MovieChat Forums > Smilla's Sense of Snow (1997) Discussion > 'Smilla's Sense of Snow' by Peter Hoeg

'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

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Hello SlowRain -- based on your comments on the Constant Gardner, we seem to have some favorite authors in common.

I read Smilla's Sense of Snow after watching the movie on TV. I wasn't crazy about the movie, but I bought the book in hopes of understanding more about the relationship of Denmark to Greenland etc. I was surprised how much I fell in love with the writing, given that the novel was translated into English. Peter Hoeg must be a remarkable writer in his own language, if he translates so lyrically in English!

I agree about the overly complex plot. But overall I enjoyed the book tremendously -- and Hoeg gets credit for what was good about the movie (and shares none of the blame for what is so silly in the movie, including some of the painfully awkward acting and editing . . . .)

Clementine: I'm a vindictive little bitch, truth be told!

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I saw this movie several years ago, and while there were things I didn't like, I just couldn't bring myself to dislike it as a whole. There is a user here on IMDb's Books board who reads at a fairly high level who liked this book, so I gave it a try. I'm glad I did.

I really enjoyed the work he put into Smilla's character and how he used her past to explain the culture and lifestyle of Greenland. Considering that he is Danish, I felt he was quite objective regarding his views of Greenland, as well as using Smilla's views of Denmark to complete the picture.

His narrative is lyrical, as you said, and very well thought out. While other authors may add fluff to carry a scene, he packed every sentence he could with commentary. The story moved fast, but it was quite a bit to digest.

It seems we both agree on this one that the book was better. Seeing as we both like le Carré and this book, do you have any other recommendations?

The only second chance you get is to make the same mistake twice. - David Mamet

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Peter Høeg and Smilla's Sense of snow was ridiculously overrated in Denmark when it came out.
There are many problems with the book - there are plot holes and the characters are not credible at all. It's also blatant exploitation of a particular group of readers - middleaged politically correct left-wing women, who identify with (female, "native", intuitive, natural, moral) Smilla and of course loathe the (male) villain.

Even clever play with stereotypes is still stereotypes, and that's what this book is - and that's why it sux.

The movie is even worse, the acting's awful, the direction is wobbly and unsure and - worst of all - it's just plain boring.

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I'm not sure I agree with your post, but I'd be interested to know more about the plot holes and non-credible characters. I felt the plot was overly complex, and a bit contrived (Ravn's daughter, Andreas Fine Licht), but I couldn't find any holes. The only character that I felt wasn't properly fleshed out was Smilla's father and his motives for loving and staying in Greenland with her mother.

I'm neither a woman nor left-wing, so I'm not sure that your stereotype works, either. I think the author's using a woman served a two-fold purpose: to attract female readers; and Smilla represents Greenland and it's relationship with the sea of Danish (men).

The only second chance you get is to make the same mistake twice. - David Mamet

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I fully agree with your comments on these subjects, I have been haunted by this book since i read it a week after it came out in english and find myself thumbing through it and his other works constantly. Excellent storyteller and brilliant book, if you havent read it , its a must. P.S. I liked the movie though it was a little bland compared to the book, but hey what wouldnt be.

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I'm reading the book now and I have to say that I love the humour in it, there is a certain type of humour which only scandinavians possess.

"If you label me you erase me" - S.Kierkegaard

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What other novels have you read by him? I'd be interested to know what some of his other good ones are.

Plus, if you haven't already done so, I recommend reading Martin Cruz Smith's Arkady Renko novels about a Russian police investigator. Smith has a very similar style to Høeg.

The only second chance you get is to make the same mistake twice. - David Mamet

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I agree with what you said in point number 4 as some of the events didn't seem to directly affect the story. However, I think some of the things you complained about are what I would refer to as his strengths. There are so many writers out there who just rush through the story; I liked that he took his time and put above average effort into developing the characters, plot, and themes. As far as the item you're referring to in point number 3, that's just Smilla's character, not necessarily the author's weakness; it's completely in her character to say something like that.

I don't think this is the kind of novel that would appeal to a Dan Brown fan. I also didn't feel it read like a screenplay as he has too detailed of a narrative and too many themes going on for it to simply be a screenplay.

The only second chance you get is to make the same mistake twice. - David Mamet

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Interesting that we should be touching on Dan Brown here as an example of "the opposite" of "Smilla's Sense of Snow" - I have only managed to read one Dan Brown Book (the one with the incredibly powerful encryption breaking computer) and I found it hastily and carelessly slapped together. Indeed, quite the opposite of "Smilla."

So I do agree that the audiences for the two story telling styles probably don't intersect much ;-)

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off topic a bit-but a film/picture book titled 'The Making of Smilla's Sense of Snow' came out when the movie was released

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I enjoyed his most recent book, The Quiet Girl, so I should just stick to reading the book of this movie, then?

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