Rating: 
Summary: A book that's for life not just for christmas
Review: All I can say is that I loved this book completely. It makes you think and care all together. The characters are crafted in such a way that you love them because they aren't perfect not in spite of it, remarkably like life. The best of Peter Hoeg's books that I have read as yet. a truely beautiful book whether you like the snow or not.
Rating: 
Summary: Well written and suspenseful, but can drag on a bit...
Review: This book was interesting and at times, it even captivated me. However, the intricate details about ice and snow sometimes got to be a bit much, and the ending of the book is one of the worst I've ever read. Smilla is a strong, admirable female character, but while I know this is fictional, I can't imagine her surviving all that she did. It's a worthwhile read, but not a book I'd pick up again.
Rating: 
Summary: Atmospheric and intelligent
Review: Wow...lots of disparities in the previous reviews. I thought the book was great...maybe because I've traveled in those areas and can relate, but mainly because Smilla was a terrific character, tough as nails, smarter than most of the men around her, yet still consumed with her own inadequacies, of which there were MANY. I normally don't read a lot of suspense novels, but I'm glad I made an exception in this case. Now I really want to see the film, which I understand is very well cast.
Rating: 
Summary: A kid gets killed, Greenlanders have it tough, and
Review: snow melts in predictible ways. There's nothing much other than this; yet the dull words plot on and on, and the annoying characters whine. From the prior reviews, you either loved this book or hated it. After over 250 pages, I still can't understand the raves.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent and fast paced read.
Review: This was a wonderfully written novel. I have never read anything quite like it before. Truly original in the rich characterizations, pacing, and story telling. I heartily recommend it. Judging by the other reviews, I would have to say just read through this novel, don't get caught up in answering everything along the way. It is a mystery! If you read it strictly for the sheer enjoyment you will reap the benefits by being thoroughly entertained. It is a difficult book, but just enjoy it. Smilla is a terrific female character. I, too, was impressed with the fact that this literary character was created so realistically by a man! Hoeg certainly has a talent to be savored, read, and enjoyed.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favourite books
Review: This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. Well, partly because I can DEFINITELY relate to Smilla Jaspersen in terms of personality. It's told from a very personal point of view, and starts out rather slowly, but the pace does pick up. There's quite a lot to learn from the book if you don't mind all the technical mumbo-jumbo. It seems that people either love it or hate it. I say Grab It!
Rating:
Summary: The best book I have ever read!
Review: Completely and accurately describing Smilla's Sense of Snow is like depicting music using words; it is impossible. Like good music, the nvel fils the reader with countless emotions, sensations, wonders, and in the end engulfs him'her with an overall feeling of awe and jubilance. Like a Beethoven or Mozart, Peter Hoeg overwhelms the reader with masterful wisdom and images incomparable to the brainless "shoot-stab-stalk" books of the thriller genre. Like a fine chef, Hoeg provides the reader with food for thought tastefully blended into an appetizing story line and satisfying characters so that th story is a thriller in a unique way.
Rating: 
Summary: Dull, more or less
Review: This book wants to be several things at once: a thriller, a political commentary, a philosophical treatise, an evocation of the aesthetics of snow. Unfortunately for the reader it succeeds in none of these genres. The book is at least two hundred pages too long; the plot is unrealistic and, for long patches, quite boring. Hoeg has succeeded in creating a compelling character, mainly because Smilla is so perpetually cranky and cynical. One also learns about the status of Greenlanders of Denmark, which mirrors that of many other immigrant populations in countries around the world. Overall, however, I found this book immensely disappointing and more or less a waste of time. I did learn that one can appreciate subtleties in the world of ice but had little enjoyment while doing so. For a _real_ novel that successfully marries politics with a stirring story and fine, evocative writing, read Charles Powers's "In the Memory of the Forest."
Rating:
Summary: SMILLA IS GREAT
Review: It took me a little while to warm up to Smilla, the character; however, once there, I couldn't let her go. I read so many books, I can rarely keep track of the plots and characters. However, Smilla stands out in my mind--even after 3 years! I especially liked Smilla's equation of numbers and emotions. That one particular passage will most likely stay with me forever. I've now read the book at least three times and still find it very provocative. Smilla is a thinking book. Don't expect to race through it; you'll miss the subtleties that make this story exceptional. Many thanks also to the translator for her beautiful work.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful images of ice & snow, but not much else
Review: Why, oh why was I tricked into reading this? The title is beautiful, but I didn't care for any of the characters. I admired Smilla's independence, but in general, the book left me cold.
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