This is a retelling of the Norse fairy tale East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon. I haven't actually read the original or any other retellings of this particular fable so I don't have much to compare it against, which will be in this book's favour (otherwise I'd probably be fairly cynical - now I'll be comparing other reads with this one). I can already tell that it won't be the last retelling of this fable that I'll read. 
 I'm fond of all things Old Norse: they had such a rich and vibrant culture but in school they tend to be drowned out by the Greeks and Ancient Egyptians (then later on the Aztecs) - at least that was the case in my British school and in my French school we never studied anything other than France in history class. As such I saw this book as the perfect look into some part of Norse culture that I had not been aware of. 
 I enjoyed this fable and how the author drew me into the story, providing me with enough information to be able to follow what was taking place but not swamping me with too many details. 
 I admit that I was a little bummed out by references to things that (for me) should not be in anything related to Old Norse (the Christian God, flushing toilets) but for all I know the Christian God was already part of Norse culture at the time the tale is set (this is never made clear). 
 I also wanted to see the relationship growing between the lass and the isbjorn but it's very much a case of reading between the lines a lot of the time. 
 Beyond this, the story ends before the mother who refused to name her unwanted daughter finds out that said unwanted, worthless daughter will go on to marry a prince. I kinda wanted to be privy to that scene too! But that's the shallow part of me and I understand why it wasn't included.