A story that's got so much going on, you'll want to read it over and over again, no matter how old you get!
check_circlePros
- The story is rich in symbolism and has a depth that's perfect for readers of all ages.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
- The writing is beautiful and evocative, with descriptions that'll make you feel like you're right there in the snow-covered landscapes.
- The themes of love, kindness, and redemption are timeless and universal, making this a story that'll resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
- The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat and eager to find out what happens next.
- The world-building is incredible, with a richly detailed and immersive setting that'll transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment.
cancelCons
- Some of the language and cultural references may be outdated or unfamiliar to modern readers.
- The pacing can be a bit slow in some sections, which may make it difficult to stay engaged.
- The characters' motivations and actions can be a bit confusing at times, which may make it hard to follow the plot.
- The themes of love and redemption can be a bit heavy-handed at times, which may feel like a bit of a slog.
- The story relies heavily on tropes and cliches, which may feel a bit predictable and formulaic.
- The ending can be a bit abrupt and unsatisfying, which may leave readers feeling a bit let down.
Editor's Summary
I've got a soft spot for 'The Snow Queen' by H.C. Andersen, and it's not just because I'm a sucker for a good winter read. There's something magical about this classic tale that's hard to put into words. It's a story that's got so much going on, you'll want to read it over and over again, no matter how old you get! From the beautiful descriptions of the snow-covered landscapes to the emotional depth of the characters, this book has it all. If you're looking for a story that'll transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment, look no further than 'The Snow Queen'. With its timeless themes of love, kindness, and redemption, this book is perfect for readers of all ages who love a good winter read, especially those who enjoy classic tales and fairy stories.", "pros": ["The story is rich in symbolism and has a depth that's perfect for readers of all ages.", 'The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.', "The writing is beautiful and evocative, with descriptions that'll make you feel like you're right there in the snow-covered landscapes.", "The themes of love, kindness, and redemption are timeless and universal, making this a story that'll resonate with readers long after they finish the book.", 'The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat and eager to find out what happens next.', "The world-building is incredible, with a richly detailed and immersive setting that'll transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment.", "The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of fast-paced and slow-burning sections that keep you engaged.", "The characters' motivations and actions are well-explored, making it easy to understand their decisions and actions."], "cons": ['Some of the language and cultural references may be outdated or unfamiliar to modern readers.', 'The pacing can be a bit slow in some sections, which may make it difficult to stay engaged.', "The characters' motivations and actions can be a bit confusing at times, which may make it hard to follow the plot.", 'The themes of love and redemption can be a bit heavy-handed at times, which may feel like a bit of a slog.', 'The story relies heavily on tropes and cliches, which may feel a bit predictable and formulaic.', 'The ending can be a bit abrupt and unsatisfying, which may leave readers feeling a bit let down.', 'Some readers may find the story's themes and symbolism a bit too complex or dense.', 'The book's length may be a bit daunting for some readers, especially those who prefer shorter stories.'], "faq": [{"question": "What makes 'The Snow Queen' such a timeless tale?", "answer": "The story's themes of love, kindness, and redemption are universal and timeless, making it a tale that'll resonate with readers long after they finish the book."}, {'question': 'Who is the target audience for this book?', 'answer': 'This book is perfect for readers of all ages who love a good winter read, especially those who enjoy classic tales and fairy stories.'}, {'question': 'What are some of the key themes and symbols in the story?', 'answer': 'The story explores themes of love, kindness, and redemption, and features symbols such as the snow queen, the mirror, and the forest.'}, {'question': 'How does the writing style contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story?', 'answer': "The writing is beautiful and evocative, with descriptions that'll make you feel like you're right there in the snow-covered landscapes."}, {'question': 'What are some of the key plot twists and turns in the story?', 'answer': 'The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat and eager to find out what happens next.'}, {'question": "How does the story's world-building contribute to the overall experience?", 'answer': "The world-building is incredible, with a richly detailed and immersive setting that'll transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment."}, {'question': 'What are some of the key characters and their motivations?', 'answer': 'The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.'}, {'question": "How does the story's pacing affect the overall experience?", 'answer': 'The pacing can be a bit slow in some sections, which may make it difficult to stay engaged.'}, {'question': 'What are some common criticisms of the book?', 'answer': 'Some readers may find the story's themes and symbolism a bit too complex or dense, and the pacing can be a bit slow in some sections.'}], "meta_title": 'The Snow Queen: A Timeless Tale of Love and Redemption', "meta_description": "Join Gerda on a journey to find her best friend Kai, who has been kidnapped by the Snow Queen. A timeless tale of love, kindness, and redemption that'll capture your heart at any age.", "og_title": 'The Snow Queen: A Timeless Tale', "og_description": "Join Gerda on a journey to find her best friend Kai, who has been kidnapped by the Snow Queen. A timeless tale of love, kindness, and redemption that'll capture your heart at any age.
Specifications
Hello everyone! I'm so glad it's winter. There's nothing like curling up with a good book by the fire.
As for me, I've got a few favorite winter reads that I just can't get enough of. My kids love "The Nutcracker" by E.T.A. Hoffmann, "The Little Donkey of Maria" by G. Selin, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C. Lewis, "Christmas in the Pettersons' House" by S. Nurdquist, "Christmas Mystery" by Yu. Gorder, "Silver Skates" by M. Dodge, "Christmas Carol" by C. Dickens, and of course, "The Snow Queen" by H.C. Andersen.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more amazing books out there.
Unfortunately, I don't have time to read them all, but they're all on my bookshelf, waiting to be picked up and devoured.
My recent gift purchase for a very special person got me thinking that I need to re-read "The Snow Queen" - and the illustrations in one of the scenes he drew.
"The Snow Queen", H.C. Andersen. The Snow Queen - a classic, really. You know, I always thought that H.C. Andersen wasn't just a children's author. I mean, his stories are timeless, and they deal with universal themes that are relevant to people of all ages.
He wasn't exactly planning to write children's books, but that's how he's remembered. And that's a shame, because his stories are so much more than just children's tales.
They're complex, multi-layered, and they deal with real issues that we all face. And that's why I think they're perfect for reading at any age.
Take "The Snow Queen", for example. It's a story that's been captivating readers for almost 200 years now. And it's still just as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1844.
"The Snow Queen", H.C. Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A. ArchipovaAndersen was a deeply religious man, and his stories reflect that. But most of us only know the censored versions of his tales, because they were heavily edited during the Soviet era to remove any references to faith. And that's a shame, because the original stories are so much richer and more meaningful.But even censored, these fairy tales still carry a good and timeless message. However, when you read the full version, it's always more interesting: the meanings hidden by the author are revealed, and the causes and events become clearer.
Even non-religious people shouldn't be afraid of Andersen's original versions – they don't look like religious sermons in their original form.
The story I'm talking about is no exception. They cut out all the psalms, prayers, and mentions of Christ...
Honestly, I only know one children's edition where the story is presented in full. It's a book from the "Good Book" publisher with illustrations by Christian Birmingem. If you know any others, please let me know in the comments!
I really like Christian Birmingem's illustrations, but his style is too recognizable. It's almost too recognizable... And his characters come out a bit too... Barbie-like, I guess. Too doll-like and idealized... And if you put the portraits of his people from different stories side by side, you'd probably struggle to tell who's from which story...
We have one book with his illustrations at home (Andersen's "The Little Mermaid"). It's beautiful, but I decided to stop there with this artist (although, who knows, maybe I'll want to go back to him later).
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian AndersenSnow Queen is a story we have at home in three books.Two of them have illustrations and came from the distant 80s, from our childhood. One is from the "Children's Literature" publisher, 1986, with illustrations by A.Archipova (mine), and the other is from the "Artist of the RSFSR" publisher, 1987, with illustrations by V.Alfeevsky (my husband).
Both have a cut text..., and I really wanted the kids to hear the full version.
So, I first printed out the full translation, read it to them, and then bought a collection of Andersen's stories in their full version. But there are no illustrations in that one.
"Fairy Tales. Stories." Hans Christian Andersen. Astra Publishing House, 2010I have to read and examine them separately.
From our editions, I, and my daughter, prefer the book from my childhood (with Archipova's illustrations).
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's Literature, 1986, ill. A.ArchipovaThis style of illustrations is more to my liking and is more pleasant. The characters are very gentle and charming.The heroes here are very delicate, but naturalistic. And the Snow Queen is cold and beautiful, but not endearing, rather strict. She reminds me of an ancient statue made of white marble.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Детская литература, 1986, илл. А.АрхиповойThese illustrations don't scare me or my daughter. Even the trolls (they're also called devils) here are depicted in a way that doesn't draw attention to themselves.My daughter always asks me not to show her pictures where they're more frightening, she says they're unpleasant.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.АлфеевскогоThese illustrations by V. Alfeyevsky are not her favorite, although I think they're more comical than scary with those beaks. But kids' perception is different.
It's even worse, in my opinion, when these characters are depicted as cute and fluffy troublemakers (I've seen such illustrations...)
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Детская литература, 1986, илл. А.АрхиповойArchipova's illustrations have soft colors, pleasant and calm faces, old-fashioned clothes, and a unique atmosphere of a Danish town with tile roofs. The main focus is on the characters and their figures. It's like being in a magical mist or fog. It all immerses the reader in the depths of time, in a good fairy tale.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.АлфеевскогоAlfeyevsky's illustrations are also good in their own way. He has his own style and way of depicting things.They're a bit vintage with bright, clear contours. Contrasting colors are used. The figures are angular, with many details, and the focus is more on the atmosphere surrounding the characters, the dynamics.
It's actually great when kids see different illustrations. It shows that each person has their own vision of the world, their own perception, and their own way of conveying it. Every view is valuable if it's constructive. Why not?
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.АлфеевскогоOur books have seen a lot in their time, so now they're not in the best condition. My husband's unfortunate edition has even become a victim of a herbarium... It has black spots of mold from wet leaves (and probably not just from them)...
Alfeyevsky and Archipova are not the only ones who illustrated this work. To be honest, I haven't found an edition with illustrations that I'd like to buy to add to my collection. There are very beautiful ones, but none that really move me...
It's all a matter of taste, of course. Each person has their own preferences.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Детская литература, 1986, илл. А.АрхиповойBut I'm getting back to the fairy tale.Everyone knows it, so I won't go into too much detail.
The magical fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a girl named Gerda going to the Snow Queen's kingdom to save her best friend Kai. Along the way, she'll meet a prince and a princess, a young outlaw, and other heroes from the world of fairy tales.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.АлфеевскогоThe main characters, Kai and Gerda, are a boy and a girl who've been friends since childhood. They spend their days together. It seems like nothing can ever separate them or make them stop loving each other.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Детская литература, 1986, илл. А.АрхиповойBut at some point, Kai leaves with the Snow Queen to her icy kingdom, and Gerda sets out to find him.
The writer says that a shard of the evil troll's mirror got into Kai's eye, making him become stubborn and disagreeable. And it's true, we all have a shard of that devilish mirror inside us that will eventually show its not-so-great qualities. But the question is, will we give in to it and believe what it's showing us?
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.АлфеевскогоKai was teasing everyone, breaking his favorite things, and stopped being friends with sweet Gerda.
But if you remember boys around that age, they tend to act just like that during the pre-teen years.
Those sweet boys, who were so kind and gentle, ready to kiss flowers and look at picture books, change right before your eyes and become somewhat unpleasant roughnecks who don't want to play with little girls anymore because their interests have changed.
His mind becomes practical and pragmatic. Kai likes exact sciences (math, physics), and he starts noticing what's hiding behind beauty.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.АлфеевскогоIn reality, there's no contradiction in Kai changing his interests. It's not that science contradicts philosophy or faith. It's just that adolescent maximalism doesn't allow a person to find the necessary harmony between these two directions, making it tough for a teenager, but they'll still complain about it.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Детская литература, 1986, илл. А.Архиповой Gerda's left with no choice but to go find Kai, who's still got a special place in her heart. And in the story, it's not just mental - it's physical too.
Honestly, I've seen this happen to a lot of girls I know - they get prickly and push away the people they used to love. Maybe back in Andersen's time, puberty was a different beast.
And let's be real, the story's gotta have some kind of resolution. Everyone knows that a specific story isn't the only way things could've gone down.
Gerda's got a long way to go and a lot to learn before she can find Kai and melt his heart.
Gerda, of course, is heartbroken that Kai's not with her anymore. She's convinced he'll never come back - he's practically dead to her. But he's not dead, and she knows it. So she sets out to find him.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.Алфеевского Gerda gives up her brand-new red shoes to the river - it's a pretty clear metaphor for her growth. She's leaving behind the comfort of childhood and the material things that brought her joy. Gerda's taking a different path now, one that's all about love and selflessness.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Художник РСФСР, 1987, илл. В.Алфеевского Along the way, she stumbles into a beautiful, enchanted garden, tended by a woman with magical powers. The woman wants Gerda to stay with her forever, never thinking about Kai or her own destiny.
The garden's so stunning that Gerda (with a little help from the old woman) is tempted to forget everything and stay in this world of beauty and refinement.
"Снежная королева", Ганс Христиан Андерсен. Детская литература, 1986, илл. А.Архиповой But something's missing in this perfect paradise... There's no life here, no matter how beautiful it is. Roses, which she and Kai used to love so much and mentioned in their favorite psalm, remind her of everything. And she sets off to find Kai once again.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArkhipovaNext up - the prince and princess's castle. It's so cozy and warm there, everyone's kind and generous. You can learn a lot. And end up in a world of fantasy in the end. But Gerda realizes that's not what she needs.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArkhipovaIn the forest, she gets caught by thieves and meets a little bandit. The girl's spoiled, gets everything she wants right away, surrounded by cute, mute animals that do her bidding.
Gerda doesn't want to stay there, but how can she leave with the little girl's wrath?
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Artist of the RSFSR, 1987, ill. V.AlfeevskyMaybe the little bandit would've turned out just as cruel as the people around her eventually. But the main heroine manages to melt her heart.
I notice that even Little Bandit decided to leave this world, although everyone catered to her every whim and allowed her to do whatever she wanted. Why didn't she become happy here...
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArkhipovaThrough Gerda's example, she clearly saw the desperation and abnormality of her situation, where there's no love or true joy. She doesn't have anyone she'd want to stay with. The little bandit goes out to explore the world, searching for a place where she'll be happy.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Artist of the RSFSR, 1987, ill. V.AlfeevskyThe world of the Lapland and Finnish woman is mysterious and very cold, where live wise women who want to help Gerda.The northern reindeer asks to give the girl the strength of 12 heroes, but the Finnish woman replies:
Is that really of any use?
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArkhipovaAnd indeed, rough male strength and even their bravery aren't what she needs. Ancient cults won't help her either. What she needs is inside her. What she put in her heart a long time ago, as a child, listening to her grandmother reading the Gospels and singing psalms and prayers.
She makes a bold move, but it's reckless, like she's throwing caution to the wind, without any hope of human intervention. She throws off her warm clothes... and leaves nothing behind.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Artist RFSFR, 1987, ill. V.AlfeevskogoAnd finally, in the Snow Queen's palace Gerda stops being strong and just cries, showing her softness and love, compassion. And it's exactly that which melts all the obstacles and ice.
It's worth noting that in the original, Gerda doesn't just save Kai on her own, relying only on her own strength (what could she have hoped for in a Soviet abridged version?), but by praying, calling on the almighty God for help. And it's her meekness that ultimately saves the hero.
It's exactly in this that her strength lay - being truly weak and acknowledging it (what a paradox of Christianity).
What made Gerda go after Kai? Of course, it's love in the broadest sense of the word. And this love permeates her entire journey. Love gives rise to kindness and reciprocated love in the hearts of those she meets. And the world around her becomes more beautiful and better.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArpivovaIn the fairy tale, the understanding of love as a feeling between a man and a woman (which is what Kai and Gerda ultimately become) beautifully blends with the Christian concept of love in general.
"The Snow Queen", AndersenThe Psalms and the mention of prayers don't overwhelm the fairy tale and don't make it overly religious, they simply explain where Gerda's love comes from, which can melt even the biggest ice blocks. In my opinion, the original version is much richer and more beautiful, making you look deeper into this story.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArpivovaAs for the language of writing, the Russian version is, of course, primarily the result of the translators' hard work. My books in the translation of A. Ganzhen (also belonging to the translation of the complete version) and T.Gabbe and A.Labarskaya. Both translations are pleasant and good. They don't cause any contradictions between themselves.Andersen accurately captures many everyday moments and beautifully conveys the moods and characters through them. His language is beautiful and truly fairy tale-like. It's not overloaded with any concepts or excessive wordiness. It's all in moderation. Reading is easy and enjoyable.
You know, it's interesting that in this fairy tale, the forces of evil (the Snow Queen) are served not by black crows (which you'd find in many other stories), but by fussy, clueless white chickens...
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArchipovaThe Snow Queen does a great job of showing that evil, no matter how great and appealing it seems, "progressive" and full of science, brings only suffering and cold (spiritual). It's because Kai gave in to evil and followed it that everything happened, not because he wanted to learn about science.The Snow Queen isn't just a wicked sorceress to be defeated physically. It's a symbol of someone who's infinitely far from God and tries to drag others into their world, not to share joy or a piece of their soul, but to keep them in a state of perpetual suffering, searching for an answer to a haunting question and never finding it.
On the other hand, goodness and love bring peace and happiness. Being around someone like that transforms the world and other people. And it's no coincidence, because God is Love. Where people put Him first, it's warm and easy.
And it's the anticipation of Christmas and the "infant Jesus" that runs through this entire story. It's this event that can defeat death and the eternal cold that the Snow Queen represents.
Notice that in the fairy tale, she's not defeated once and for all. Gerda and Kai leave her castle, but for others like Kai, she's still a threat.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Artist of the RSFSR, 1987, ill. V.AlfeevskyActually, if you read the fairy tale carefully, you can find a lot of interesting ideas, from everyday to philosophical. The fairy tale weaves together many motives from mythology to Christianity (and one doesn't contradict the other, but rather confirms the main idea of the author). And to see the depth and multi-layeredness of the work, it's worth reading the full text.
Adaptations, even good ones, lose the main message of the fairy tale and its depth. Although, of course, they're still good stories that teach good things and are fun to watch.
"The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen. Children's literature, 1986, ill. A.ArchipovaIt would be great if they published the book with my favorite Archipova illustrations and the full text of Hanschen.
I highly recommend Andersen's fairy tales for reading by children and adults of any age (in their original form!). And "The Snow Queen" is no exception.
Thanks for checking out my review! Hope you enjoyed the read and maybe even found some new inspiration.
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