The Thing in the Snow

A Novel

By: Sean Adams

Narrated by: Graham Halstead

Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

From the critically acclaimed author of The Heap, a thought-provoking and wryly funny novel—equal parts satire and psychological thriller—that holds a funhouse mirror to the isolated workplace and an age of endless distraction.

At the far reaches of the world, the Northern Institute sits in a vast expanse of ice and snow. Once a thriving research facility, its operations were abruptly shut down after an unspecified incident, and its research teams promptly evacuated. Now it’s home to a team of three caretakers—Gibbs, Cline, and their supervisor, Hart—and a single remaining researcher named Gilroy, who is feverishly studying the sensation of coldness.

Their objective is simple: occupy the space, complete their weekly tasks, and keep the building in working order in case research ever resumes. (Also: never touch the thermostat. Also: never, ever go outside.) The work isn’t thrilling—test every door for excessive creaking, sit on every chair to ensure its structural integrity—but for Hart, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to hone his leadership skills and become the beacon of efficiency he always knew he could be.

There’s just one obstacle standing in his way: a mysterious object that has appeared out in the snow. Gibbs and Cline are mesmerized. They can’t discern its exact shape and color, nor if it’s moving or fixed in place. But it is there. Isn’t it?

Whatever it might be, Hart thinks the thing in the snow is an unwelcome distraction, and probably a huge waste of time. Though, come to think of it, time itself has been a bit wonky lately. Weekends pass in a blur, and he can hardly tell day from night. Gravity seems less-than-reliable. The lights have been flickering weirdly, and he feels an odd thrumming sensation in his beard. Gibbs might be plotting to unseat him as supervisor, and Gilroy—well, what is he really doing anyway?

Perplexed and isolated—but most certainly not alone—Hart wrestles for control of his own psyche as the thing in the snow beguiles his team, upends their work, and challenges their every notion of what is normal.

©2023 Sean Adams (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Bloody Brilliant!!

This book is hilarious. What is it about... that's a good question.

The author drops you into the middle of a mystery and then closes the curtain abruptly. The story is told from the perspective of the manager. The author nails the middle management energy that we've all come across at some point.

This book takes you for a ride but it's not A to B to C type of journey. The humor throughout is nuanced but fantastic.

Ultimately this book is about people, perception, and the thing in the snow. Lol.

Twisted, Fascinating, Hilarious

After ten minutes listening to this book, I reached for my device to find something else, thinking "What the heck is this?? Is this narrator for real? Life is too short!". But an unknown force stayed my hand. I was already hooked by The Thing in the Snow, just like the characters in this very strange novel. Despite my initial reaction, the narration was perfect for this mesmerizing and hilarious tale of workplace insanity, neurotic personalities and environmental extremity. The more I listened, the more it sounded...oh, so familiar.
This is satire at its best, but any lucky person out there whose mind has not yet been warped by their necessary employment might not find it as appealing as I did.

One of my most favorite books ever!

My wife and I have read a lot of books in our time, but this one really stands out. It was funny in ways I didn't know could be done. It's hard to describe and isn't going to be for everyone - you have to love the absurd.
I did this as an audiobook which I recommend as the narrator does an excellent job bringing the characters to life.
It's a rare book also in that I immediately want to go back and listen to it again.

Boring, but that's the whole point, isn't it?

a long essay on futility and boredom. well read, though, which makes it do-able. there are certainly lessons here, but I don't think it was good for me to have learned them. Eat the Captalists!

Not for all tastes. Franz Kafka meets Monty Python

This book will leave many unsatisfied - it is more about the journey than the destination. There are many - most- questions left unanswered. The story is about isolation, bureaucracy, tedium, psychology and group dynamics, all with an overlay of mystery that isn't resolved. I did find it very entertaining and funny! I would routinely laugh out loud.

The story has some elements of The trial and The Castle by Franz Kafka- the bureaucracy and absurdism of the situation the characters find themselves in. The dialogue reminds me of the best of Monty Python, Joseph Heller, and P. G. Wodehouse.
Pervading all is a mystery about the setting - an abandoned research facility in the far north which has strange happenings and "something in the snow."

what is the point?

I didn't get it. way over my head . A book about nothing in the north

What was I listening to

For such a short listen I really struggled with this. Didn’t understand the story but maybe others will enjoy the atmosphere and mystery