The Ice Swan

by J'nell Ciesielski

Hennepin County Library paperback 386 pages

Published: 2021

Genre: Historical fiction

 

I really enjoyed reading this book, but I don't think it qualifies as "Christian" fiction. Our book club didn't seem to mind, but I love the stories that embody a strong faith message along with a good story! This was a lovely work of historical fiction and romance.

 

Set in Paris and Scotland during WWI, Svetlana has escaped Russia with her mother and younger sister Marina while her father and brother stay to fight the Bolsheviks. Distantly related to Tsar Nicolas II, they are literally fleeing for their lives.

 

Wynn (Edwynn) MacCallan loves being a surgeon and helping people. The second son of a Duke, he is perfectly happy leaving his older brother to title and responsibilities while he explores cardiology possibilities.

Page 9 - "'How many today, Wynn?' The question had become common enough among the doctors at the end of their shifts. Not because it was some sick competition or morbid curiosity, but so they could spot who most needed a break. So busy caring for others, medical staff often forgot to care for themselves. This was one small way they could look out for each other."

I loved this! It made me think of the strain of Covid-19 on medical personnel. We all need to look out for one another and to check in on people! It is so very important for all of us to watch out for and assist co-workers, neighbors, etc. "Are you okay?" "How can I help?"

Page 52 - "Love has nothing to do with a successful marriage."

Oh, poor Svetlana! With a mama like this, who needs enemies? Referring to herself with her full royal title, Printessa Ana was a piece of work! She was selfish, vain, and rude. (Her one redeeming act was in the train station toward the end of the story.)

Page 146 - "Svetlana saw her mother truly then. Not as a selfish creature but a creature of circumstance. Unquestionable privilege had molded her for nearly five decades to place her own desires first, with every need being met before she asked. It was a life Svetlana was well acquainted with, yet a revolution had forced her to alter her outlook. Perhaps it was the advantage of youth where the grasp of changeability was more mobile. Advancing years tightened its grip on the unchanging past."

 

Svetlana and Marina most definitely adapted to the change in their circumstances (palace in Russia to a church basement in Paris) much better than their mother! There's something to be said for flexibility. Comfort / familiarity can become a problem. I think of myself and definitely do not want to become set in my ways as I age.

 

Page 173 - "Every sensible bone in her body screamed for her to run as far away as possible, while the desperate side of her fairly salivated at the mention of a benefit. If he canceled their debt, they would be free of this place once and for all." 

Not going to happen. Evil mobsters don't just let people walk away. How could Svetlana, who struggles with trust issues, trust Sheremetev? This doesn't make sense!

Page 205 - "His brother should be here; they should be toasting together the end of the war and taking on the world as only brothers can."

This made me think of the relationships my sons have, and Louie and his brother Mike. Life is good when people have one another's backs!

Page 248 - "Slipping off her glove and the vulnerability it sheathed, she reached across the distance between them and took his hand. The coldness in her fingers was lost in the warmth of his. How simple a thing touch was, often shared by those wishing to establish a connection."

I love this. It made me think of holding hands with my mom when she was in hospice. It reminded me of the joy in holding hands with Joshua when we go for a walk. Holding hands with Louie when we were first dating . . . bliss! Touch is so important! (Side note, I'm listening to Fearfully and Wonderfully made and was on the chapter on skin and touch . . . )

Page 300 - "My advice for you is this: talk to her before things get worse. Miscommunication laced with ego is the major downfall of most marriages."

Gerard's advice is good. He's a bachelor with married brothers who also reads romance novels . . . and adds a bit of comic relief to the story. What a good friend to Wynn!

Page 314 - I'm not including the text, but this was where I had simply had enough of the romance novel formula of each one being miserable but refusing to bend. Sigh. She feels betrayed. He tries to apologize. Yada yada yada. It went on waaaay too long.

Page 341 - "'Rumors circulated in Paris of the Bolsheviks coming after those fleeing to drag them back to Russia. I saw where they met in the back rooms. What if they find us here?'

 'We kill them. My father butcher. I know use knife.'

Well, that was terrifying and not the answer Svetlana had expected from the sweet old lady she'd come to see as a grandmother."

Mrs. Varjensky was hilarious! I loved her throughout the book. From calling Wynn "golubchik" (term of endearment) and patting his cheeks to this response to Svetlana's worry, she was another wonderful character for some comic relief. (Leonid, too.)