The Snow Queen by Michael Cunningham Audio Book
One of the best things about an audio book is the voice of the book. The author crafts a perfect, engaging story and the reader brings it to life to the audience in such a way that you become a part of the story as well. This new audio book I received for review combines in depth story and a great reader to tell a story, not soon forgotten.
The Snow Queen by Michael Cunningham
Audio CD
Publisher: Macmillan Audio; Unabridged edition
Publication Date: May 6, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1427233387
Synopsis: A darkly luminous new novel from the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Hours
Michael Cunningham’s luminous novel begins with a vision. It’s November 2004. Barrett Meeks, having lost love yet again, is walking through Central Park when he is inspired to look up at the sky; there he sees a pale, translucent light that seems to regard him in a distinctly god-like way. Barrett doesn’t believe in visions—or in God—but he can’t deny what he’s seen.
At the same time, in the not-quite-gentrified Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, Tyler, Barrett’s older brother, a struggling musician, is trying—and failing—to write a wedding song for Beth, his wife-to-be, who is seriously ill. Tyler is determined to write a song that will be not merely a sentimental ballad but an enduring expression of love.
Barrett, haunted by the light, turns unexpectedly to religion. Tyler grows increasingly convinced that only drugs can release his creative powers. Beth tries to face mortality with as much courage as she can summon.
Cunningham follows the Meeks brothers as each travels down a different path in his search for transcendence. In subtle, lucid prose, he demonstrates a profound empathy for his conflicted characters and a singular understanding of what lies at the core of the human soul.
The Snow Queen, beautiful and heartbreaking, comic and tragic, proves again that Cunningham is one of the great novelists of his generation.
My Thoughts: Everyone has perfect parts in their life as well as flawed parts of their life. I think it depends on the people around you that determines what is flawed and what is not. The story is a complex one about a family in transition – and pain – and how each of them deals with life as it is handed to them.
Two brothers that have become very close despite their difference in age and the ill girlfriend make up this family the author writes about. Within a family unit there is support and care and the brothers certainly learn that they are there for each other through their ups and downs in life. They need each other as they search for who they are and what they are supposed to become in this life. (I think we all have a bit of that in us…)
Each person has fears and strengths and the author crafts a deeply detailed story that takes us through their lives – the changes in it; their strengths and fears; trials and tribulations. What is unique about this book is the extreme detail in feelings, bits of humor and searching for who we are.
The story is an interesting study of the human psyche and the reader, Claire Danes, really makes this audiobook. Not a story I would normally read/listen to, but the further you get into the storyline, the more compelled you are to find out how this family makes through it all. The author is highly skilled and weaves an interesting story that will suck you in and then Ms. Danes takes this book to a new level.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.