The Snow Goose voted the novel most worthy of rediscovery
The Snow Goose, by Paul Gallico, was the clear winner in a search to identify literature’s most neglected novel, conducted by the Open Book programme on Radio 4.
A modern classic, The Snow Goose is set in the years running up to the remarkeable evacuation of Dunkirk in the Second World War.
Gallico, who wrote The Snow Goose in 1940, triumphed ahead of contenders including Samuel Johnson and Patricia Highsmith. However, listeners also responded with their own suggestions, proposing more than 500 titles they believe should also receive the exposure of a Radio 4 Classic Serial adaptation.
The BBC said that it would consider the listener suggestions for future dramatisations but The Snow Goose will be first to go into production next year.
Michael Morpurgo, the leading children’s author, made the radio case for The Snow Goose. He said: “I still have the copy with my 13-year-old handwriting in it. It is an epic story told in a very few words. I am pleased it has won because the short story has been a neglected form. It is a beautiful description of extraordinary affection between two people without that becoming a full-blown love affair.” (Times Online)
Morpurgo, a former Children’s Laureate, said that the novel had been an influence on War Horse, his story about the fate of animals who served on the front line in the First World War, which was turned into a hit National Theatre production.
The Snow Goose finished ahead of Miss Mackenzie by Anthony Trollope, with The Rector’s Daughter, by F.M. Mayor third choice in the BBC vote.
A review of The Snow Goose will be appearing on Fantasy Book Review in the very near future.
Posted: November 21st, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Michael Morpurgo
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