[KlaraNovikoffa]

I read this novel about 30 years ago, so I needed some memory jogging from Titania and Liam before I could remember much. What I did remember unaided was the mood of the whole novel, and the friendship.

Eric,
There is a definitive "mood" to The Ice Palace that I would imagine it would be difficult to forget. Perhaps my review and Liam's interest in the book will prompt you to re-read it.

As Titania hints, while a hint of sexuality is present, our reception of such books may have been damaged by the current mondial obsession with p?dophilia and sexuality, something that probably belong to adolescence and beyond (with a few outriders, stretching back into childhood) and, in this case, lesbian relationships.

You're quite right. Society's tendency to sexualize everything could easily color one's perception of many aspects of this book.

It is surely that the symbolism of the ice castle and the idea of friendship are the central parts of the novel. If we start making it a lesbian "Lolita", I think we may be barking up the wrong stalagmite.

Honestly, as I think I pointed out in my review, I perceive the relationship between the two young girls as being completely innocent. Granted, my girlfriends and I never undressed in front of one another. At the same time, that doesn't make this behavior between Siss and Unn abnormal or strange. I think there's a true beauty in their connection....and, in sexualizing it or attempting to see something that isn't there, a person is merely destroying that beauty.

I appreciate your comments, Eric. You always put so much thought and consideration into the remarks you make.

Thank you,
Titania