'Smilla's Sense of Snow' by Peter Hoeg
This is the first book that I have read by Danish author Peter Hoeg. The story centers around the apparent accidental death of a young boy and a woman’s determined pursuit of what really happened.
The first thing to say is that most of the things stated in this review about Peter Hoeg can equally be said of Martin Cruz Smith, another very distinguished thriller writer. The style of writing, plot development, mystery, and themes discussed are so similar between these two authors that I’m sure they must share the same reader base.
His narrative, while short and abrupt at times, is laced with vast quantities of information and social commentary. Each sentence packs a noticeable punch, the impact hitting home the author’s well researched observations. The non-linear flow and the numerous flashbacks paint a vivid picture of life in Greenland as compared to Europe, help us understand the many facets of snow and ice, and entertain us with a wonderful plot.
The character of Smilla - loner, social outcast, brilliant mathematician, expert on all things frozen - is quite remarkable. Any doubts at first as to why she pursues this investigation or if she is really capable of it are soon cleared up as we discover more about her past experiences that have built her resilient character.
Using this mysterious plot and the character of Smilla, the author discusses the plight of Greenlanders - which is the plight of all indigenous cultures in history - and their struggle to maintain their identity against the encroachment of the West, one’s isolation, the lust for recognition, etc. One can’t help but feel that Smilla’s dealings with Europeans are representative of all Greenlanders’: necessary for continued survival but interwoven with a measure of distrust.
One of the things I didn't care for was the overly complex plot, which is more evident in the early chapters. The feeling was similar to David Mamet’s last two movies, Heist and Spartan: one too many plot twists. I also felt that the ship voyage, while menacing and stressful, was a little too easy.
I would recommend this novel first and foremost to fans of Martin Cruz Smith, as it reads like a combination of his own Gorky Park and Polar Star, with slightly more emphasis on character. I would also recommend this to other thriller readers, and even some sci-fi fans as it has some speculative fiction elements to it.
The only second chance you get is to make the same mistake twice. - David Mamet