Snowdrops by A.D. Miller

This thread is for discussion of Snowdrops by A.D. Miller, which was selected for the 2011 Booker Prize longlist.

Having read this a few months ago, I can recommend it as an atmospheric, unusual read. "Snowdrop", in Russian slang, is a "corpse that lies buried or hidden in the winter snows, emerging only in the thaw".

With a whiff of autobiographical reminiscence, Miller describes the dark, dangerous undertow of Russian society and pulls the reader into a shady world of smoke and mirrors. The protagonist remains believable, as a foreigner to the world he enters, somewhat superior in his outlook, yet keen to connect and uncover.

I really enjoyed this read, although I don't think it will reach the shortlist. However, it is the only one I have read on the list, so this comment is definitely premature.

I didn't care for this. The writing is strong, but I felt the 2 young women were not developed--just more or less stereotypes. Maybe this is typical of the crime genre, maybe it's necessary so as to keep their secrets, but I can't support main characters where all I know about them is the boots they wear and how attractive they are. Really surprised to see this on the Booker longlist.

GCPL- honestly I was surprised to see it anywhere near the list as well, although I was obviously happier to read it than you.

I agree that the two Russian girls were poorly developed, but I suspect that Millar did this to create a feeling of mystic and intrigue. I enjoyed the writing, and thought that the accolades came from Millar's ability to concoct the cool, bleak atmosphere of Russian society and undercurrents of corruption and crime through his writing style.

Yes, the whole novel did come over as cultural stereotyping, perhaps forgiveable as it was all an observed outsiders viewpoint on the part of the protagonist.

I don't really think it could be labelled a crime novel either.

I think I could bet serious money on it NOT reaching the short list.

Karen, I was too harsh in my comments. I did give it 3 solid stars. I liked how the narrator could sense what might be coming, but was ruled by his emotions and unable to break it off. I marked this passage:

Not quite everything I thought they were. For the first time, with them, I felt like I sometimes did when it dawned on me that a Moscow taxi driver was drunk or mad, and I sat fingering the door handle in the back of his car and contemplating when to leap out, all the time knowing that in fact I wouldn't. I never did.

Would you say something more about this not being a crime novel. I've not read the genre, so I'm not sure how this wouldn't qualify.

No - I think your comments are totally valid, GCPL and not overstated at all. 3 stars is a mediocre read for me. I gave it 4 stars (or 7/10).

I don't read crime genre per se, so I am totally the wrong person to make that statement, but imagine the solving of a political or personal crime, and the lead-up, layout/plot to this end should really be the main focus of the story.

I guess a crime was committed in this novel, but for me it was not the focus or the concern of the protagonist. I am rather bad at recalling the details, but I thought it was more like a cultural study, or even a literary travel study. Forgive me for waffling, .

OK - so from Wikipedia:

"Crime fiction is the genre of fiction that deals with crimes, their detection, criminals and their motives. It is usually distinguished from mainstream fiction and other genres such as science fiction or historical fiction, but boundaries can be, and indeed are, blurred......"

So in truth, this would be classified as a crime novel, although I am sure it would not sell well to fans of that kinda thing!

I'm about halfway through Snowdrops right now, and I'm confused about the "crime" label too - certainly the author paints Moscow as corrupt, but no crime has been committed yet. I quite like the writing so far, and I think Miller mirrors the cold weather in his word choice, and the thoughts of his narrator.

I like what you said, Karen, about the stereotyping being understandable, since it is coming from an outsider. I hadn't really thought about it that way, but now I think you are right, and it is intentional to show Nicholas' viewpoint.

Well I hope you are nearly finished this now, Cait, as I felt the second half was rather a let down.

OK, I've finished Snowdrops, and while I definitely enjoyed the atmospheric writing, I didn't really like the book. The characters were stereotypes, even the narrator, and I really didn't care what happened to any of them. I also found the narrator's lack of morals a bit disturbing.

I really hope this doesn't make the shortlist.

Is anyone listening to the audiobook of this?

I am really enjoying just listening to the narrator's voice - seriously sexy stuff. I am such a sucker for a British accent.

And there are some very funny lines in it - I will be using "The only free cheese is in a mousetrap" at least once this week!

And I liked "Fish like to swim" as an excuse for drinking vodka.

But perhaps these are old tired lines that I haven't heard before......

Alex