Skating Over Thin Ice

Imogen St. Pierre is a French-Canadian 18-year-old who has exceptional piano skills and has toured the world with her father (cello) and grandfather (violin) as part of a classical music trio. While capable and assured at the piano, Imogen has to force herself to be social in other settings. She knows she is shy and awkward and resorts to her music for her strength. Nathan arrives at school during Imogen’s final year, and he, too, is a prodigy in his field. In Nathan’s case, he is a junior hockey super star. Nathan ends up at school rather than playing with his team due to a recent incident in an international hockey tournament. Until a decision is made by the powers that be, Nathan is banned, at least temporarily, from his favourite sport and potentially from a promising future in the National Hockey League. On the surface, these two would appear to have little in common, but author Jean Mills pulls the two young adults together in her marvelous new novel.

Imogen is the ‘weird kid’ who never really fit in with her peers. Too much noise or confusion causes her discomfort, and she has to withdraw to her safe zone, i.e. the piano. If the instrument isn’t physically available, Imogen can retreat mentally into her music at any time. She doodles music. She rehearses in her head. She tunes out the world around her. Along with music, Imogen has Papa and Pere who are there for whatever support she might need and to provide strength when situations become difficult.

Within this coming-of-age novel, Imogen faces the typical decisions at the end of high school, but with the difference of being a child prodigy. Because she has been accepted by many music programs, university is an option. Pressure is being put on her by some musical acquaintances to join an up-and-coming classical group as their pianist. And, there is the ‘safe’ option of staying home and simply continuing her musical career with the St. Pierre Trio. As Imogen mulls over her options, her family situation changes and puts even more pressure on her. Imogen does a great deal of growing and maturing over the course of the story, and readers will understand and applaud her final decision at the end of the novel.

Nathan seems entirely different on the surface. He’s a tough and physical hockey player who is quite likely destined for NHL stardom. Physically, he is the exact opposite of the quiet and reserved Imogen. Yet he has a similar personality to Imogen when readers look more closely. Nathan knows the value of hard work and perseverance if one is going to be at the top of one’s game. He understands commitment and teamwork. Most of all, Nathan seems to innately understand what makes him happy, whether it’s scoring a winning goal, helping young children learn to skate, or merely enjoying the chance for some free skating time on an outdoor pond.

Knowing what makes you happy and being willing to fight for it are central themes of the novel . Both of the main characters have different objectives and goals, but Nathan helps Imogen learn that her music can make her happy even if this doesn’t mean hours of practice and rehearsal and the dreaded social niceties which come with being on tour. Mills skillfully describes both young people with empathy and understanding. There are hints of romance, but, within the novel, this is merely a friendship which has potential to grow into something more. Mills is coy right to the end of the book as to whether the two will ever be more than good friends.

Other characters in the school, both students and teachers, add verisimilitude to the story. This is a private school which educates privileged teens from around the world, and yet the characters could be found in any high school. It is refreshing to read a young adult novel which focuses on talent and growth and finding happiness rather than the dark issues and themes which are so often confronted in young adult literature. Imogen is on the fringe of a group of popular girls, not quite accepted but never bullied or completely rejected. She is admired for her talent and accepted for being just who she is.

Pere and Papa are also memorable characters. Grandfather Pere is getting close to the end of his performing career, but he still has much advice for Imogen and is one of her closest confidants. Papa supports Imogen musically and also emotionally as he has been a single parent for most of Imogen’s life. Readers will appreciate the close bonds of the St. Pierre Trio.

Skating over Thin Ice is a wonderful read which is inspiring and uplifting. There are many allusions to various composers and classical music works which may inspire some readers to open up to classical music, a genre which is perhaps unfamiliar to them. As a reviewer, I need to add a small caveat or confession at this point. I am also a classically trained pianist – though never considered a prodigy! - so Imogen resonates a great deal with me. And like Pere and Papa, I have been known to cheer for my favourite hockey team, so Mills’s very capable interweaving of the two worlds seems like a wonderful idea.

Lastly, the title merits some explanation. “When skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed” is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. The thin ice of the novel seems to refer to the future which is uncertain for both Imogen and Nathan. Readers will cheer them on as they manage to navigate their way to the happiness which is waiting for both of them. Mills has created characters who resonate and who will be remembered long after the covers of the novel have been closed.