Reviews: (by author)

(2 Reviews)

Lynn, Tracy. Snow. New York: Simon Pulse, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-4015-9. $5.99.

Reissue. First reviewed in 2003.

Lynn’s contribution to the Once Upon a Time series, a retelling of “Snow White,” is somewhat atypical of the sequence. Whereas most of the other books in the series relate only tangentially to the fairy tale being adapted, Snow follows the basic storyline of the Grimms’ famous tale.

The birth of Jessica precipitates her mother’s death. As a result, Jessica’s heartbroken father, a duke of Wales, cannot look at his daughter without resentment or pain of the loss resurfacing. Jessica enjoys a happy childhood, however, thanks to the love and guidance she receives from the servants on the estate.

Jessica’s happiness ends when her father remarries. At first, the new stepmother Anne appears to be a stern woman who has Jessica’s best interests at heart. But as Jessica matures, Anne becomes envious of her youth and beauty. The situation turns more precarious for Jessica when Anne asks the famous question, “who in this land is the fairest of all?” The servant named Alan (who has a truth spell cast on him) is forced to answer that Jessica is the fairest. Enraged, Anne locks Jessica away in the castle for over two years. During that time, Anne performs experiments, containing both magical and scientific elements, for the purposes of regaining her youthful beauty and producing a male heir.

With each failed attempt in her endeavors, Anne becomes increasingly desperate. She eventually decides the only way to succeed in her plans is to eat Jessica’s heart. Fortunately for Jessica, Alan learns of the plan and warns his friend in time for her to escape.

Jessica flees to London and assumes a new name that matches her complexion—Snow. Being unwise to the ways of the world, Snow is promptly robbed. Snow’s luck improves, however, when she stumbles upon five outcasts who allow her to stay with them in exchange for cooking and cleaning. The Lonely Ones, as they call themselves, become the family Snow always yearned for.

Just as Snow finds contentment and a budding romance with a Lonely One named Raven, Snow’s stepmother tracks her down in London. By all appearances, Anne is repentant and eager to make amends for her wrongdoings. But can Snow trust her stepmother?

Overall, Snow makes for an enjoyable read. The plot is engaging and some of the characters are memorable. The strongest aspect of the novel, however, is Lynn’s fine use of setting. Snow is set in Victorian England, and the time and place permeates all aspects of the book, including dress, mannerisms, and societal conventions. The latter is a particularly intriguing aspect, as Lynn provides social commentary on gender expectations and class issues that adds complexity to the characters and their actions. These strengths make up for some uneven pacing and a few underdeveloped characters. Snow is a worthy addition to the Once Upon A Time series.

Kira Hall, June 2007

Lynn, Tracy. Snow. New York: Simon Pulse, 2003. $5.99. ISBN: 0-689-85556-7.

Lynn presents a novel length retelling of "Snow White." Much like the traditional story, it is one of a daughter searching for parental love and acceptance. Jessica (Snow) never knew her own mother, who dies in childbirth. Thus, when her father remarries during Jessica's adolescence, the young girl is anxious to please her stepmother. At first, her new mother, Anne, seems willing to oblige Jessica and teaches her how to be the duchess everyone expects her to be. However, Anne has a dark side--her fascination with scientific experiments has the castle whispering that their new mistress is a witch. Jessica defends her new mother, but finds it difficult to continue as time passes, and Anne's experiments become increasingly mysterious and frightening.

As Anne becomes more desperate to have her own child, Jessica learns her life is in danger and must flee before she becomes part of Anne's terrifying experiments. She finds herself in London, taken in by a group of misfits, who call themselves "The Lonely Ones." With the Lonely Ones, Jessica just may have a chance to find the family she has always wanted, but her stepmother is not finished with her quite yet. Snow presents a great interpretation of the tale, which tweaks the old version enough to offer something new for lovers of the traditional tale, or simply an enjoyable read for admirers of fantasy in general.

Highly recommended.
K.C., June 2003

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