When the Snow Fell

The third book in this series was going a bit of the way of the second one with Joel as an increasingly awkward and not always endearing teen but it took a very different turn about halfway through and I really began to see the Joel I liked from the first book. He is imaginative and impulsive and spins tales that you know are going to get him into trouble but there is something else in him, a way of seeing the world, that is interesting and he is forced to grow up quickly. Looking forward to the final book of the series.

Henning Mankell, the successful adult mystery writer, is trying his hand at the lucrative young adult market. While the writing in When Snow Fell is evocative and beautiful, it is hard to imagine young readers engaging with this book. Additionally, the setting is the 1950s in a small town in northern Sweden, not a sure-fire attention grabber. Thirteen-year-old Joel Gustafson celebrates his own personal New Year’s Eve when the first snowfall of winter comes with resolutions and all. As always, this year’s snowfall took him by surprise and he sets out to make his resolutions: to live to be a hundred years old which will require him to toughen himself up; to see the sea for the first time; and to see a lady naked. The rest of the book show more consists of Joel’s adventures in trying to fulfill his resolutions. The book is a mix of the melancholic and laugh-out-loud funny, especially Joel’s exploits to see the young shop assistant, Sonja Mattsson in transparent veils like Salome. Joel is his own mum and takes care of his father since Mummy Jenny left and his father is prone to go on drinking binges. This book might be appropriate for students who like good writing and quiet stories. show less

A coming of age novel set in a small lumber town in northern Sweden during the 1950s. Joel's mother left when he was seven, so he's grown up looking after himself and his father, who's prone to the odd bender. Joel has reached the age when hormones are kicking in and he's interested in girls, but doesn't know what to do so he's made himself a new year's resolution amongst others to see a naked woman. Sonja, the new assistant in the store would be his ideal, but she's too old for him ... what's a boy going to do?

This novel for teens from the creator of the fantastic Wallander detective series, is a gentle thing and nothing much happens for most of it. Yet it is suffused with testosterone as teenager Joel learns to control the powerful show more emotions that are starting flow. Mankell's style is similarly thoughtful to his crime novels, as he explores what it is like to be a teenager in the back of beyond. show less

Joel Gustafson is growing up. Now 14, he's taking charge of his life, starting with three resolutions after the first snowfall (which he designates as "new year") which include seeing a woman dressed only in veils as well as toughening himself up to be able to travel and see the world. Joel has progressed from a remarkably naive boy to a remarkably typical teenage boy. Joel is not always behaved nor polite nor is he always rude and unmanagable. Mankell is a gifted writer, and manages to make a decidedly uncharming teenager engaging enough to follow through these adventures.

Joel Gustafsson is reaching his 14th birthday. He lives in the north of Sweden by an icy river with his father Samuel. They have very little money and winter is here and the snow is falling.

But Joel is growing up and he makes 3 new year resolutions.

His first is that he wants to live to 100, and in order to do that he must toughen up his body.

His second is that he wants to see the sea. He knows in order to do this he needs to persuade his father to move away and that will not be easy.

His third and the most difficult for Joel is to see a girl naked.

The story tells of Joels daily life which revolves around his desire to implement his new year resolutions. To move away he will need money and he knows two ways of making it, selling show more caravans or becoming a rock star, now which will be the easiest........How can he make his body tougher...... and which girl shall he choose and how will he persuade her.....

A charming story which I recommend to anyone from 14 to 104. It is only 219 pages and you will not want to put it down until you finish. Guaranteed. show less

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

On the first snowfall of the year, 14-year-old Joel always makes his New Year's resolutions.

This year he's made three: live to be 100, patch up his relationship with his father, and see a girl naked.

Life keeps getting in the way, however, of him reaching his goals. His father is a lumberjack who goes on drinking binges and seems unhappy with life. His mother abandoned them years ago. To add to his plate, he's trying to navigate girls, first kisses, bullies, and having a crush on an older woman.

Will Joel reach his resolutions amongst all his problems?

A slower-paced book, but the author does a good job of constructing its main characters. The plot is intriguing and will appeal to middle school boys, show more who will be able to relate to Joel's struggles. Readers who like realistic fiction and coming-of-age stories will enjoy reading WHEN THE SNOW FELL. show less

Sweet little book