Reviews

Ice: 50th Anniversary Edition by Anna Kavan

tregina's review against another edition

4.0

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked this up, but it definitely wasn't the story of a stalker on the cusp of an apocalyptic ice age. It was chilling on both those levels, in the tenseness of the environment and in seeing through the eyes of a man with an obsession. Intensely atmospheric and possessing an almost terrifying sense of urgency and imminent violence from both man and nature.

a_o's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kerenbooks's review against another edition

mysterious

4.0

thestoryofaz's review

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

5.0

Reading this is not enough, I need to get into Anna's mind. This was revolutionary...beyond genius, ahead of all time. 

casey2022's review

challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

zaineandherbooks's review against another edition

mysterious

4.0

empoi's review against another edition

4.0

Well written story that goes all over the place. I'm not sure I understand it all and most likely never will. The relationships in this book are forever colored by the impending doom of the ice approaching. 

The main character is never as nice as we think him to be. Only in the last chapter does he look in the mirror and realizes he is part of the problem. Only then does the girl at the center of everything find respite.

margaridascarlos's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

reflectiverambling_nalana's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It is clear to see how this story has had such longevity. The tonality and voice is reminiscent of some of the most prominent voices in sci-fi mid 20th century. But with the same stark imagery and vivid description, baffling to some extent, comes the same patronizing traits that came with what we now see being the echoes of toxic masculinity. Strange, of course, as this is a female author who chose to make our nameless female the objectified in her story. And yet, this only adds to its allure. 

What is so striking and lasting about this novel is that it is a commentary of fixation, obsession. it is using the tool that was used against women of the time to highlight the contrast of how people and characters were handled. It is not only the world that is hard, decaying, and murky, but each of the characters is awash in grey-- traumatized, effected by their own hubris and surrender. 

Also as astounding is the foresight Kavan had in what we now see as a rise in climate fiction. Not only in impending possible doom of a planet, but her commentaries and assumption of how the world governments and different populations would respond --how much goes ignored because people don't like to look at hopeless things-- is absolutely eerie. 

While I can't say I adored this, I certainly see the craft within. 

gu4n's review against another edition

3.0

This will haunt me for a while. Probably even better on a second read.