The Snow Queen
The Snow Queen
Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2000s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in Bushwick, Brooklyn, in 2004, Michael Cunningham's The Snow Queen follows Barrett Meeks, Tyler Meeks, and Tyler’s fiancée Beth Miller as they navigate Barrett's spiritual experience, Beth’s terminal illness, and Tyler’s struggles with addiction and his dwindling musical aspirations amidst relationship challenges and personal quests for meaning. Topics that may be sensitive to some readers include substance addiction, terminal illness, and infidelity.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
8,020 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Michael Cunningham's The Snow Queen received praise for its poetic prose and layered characters, exploring profound themes of love and redemption. Critics appreciated its introspective narrative but noted its occasionally meandering plot. The novel's emotional depth fascinated some while leaving others desiring a stronger storyline. Overall, it offers a contemplative, if sometimes uneven, read.
Who Should Read The Snow Queen?
A reader who enjoys The Snow Queen by Michael Cunningham likely appreciates introspective and character-driven narratives. Fans of Cunningham's earlier work, The Hours, and those who admire the emotional depth in Marilynne Robinson's Gilead or the intricate family dynamics in Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections, will find this novel compelling.
8,020 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Snow Queen is the seventh novel by Michael Cunningham, who is also known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Hours.
The title The Snow Queen is an homage to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of the same name, though Cunningham's novel explores contemporary issues and relationships.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
272
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2000s
2014
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!