Customer Reviews

The Veil of Snows

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was read Swan Lake when I was the age of the little girl in the story, and waited for years for a sequel not knowing that there would be one. I loved the idea of a sequel, and I loved being able to live in the world that Mark Helprin created for little longer, but I thought that the social commentary he was making through the Tookisheims detracted from the main theme of the book and made it less timeless. I would never advise anyody not to buy it, I think that the whole trilogy should be part of everyone's library, but my first love will always be Swan Lake, although if I come across a deep blue jar at a garage sale someday, I will pick it up as tribute to the memory of these wonderful stories.

In "Veil" Mark Helprin and Chris Van Allsburgh offer up a mythic tale which, while dark, will disturb and delight readers of all ages (though the elegant, sometimes labrynthine prose style will probably appeal more to older, more sophisticated readers). This book (as well as its predecessor, "A City In Winter,") is no doubt destined to become a classic, both to fans of fantasy and of children's literature for its moving story and its religious/philosophical themes.

Van Allsburgh's illustrations, while charming, are not essential to the understanding of the story, often interrupting the imaginitave "flow" of the prose itself. However, younger readers will still appreciate the bright, colorful images.

With this title, Mark Helprin has solidified his reputation as one of, if not the, premier American fantasists, a reputation which began with the mythic "Winter's Tale." It will remind Helprin fans why they are fans to begin with, and is no doubt destined to create some new ones.

Oh, it should have been stunningly beautiful and creative like the first two books. Instead, it was a truly depressing and 2nd rate end to the trilogy. While clearly others disagree, both my sister and I (we both love Swan Lake and A City in Winter) agree that it would have been better to have never read this ending. Trust me on this...there is no redeeming feature of this 3rd book that warrants you marring the beauty of the others. You'll be missing out on nothing but disappointment and lackluster gloom.

This story has the feel of a children's classic. Helprin's words bring forth such rich imagery that the superb illustrations by Van Allsburg are really the icing on the cake. Though it is technically geared to ages 9 and up, it is a wonderful read aloud and the perfect segue for a parent-led discussion on good vs. evil, everyday virtues, etc. Much of the book can be compared to current events without being preachy or overbearing.

I immensely enjoyed reading all three of the books in this trilogy by Mark Helprin. Great books to use for vocabulary lessons! Wonderfully visual and unusual descriptions. My favorite part of Veil of Snows was the little speech the queen gives an insufferable Tookesheim (a family of poppish,idiotic members who consume themselves with absaloutly nothing most of the time) about all of the realness she has tasted in her life. It was great! Read it:)

A simply incredible book of hard-to-find wonder. Unlike some of the others, my husband and I liked the Tookyshiem parts best. The queen's speech against them was a classic. At least that's my opinion. A gem of a book. They should reprint the prequels!

This book appeared the summer before my third year of college; my mother and I read it aloud to each other while we moved me out of the house, expecting entertainment, but finding so much more than only that. The prose is simply incredible, and I don't know that I've encountered such exquisite writing anywhere else. I'm entirely disappointed that the prequels are out of print.

The Veil of Snows is a terrific read with a story that works on several levels. Helprin's prose is pure poetry. In a far different way he covers some of the same ground George Elliot did in Animal Farm. The Veil of Snows is a story of the human condition; of the loss of hope, and its unexpected return; and, finally, of the loss of loved ones, and our belief in the hereafter. This novel, along with its companion volume, A City in Winter, will stay with you long after you put them down.

I, too, found this book fascinating and couldn't put it down. The story is enhanced greatly by Van Allburg's ability to capture, enhance and crystalize the image of the text. This story is for adults or to be read out loud to older children who enjoy a good tale.

Poetic prose with a bittersweet tone throughout. Adults should enjoy this one, perhaps even more than children... I fell in love with the Queen and couldn't put the book down until I was done.