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The Secret of Snow
Tina Harnesk | Alice Menzies (Translator)
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2026
Atria Books
304 Pages
Amazon | Goodreads | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Multicultural Interest
This book wasn’t just poignant; it was also very charming. It’s a Swedish debut novel about the ways life unexpectedly has your paths cross. It’s set in a remote mountain town in Sweden. The story is about Máriddja, an older woman who has recently gotten news about a serious illness. She is trying to find someone to look after her husband, Biera, after she passes away, all while trying to keep her diagnosis a secret from him. In alternating chapters, we also have the story of Kaj, who has recently moved to the small town. He is grieving his mother’s death and finds a box of crafts while going through her belongings. This is when he learns that he has a connection to the town he didn’t know about.
This is a story that has a lot of heart at its core, humour, and a tiny touch of magic. The story deals with themes of grief, love, and learning about one’s background and culture. This was such a pleasure to read. It was heartfelt and witty, while at the same time, profound. It is literary fiction at its finest. This is more than just a book; it’s like a warm drink after shovelling the snow. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and to learn about their past, Norrbotten, Sweden, and the Sami people. It’s the characters that carry this story, but I have to compliment the writing style and translation as well. I loved the way the author balanced the sad parts of the story with moments of humour. If you’re looking for something set in winter, with unique people, and a read that is beautifully written, this debut will tick all the boxes. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
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