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Cover of Smilla's Sense of Snow
Mystery & Thriller· Denmark

Smilla's Sense of Snow

by Peter Høeg
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1992Danish
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About This Book

When Peter Høeg published Smilla's Sense of Snow in 1992, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of mystery & thriller. Smilla's Sense of Snow is a gripping mystery novel by Peter Høeg. The story follows Smilla Jaspersen, a Greenlandic-Danish woman, as she investigates the suspicious death of a young boy in Copenhagen. The novel is praised for its intricate plot, rich character development, and exploration of themes such as identity and cultural conflict. Høeg's work is notable for its atmospheric depiction of both urban and Arctic environments. Themes of identity, cultural conflict, isolation run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPeter Høeg
Published1992
Country of Origin🇩🇰 Denmark
LanguageDanish
Category🔍 Mystery & Thriller
ISBN9780385315142
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🔍 Mystery & Thriller

Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

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Country of Origin

🇩🇰 Denmark

This book is part of Denmark's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Peter Høeg published Smilla's Sense of Snow in 1992, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of mystery & thriller from Denmark. The book's treatment of identity, cultural conflict, isolation, justice accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Smilla's Sense of Snow among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Smilla's Sense of Snow lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of identity, cultural conflict, isolation, justice is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Smilla's Sense of Snow reflects Peter Høeg's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Denmark's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
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About the Author
Peter Høeg
Denmark
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Peter Høeg is a Denmark author whose work in mystery & thriller has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smilla's Sense of Snow about?

Smilla's Sense of Snow is a gripping mystery novel by Peter Høeg. The story follows Smilla Jaspersen, a Greenlandic-Danish woman, as she investigates the suspicious death of a young boy in Copenhagen. The novel is praised for its intricate plot, rich character development, and exploration of themes such as identity and cultural conflict. Høeg's work is notable for its atmospheric depiction of both urban and Arctic environments.

Who wrote Smilla's Sense of Snow?

Smilla's Sense of Snow was written by Peter Høeg, from Denmark. First published in 1992.

What awards has Smilla's Sense of Snow won?

Smilla's Sense of Snow has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Smilla's Sense of Snow worth reading?

Smilla's Sense of Snow is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, cultural conflict, isolation.

Where can I buy Smilla's Sense of Snow?

You can buy Smilla's Sense of Snow on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Smilla's Sense of Snow?

Smilla's Sense of Snow is classified as Mystery & Thriller. Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

What country is Smilla's Sense of Snow from?

Smilla's Sense of Snow originates from Denmark's literary tradition. Explore more books from Denmark on our country page.

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