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Snowfall: A Novel of Secret Loves, Hidden Lives, and British Class Divisions For Children
In a finely written novel of adventure and romance, K. M. Peyton presents an engaging cast of characters who choose not to be bound by the conventions of their time. As the small group of friends become intricately bound to and dependent on each other, they confront British class divisions, dangerous adventures, and the challenge of their hidden lives—and secret loves.
343 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 1994
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300 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Peyton
109 books149 followersKathleen Wendy Herald Peyton MBE, who wrote primarily as K. M. Peyton, was a British author of fiction for children and young adults
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 5, 2022
I absolutely adore K.M. Peyton and am focused on trying to read all of her books. She is a prolific author so I have a lot to find and read but it's an enjoyable process. She really excels at creating vivid characters that leap off the page, but the places and time come alive too, in a way that is quite magical. This one has a fair dose of horses, which I always enjoy, though there is also a focus on climbing mountains in the Alps. This was just as interesting, as was the fascinating tale that sprang from that initial trip.
As always happens with Peyton's writing, I was completely swept up in the story -- I could have read hundreds more pages with these characters. The brief Part Two that concluded the story was brilliant and I lay awake for ages after I finished reading, going back over the story and the way it all came together. She really is amazing!
As always happens with Peyton's writing, I was completely swept up in the story -- I could have read hundreds more pages with these characters. The brief Part Two that concluded the story was brilliant and I lay awake for ages after I finished reading, going back over the story and the way it all came together. She really is amazing!
December 20, 2010
Seldom do I find a book that I feel is just about perfect, but Snowfall definitely fits the criteria. Set in Victorian England, it tells the story of a girl who had nothing: no freedom, no opportunities, nothing, but still finds a way to forge a path for herself through life.
Charlotte, an orphan who has long lived with her grandfather, is to be wed to a man she doesn't like (let alone love)when she finds a way out of it by telling her grandfather that she has been invited to spend some weeks with respectable friends of her mountain climber brother's, while in reality, she tags along with him on his next expedition. There she meets the other climbers and is soon caught up in their world, growing to care about each of them as if they were her own family.
Told with the perfect amount of danger, tragedy, romance,humor and happiness, Snowfall explores human relationships and delves into how, if we're not careful, we can become bound to other people, so that we couldn't leave them if we wanted to.
Charlotte, an orphan who has long lived with her grandfather, is to be wed to a man she doesn't like (let alone love)when she finds a way out of it by telling her grandfather that she has been invited to spend some weeks with respectable friends of her mountain climber brother's, while in reality, she tags along with him on his next expedition. There she meets the other climbers and is soon caught up in their world, growing to care about each of them as if they were her own family.
Told with the perfect amount of danger, tragedy, romance,humor and happiness, Snowfall explores human relationships and delves into how, if we're not careful, we can become bound to other people, so that we couldn't leave them if we wanted to.
December 8, 2018
I was surprised and delighted by this book! It felt similar in tone and theme to I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith - an unconventional girl in unconventional circumstances coming of age, although maybe not in so whimsically. It even felt like it was written in the 40s or 50s, the writing was so reminiscent and nostalgic. Made me feel like I was a teenager again in the best way. Really really enjoyed this book!
January 19, 2020
Like other dozens of books that I own, Snowfall by K M Peyton was another book I bought _just like that_. Simply because I was impressed with the feel of the cover and I liked the synopsis at the back. The first paragraph of the book gives you an idea of the disaster that the story is actually about and I read the entire book not awaiting it but still with the thought of it at the back of my mind.
After I had read almost 70% of the book, I had started to wonder why the name of the novel was Snowfall as not much had been mentioned to hint why it actually was so, except for the beautiful descriptions of the mountains of Switzerland that came after almost every few chapters. The way the story unfolds is really simple, beautiful even. I liked the way Peyton kept things simple, never creating too much anticipation, instead giving the reader a slight idea of what was to happen and still not disappointing them when it actually happened.
The characters were described beautifully. Their flaws and strengths highlighted remarkebly and with absolute accordance with the storyline.
Obviously Milo and Charlotte's characters stand out from the rest, but the one character that I really fell in love with was Kitty. Especially when Peyton describes how she deals with the not-so-servant servants of her brother's household. Her understanding, courage and vivacious nature makes her stand out from the rest. She's assertive, but at the same time she's not dominating. She knows what to say and how to say it. Considering her royal lineage, she really sets and example for how to deal with those who are, by the standards of the society, somehow below you. Milo did so because the others were his friends. Kitty never had any such obligations, she did so because that's just the sort of person she was. I think the presence of Constance in the story really helps you appreciate Kitty more, as they both were so similar in so many ways, yet poles apart.
Other than this, the way the characters' love for each other blossoms and shows, both romantically and not, is truly commendable. The story is set in the pre-war era and, as mentioned in the story itself quite a few times, it is a modern setting. Something people today would relate with and would appreciate nonetheless.
The ultimate twist in the story broke my heart enough to send me into a state of absolute remorse. Yes, it suits the story perfectly and gives it another perfectly beautiful edge, but it broke my heart nonetheless. And it will continue to do so for as long as I remember this story, which I hope, will be a really long time.
All in all, K M Peyton won my heart and I will always be thankful for the day I went to Daryaganj and picked up this marvelous piece of writing.
After I had read almost 70% of the book, I had started to wonder why the name of the novel was Snowfall as not much had been mentioned to hint why it actually was so, except for the beautiful descriptions of the mountains of Switzerland that came after almost every few chapters. The way the story unfolds is really simple, beautiful even. I liked the way Peyton kept things simple, never creating too much anticipation, instead giving the reader a slight idea of what was to happen and still not disappointing them when it actually happened.
The characters were described beautifully. Their flaws and strengths highlighted remarkebly and with absolute accordance with the storyline.
Obviously Milo and Charlotte's characters stand out from the rest, but the one character that I really fell in love with was Kitty. Especially when Peyton describes how she deals with the not-so-servant servants of her brother's household. Her understanding, courage and vivacious nature makes her stand out from the rest. She's assertive, but at the same time she's not dominating. She knows what to say and how to say it. Considering her royal lineage, she really sets and example for how to deal with those who are, by the standards of the society, somehow below you. Milo did so because the others were his friends. Kitty never had any such obligations, she did so because that's just the sort of person she was. I think the presence of Constance in the story really helps you appreciate Kitty more, as they both were so similar in so many ways, yet poles apart.
Other than this, the way the characters' love for each other blossoms and shows, both romantically and not, is truly commendable. The story is set in the pre-war era and, as mentioned in the story itself quite a few times, it is a modern setting. Something people today would relate with and would appreciate nonetheless.
The ultimate twist in the story broke my heart enough to send me into a state of absolute remorse. Yes, it suits the story perfectly and gives it another perfectly beautiful edge, but it broke my heart nonetheless. And it will continue to do so for as long as I remember this story, which I hope, will be a really long time.
All in all, K M Peyton won my heart and I will always be thankful for the day I went to Daryaganj and picked up this marvelous piece of writing.
March 16, 2022
I have been desperately trying to remember this book that I read when I was at the impressionable age of thirteen...and this was it. I enjoyed reading it again for the nostalgia (not so much the writing where the authors tells, not shows--and because like all the characters are named with a C or M so it was a bit confusing--and some of it is unrealistic or highly improbable but that's what drew me in!). It was a treat.
September 23, 2022
Not my favourite K.M. Peyton. Prefer Flambards and Greater Gains (and Blind Beauty, my favourite!)
Good ending with a sort of twist but I can't help but to feel how bittersweet it all was.
Good ending with a sort of twist but I can't help but to feel how bittersweet it all was.
February 16, 2012
If you are into books about Victorian women, and the lifestyle back then, as well as some interesting history on climbing snow covered peaks, then this is the book for you!
I found this book also intriguing because of the subject matter, and was drawn into the story right from the first. What if you were a daughter of a Vicar, in Victorian times----one who had education, but not enough money to make a good match, and with no other possibilities in life but to be a governess. This is where we are set when the book opens, and we see the choices that the protagonist begins to make, as she goes through her life. There are twists and turns, as she meets up with her brother and begins to meet other climbing aficionados, getting drawn into another world of living on the edge. She begins to see life in a different light, and starts to take her choices as a woman in another direction than most young women in this era.
This book was, overall, a love story----but didn't feel like one. It was a love for the out of doors, for a Tibetan guide, for one of her brothers friends, and then, for the thrill of climbing, and being independent. The book starts with her falling, as she is involved in an avalanche, and she falls into the arms of what would be, the love of her life. But it isn't until we read more about her life, that we discover who that person was and how they got to that point. It was a poignant moment, and kept you wanting more.
I found this book also intriguing because of the subject matter, and was drawn into the story right from the first. What if you were a daughter of a Vicar, in Victorian times----one who had education, but not enough money to make a good match, and with no other possibilities in life but to be a governess. This is where we are set when the book opens, and we see the choices that the protagonist begins to make, as she goes through her life. There are twists and turns, as she meets up with her brother and begins to meet other climbing aficionados, getting drawn into another world of living on the edge. She begins to see life in a different light, and starts to take her choices as a woman in another direction than most young women in this era.
This book was, overall, a love story----but didn't feel like one. It was a love for the out of doors, for a Tibetan guide, for one of her brothers friends, and then, for the thrill of climbing, and being independent. The book starts with her falling, as she is involved in an avalanche, and she falls into the arms of what would be, the love of her life. But it isn't until we read more about her life, that we discover who that person was and how they got to that point. It was a poignant moment, and kept you wanting more.
December 21, 2010
You got to, HAVE TO read till the very end of this bk to truly get the touch feel and I would say that the characters are so believable that U'll expect yourself to find this bk on the non-fiction shelves. I liek the way Peyton describes the Apls & climate, it sort of transported me to that era and scene even though I'm perfectly comfortably cuddled up on my couch.
You'll realise that when this particular one's life is sacrificed, all loose ends seen to be tied up. I was extremely shell-shocked when I was reading Part 2 of this bk, after 2 generations have past and Milo was found not decomposed but buried deep under the glacier, with all the perfect features from the time he was dead [24yrs old]. I was trying my best to put myself in Charlotte's shoes; how I would react when I found my lover untouched and peacefully sleeping in the mountain, how I would feel seeing him again.
It's a really touching romance, I would say.
You'll realise that when this particular one's life is sacrificed, all loose ends seen to be tied up. I was extremely shell-shocked when I was reading Part 2 of this bk, after 2 generations have past and Milo was found not decomposed but buried deep under the glacier, with all the perfect features from the time he was dead [24yrs old]. I was trying my best to put myself in Charlotte's shoes; how I would react when I found my lover untouched and peacefully sleeping in the mountain, how I would feel seeing him again.
It's a really touching romance, I would say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2014
Strangely refreshing and strangely satisfying
Firstly, I took a hell of a long time to finish reading this book but it was definitely worth the wait!
Secondly, upon reading the description at the back of the book I expected something totally different.
Thirdly, I LOVED the writing style and the somewhat sense of realism present in this book.
In conclusion, I really adored this book because I found it emotionally thriving! And the character milo, Charlotte Ben casimir kitty mar ( woah I still remember their names) all were just too wonderful!
* it had like half a minute worth of unpleasantness Only as small as a sperms?!... BUT THE POWERFUL, ENRAPTURING, UNEXPECTED and COOL (literally) ending brought be such an unexplainable feeling definitely bigger than the size of that mountain ;)
Firstly, I took a hell of a long time to finish reading this book but it was definitely worth the wait!
Secondly, upon reading the description at the back of the book I expected something totally different.
Thirdly, I LOVED the writing style and the somewhat sense of realism present in this book.
In conclusion, I really adored this book because I found it emotionally thriving! And the character milo, Charlotte Ben casimir kitty mar ( woah I still remember their names) all were just too wonderful!
* it had like half a minute worth of unpleasantness Only as small as a sperms?!... BUT THE POWERFUL, ENRAPTURING, UNEXPECTED and COOL (literally) ending brought be such an unexplainable feeling definitely bigger than the size of that mountain ;)
January 4, 2013
I loved this book! I thought it was funny,exciting and romantic if a little unlikely for Victorian England. The characters were all vibrant and interesting although I hated Milo who I thought treated the heroine quite badly. I couldn't understand how she didn't prefer Mar from the start!The ending was amazing though, almost magical, but I don't think the author should have introduced a new and quite unlikeable character (the journalist in part 2) so very late in the book, and I would have liked to hear more about how the heroine married Mar and if she really loved him in the end. Also there was a little too much horse racing, it got slightly boring from time to time, but I will definitely read this again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2015
Sixteen-year-old Charlotte has only ever known the ordinary and tedious world of her grandfather's vicarage. But all that changes when her grandfather arranges to marry her to a man she despises. Determined to escape, Charlotte joins her brother, Ben, on a climbing trip in the Swiss Alps. Soon she is discovering a brand new life beyond her greatest imagination. As she and her new friends become intricately bound to one another, they confront class divisions and dangerous adventure. Amid the incredible snowy landscape of the Alps, they must accept the challenges - and secret loves - of their hidden lives. Snowfall is about love, hope, and escaping.
April 9, 2014
Well, this is the first book that i bought in a thrift book shop.. and during that time, i have no idea in choosing a good book. I just chose this book because it has a catchy cover.. I didn't expected that this book would be beautiful and spell-binding. It just hurts that Charlotte didn't have the chance to feel Milo's love longer.. As for Mar, well, i wanted to know more about how Charlotte fell in love with him after what happened.. I wanted to know more about their love story...
October 25, 2012
This book is about some young adults as they struggle through different circumstances together, and overcome the barriers between people of different class divisions. When tragedy strikes, can they go on?
A really good book, with an ending that was suited for the book, but me, as a romantic, would have preferred it a bit differently. :D
A really good book, with an ending that was suited for the book, but me, as a romantic, would have preferred it a bit differently. :D
July 11, 2016
K M does not hold back with adult topics in a work that's classified here as for young adults. She deals with adult issues of love and death sensitively but not sentimentally. This is an excellent story of a group of young people where equality is to the fore be it class or gender and adventure the reason to exist! Great book!
April 11, 2012
I read this book quite a few years ago.
But I still remember the gripping start, the heat-thumping story and the tear-shedding end.
Brilliant story, anyone looking for a sad romance with a touch of KA-ZANG should most definitely read Snowfall A.S.A.P
But I still remember the gripping start, the heat-thumping story and the tear-shedding end.
Brilliant story, anyone looking for a sad romance with a touch of KA-ZANG should most definitely read Snowfall A.S.A.P
February 3, 2013
Favourite childhood author who read my first attempt at a book when I was 17, despite having never met me!
June 11, 2013
One of my very very favorite books as a young adult. I cannot recommend it more highly.
September 1, 2016
This is one of my top favorite books! I've read it about 5 times and it is always wonderful! I find something new in it every time.
March 6, 2020
Snowfall will always be one of my favourite books. And i could read it again and again. I'll never forget the ending.
December 10, 2018
*Buddy read this with Brittany (BrittanyFreakingReads) and Katie (LifeBetweenWords)*
So my friend Brittany looooves this book dearly, so she organized a buddy read for it. I have to say I was a little hesitant to pick it up because I wasn't sure if it was something that would be a page-turner for me. And it wasn't really a page-turner...but I liked that!
It had this peaceful, nostalgic feel to it that reminded me of Mandy by Julie Edwards (Andrews) and The Secret Garden. However, the protagonist and her friends are young adults in Victorian England. It's a story about adventure, love, friendship, and the highs and lows of finding oneself as a young adult in a society that could be seen by some as oppressive when it comes to expectations. The ending had me sighing, which I LOVE in a book.
I'd recommend this for anyone who's looking for a character-driven historical fiction novel with pretty, although simple, writing involving teens/young adults. Idk if I would consider this a YA novel though; it's definitely for all ages!
So my friend Brittany looooves this book dearly, so she organized a buddy read for it. I have to say I was a little hesitant to pick it up because I wasn't sure if it was something that would be a page-turner for me. And it wasn't really a page-turner...but I liked that!
It had this peaceful, nostalgic feel to it that reminded me of Mandy by Julie Edwards (Andrews) and The Secret Garden. However, the protagonist and her friends are young adults in Victorian England. It's a story about adventure, love, friendship, and the highs and lows of finding oneself as a young adult in a society that could be seen by some as oppressive when it comes to expectations. The ending had me sighing, which I LOVE in a book.
I'd recommend this for anyone who's looking for a character-driven historical fiction novel with pretty, although simple, writing involving teens/young adults. Idk if I would consider this a YA novel though; it's definitely for all ages!
September 26, 2024
I absolutely loved ittt!! I don't really ever love books as much as I loved this one. It was an easy read and one of the things I absolutely loved was the ending. I read this book a few years ago, but I remember being surprised (in a very good way) by the ending. When I fond out that the male lead ended up dying (I don't remember exactly if he died or went missing) and she ended up with the ginger guy I was very happy. I really wanted them to end up. It was a slightly bittersweet ending, but I loved it sm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2018
I sought this book again because I had read it when I was young (13-14), and I remember checking it out from the library REPEATEDLY because I loved it so much. It was definitely a nice nostalgia read, if problematic reading it as an adult. Some of the situations are improbable and the writing is not the most poetic, but it is a quick read and I still find myself caught up in the story when I read it. It is enjoyable!
September 4, 2020
The author engages you throughout the story. She has a strong character line. The characters are presented with alacrity. The story describes the adventures of Charlotte and how she finds the love of her life.
February 22, 2024
This is the first love story I ever read, and it amazed and mesmerized me all at the same time. It changed my view about love stories. It wasn't a cliché. It wasn't the usual voy meet girl kinda thing. The adventures made it real. I really enjoyed reading it!
December 5, 2018
Good book for light reading...i like the wat author change from one scene to other.
February 28, 2020
I love this book
August 21, 2021
Shockingly bad. But, inexplicably, page-turning too.
February 13, 2022
Disappointing, meandering plot poor ending
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April 16, 2023Sometimes you need to revisit a favorite from High School. Now excuse me while I go book a ticket to Switzerland and look for a group of British climbers looking to adopt a new friend.
December 27, 2023
I highly enjoyed this gripping tale of feverish summer love in 1890s Switzerland with themes of mountaineering and love triangles! I'd have loved this as a teenager
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews