I picked up The Ice Palace on a whim. I’d not heard of it before and hadn’t read any of Vesaas’ work (or any Norwegian literature for that matter) – I wish I’d found it sooner.
Publication date: 1963
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 144
‘She was close to the edge now: the ice laid its hand upon her’
The schoolchildren call it the Ice Palace: a frozen waterfall in the Norwegian fjords transformed into a fantastic structure of translucent walls, sparkling towers and secret chambers. It fascinates two young girls, lonely Unn and lively Siss, who strike up an intense friendship. When Unn decides to explore the Ice Palace alone and doesn’t return, Siss must try to cope with the loss of her friend without succumbing to a frozen world of her own making.
Mystical and enchanting. Two words that barely begin to cover the experience delivered in this absolute masterpiece. It reads like a blend of poetry and prose; I was utterly entranced by the freshness of the writing with it’s simple and precise language and symbolism. It was particularly apt to be reading it whilst snow fell outside my own window this February (2018).
The relationship between Siss and Unn is the crucial aspect in this tiny novel. It’s short duration is the catalyst for an uncertain and painful journey back into normal life for Siss. The relationship itself is vaguely disturbing in its intensity and is as un-nerving as it is short. Their fervid (and peculiar) friendship is petrified like the bubbles in the ice at a crucial stage in its conception, leaving Siss trapped by a curious promise to a girl she barely knew. It’s beautifully and hauntingly written which is a testament not only to Vesaas’ writing but also to Rokkan’s careful translation. Reading a story conceived in a different social, political and climatic environment was a wonderfully refreshing change of pace and (whether it was the Norwegian influence, or simply Vesaas’ own subtle style) I found it utterly beguiling.
The plot melds seamlessly with Siss’ internal struggle creating a simple, but wonderfully powerful, dialogue on the human mind, in particular the mind of an isolated young person. It delicately explores the concepts of perception and loss. The tale is delivered with remarkable conciseness without ever feeling rushed or as though lacking elements. If you’re looking for a short story that reads easily but packs a punch this is definitely well worth the time it takes to read it. It will linger on in your mind for a long time after you turn the 144th page.
✩✩✩✩✩
5 out of 5
CatInEsse 