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annajgvs's review against another edition
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
yulie's review against another edition
5.0
In the last few years, I've been spending a lot of time with my mother. She came to Australia three decades ago and holds onto some very traditional values, speaks English incredibly haphazardly, and I've always felt the cultural barrier between us has been insurmountable. Still, after a rough set of rebellious and frustrating young adult years from myself, I've finally learned to establish a loving mother-and-daughter relationship with her on my own terms, although so many aspects of it still feel stilted. My values and what gives me meaning rarely aligns with my mother's views of the same, and our ideas of love are vastly different, although we've finally reached our own understandings of each other. As a result of this life history of mine, this book immediately captured me.
Cold Enough for Snow has such a palpable quality to it that draws you in within the very first few pages. It's meditative and melancholy, yet generous at the same time to its subjects. The book is thick with atmosphere, evocative, and written so elegantly -- it's beautiful. It's a short read and entirely deserving of one's time, and leads to a lot of introspection on how we define love, as well as our relationships with ourselves and others. If you also happen to be a second generation immigrant that has a complex, loving relationship with your mother, you'll be drawn into it that much more.
Cold Enough for Snow has such a palpable quality to it that draws you in within the very first few pages. It's meditative and melancholy, yet generous at the same time to its subjects. The book is thick with atmosphere, evocative, and written so elegantly -- it's beautiful. It's a short read and entirely deserving of one's time, and leads to a lot of introspection on how we define love, as well as our relationships with ourselves and others. If you also happen to be a second generation immigrant that has a complex, loving relationship with your mother, you'll be drawn into it that much more.
junemoonbaby's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars rounded up!
the atmosphere and writing is absolutely incredible. some parts actually had me reading them over and over because of how much they resonated with me (genuinely felt too seen like Au was in my walls at those points). it's a remarkably immersive work that takes you on a fascinating journey full of art, memories, childhood, and relationships with the unreliable narrator who herself describes her mother who's travelling along as an apparition.
it did, however, take me three days to get through this tiny novella, making it apparent that it is long-winded without a lot of substance. certainly an artistic choice but it made me a bit agitated at times, so overall, a book you can read when you want to pace and lose yourself into gorgeous scenery.
the atmosphere and writing is absolutely incredible. some parts actually had me reading them over and over because of how much they resonated with me (genuinely felt too seen like Au was in my walls at those points). it's a remarkably immersive work that takes you on a fascinating journey full of art, memories, childhood, and relationships with the unreliable narrator who herself describes her mother who's travelling along as an apparition.
it did, however, take me three days to get through this tiny novella, making it apparent that it is long-winded without a lot of substance. certainly an artistic choice but it made me a bit agitated at times, so overall, a book you can read when you want to pace and lose yourself into gorgeous scenery.
christinefolan's review against another edition
3.0
Beautiful prose, but I couldn’t help but feel as though this would have made for a powerful narrative essay rather than a novella. It dragged at some points and seemed to lose track of what it was meaning to say.
lehnachos's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Perfect on every level. Mother-daughter relationship. Meandering through the city. Meditation on inner worlds. About art and looking at art. Quiet, reflective novels really are my favorites.
tessaloes's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
ohrayleigh's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
babbit_rabbit's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lavrendy's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet novella with the kind of quiet, observant prose that reminds you to appreciate the little things! And also your mom and everything she’s been through for you