lyrical. Haunting. Emotive. Devastatingly beautiful.
“She couldn’t bring herself to call him uncle – that would have been as much a lie as calling this house a home.”
Forgive me, I’m about to get all caught up in my feelings. I don’t want to elaborate too much on the book description above as I think it says all you need to know before reading this one. I will briefly say, there are many strands to this story: the friendship of Gracie and Billy, uncle Joe’s reign of terror upon everyone he meets, Gracie’s hope that one day this terror will end, her seeking comfort in poetry and at a young age trying to make sense of evil. Importantly, we also see [an older] Billy attempt to make sense of the unspeakable horrors his best friend endured. Seas of Snow is emotionally intense and will take you through a range of emotions; anger, hatred, sadness, pity, sorrow, happiness, and most strongly – the longing to save a child. And that child is Gracie, an innocence so mercilessly destroyed, you heart aches. Even the title of this book is emotionally charged – ‘seas of snow’ is a haunting metaphor and you need to read this book to find out why.
With descriptive writing of physical and sexual abuse, this brutally honest book lays bare to us the violent acts of one man with evil at his core. There’s also so much unsaid in these encounters and this makes this book even more emotionally charged, almost like it’s too painful to say it. At times, this book was so emotionally charged, I had to pause reading to put the pieces of my heart back together, that’s how powerful Jenning’s writing is. And the plot twists were shocking and heart-stopping! So cleverly written, so realistic, if it weren’t for Gracie’s happy moments with her mum and Billy, I may just have been a quivering wreck. Seas of Snow grabs not only your full, undivided attention but your heart too, and it never loosens its grip.
The contrast of how happy Gracie is when she is with Billy compared to the viciousness of Joe – prose-wise this book reads with the beauty of a fairy tale, but the content is much bleaker. Jennings has crafted a dark tale of what happens when evil is a part of your family, in the 1950’s, families did not speak out and seek help, Seas of Snow is the consequences.
This is a book that when you read the last pages, it’s not the end, you stay thinking about this one – a very special book that I highly recommend everyone reads regardless of your genre preferences. This book crosses genres; it is a literary work of art. I give Seas of Snow the highest praise, the thought-provoking nature, the look at the darker side of humanity, the honesty in the narration, the depth of the plot, the emotional connection to the extremely well-developed characters, the intelligent plot twist, the poetry, the rare beauty in so much sadness.
A book I will forever treasure.
This book is available to buy from: Amazon UK / Book Depository
Stunning review Janel x
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Thank you, a special book 💜
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It certainly is and there’s lovely stationary to match 😉
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There is indeed lol
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Amazing review Janel! Even reading your review has my heart beating a little faster.. I hope to get a copy in the future and look forward to getting my emotions in a twist !
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I really hope you get a copy too, without a doubt, one of my best reads of the year so far! And yes, be prepared to feel all ‘the feels’ lol
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Fantastic review Janel; I must put this on my radar!
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Thanks Chelsea, yes you must get a copy *and push it to the top of your TBR* it’s worth it x
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Loving the review! You’re not helping me keep the TBR pile at an acceptable level at all…
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Haha sorry (not sorry) this book is so worth adding to the pile (and moving straight to the top!) x
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Wow, awesome review! I’m going to check this one out:)
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Oh Renee definitely do (alongside Block 46) this is the only other book I’ve read this year that I think everyone, regardless of genre preference, should read. It’s such a powerful book!
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Terrific review. I haven’t heard of this book, but you’ve certainly made me want to read it.
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Then my mission has been accomplished lol. I hope you do give it a read x
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I really like the sound of this book, yet another to add to my (ever-growing!) wish list! Fantastic review, Janel x
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Thanks Jo. We’ve got a system now, you add to my tbr, in return I add to yours lol x
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😂 Love it! Wouldn’t change it for anything x
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Fabulous review! This book seems full of contrasts, happiness/sadness, power, so many emotions and a beautiful writing! I’m really happy you weren’t disappointed!
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Thanks, can you tell I absolutely adore this book. Lol. I’m pledged towards another book on Unbound so I hope it’s as good as this one!
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I love the personal element of this book for you. And I’m glad it worked out – sounds like a great book!
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Thank you, I do think that makes me loving it that little bit more special 😊 hopefully I’ll have the same good luck with the other book I supported on Unbound x
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Superb review, it really makes me want to read this despite the tough topic!
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It’s so worth it, it is a tough topic but so well written!
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