A Hundred Words for Snow

by Tatty Hennessy

A Hundred Words for Snow is a complex, epic and undulating story by Tatty Hennessy that pitches themes of death and rebirth against a shifting backdrop of climate change, exploration and the uncertain geography of the North. It was first performed at the Arcola Theatre, London, in 2018, and was the winner of a VAULT Origins Award for outstanding new work from the VAULT Festival theatre program in 2018. It was revived at the Trafalgar Studios in the West End in January 2019.

Genres: Plays, Fiction

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2018

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a powerful and metaphoric piece of writing about life, loss and love.

Beautiful monologues throughout (especially the opening few pages)

I understand that the focus was on the present and future of Rory’s life, however I enjoyed the flashbacks and memories. I would’ve enjoyed more of these to get to know Rory and the other characters in the book more so.

I also think more of a buildup to the adventure itself would be interesting to understand Rory’s relationships and state more so before her solo journey.

Overall, an incredibly beautiful and clever piece of work.

[Mads Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick, witty, funny, genuine, emotional—a satisfying play with all the trappings of a great coming-of-age story

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never normally cry when reading plays, only really when I watch them however this one was an exception, a funny and poignant read

[Tilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fucking BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Let’s hope it gets me into drama school lol

[maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

moving. awesome. good monologues.

[Ind · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

This play is great!!! I’m using Rory’s begging monologue for my Grade 6 LAMDA exam so thought I should read the whole text. It did not disappoint, it was a quick pace play that is best described with the following words: short, emotive, heartwarming, inspiring, and impactful. As a kid I used to read a lot of YA adventure novels so this play reminded me of those times! It’s so lovely to read a young, bold, beautiful female lead whilst she deals with grief and adventures off to one of the North Poles!! I also enjoyed how many random facts there were in this book!!

The second play found in my edition : “Distant Early Warning” was also well written. I found this play to be very impactful with the ambiguity used but also very tragic and had me reflecting on the world we live in.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read it for theatre, as I am doing Rory's beginning monologue. It was a nice read, done in 3 hours. However, I didn't think about it after reading it, it did not stir enough emotions to be extremely impactful. It was a bit bittersweet, that's it.

[Maria Popescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this when looking for a contemporary monologue to audition with. I chose the ending part - it spoke to me. I have just finished reading it. It’s a short, emotional play now close to my heart. I hope to see it someday soon!

[Grace Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really meaningful book. I didn’t expect how heavy some bits were that made you think a lot. Reading and finishing it makes you feel whole and nice it’s cry pleasant.

[Olivia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about the aesthetic of a teenage girl traveling to the Arctic that I absolutely love but can’t describe why and this book embodied that ❤️

[✿༺cosy reviews༻✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im doing this for my speech and drama exam and its really great, not for reading but it has good monologue pieces, if you enjoy drama, do this!
☕️cosy reviews☕️

[Olwyn Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a lovely story. had me in tears xx

[Theo H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hundred Words for Snow is an interesting and sad book. It is about a teenage girl called Rory and her dad who passed away. Her dad was a geography teacher at her school and had a dream of going to the north pole. After the funeral he is cremated and is put in a urn.

[Christine Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this, didn’t think I would! Nice quick read, good story. Liked the way it was written.

[Charlotte Gent · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this for school
i scanned past it pretty fast
but it was a good story

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming and deeply moving play with such a distinctive voice. Wonderfully pitched. I would very much like to read more plays like this :))

[Olivia Moffa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love is life’s snow. It falls deepest and softest into the gashes left by the fight- whiter as purer than snow itself.”- Fridtjof Nansen

This was so beautiful. I’m currently on a reading kick of one-actor plays. I love Rory, and I adore the playwright’s perspective on the wild, frigid arctic as a representation of girlhood. Rory is crafty, a little sarcastic (Yes, because she is 15) intelligent, and bold! The ending was a little predictable but nonetheless powerful.

Personal favorite moment for me was her arrival in Svalbard: “I can’t believe that places like this exist, or that London can still exist right now, at the same time, as this place here. That right now, somewhere else people are crammed into the Tube or crossing a busy street or riding a roller-coaster or watching a movie, that all those peopley things are happening somewhere else while this is happening here.”

[Abbie Mulleavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice play, reads well and is an interesting topic. I was very moved with how the main character dealt wit grief. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes to read plays.