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.

Related posts

Posted: November 21st, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Michael Morpurgo

Do you have something to add to this post? Please leave a comment

Image: Once Walked with Gods book cover   Image: Alden Bell, author   Image: Gardens of the Moon, by Steven Erikson, book cover   Image: X-Isle book cover
Book of the Month   Interviews   Books you must read...   Competition
Once Walked with Gods
James Barclay
James Barclay's ELVES trilogy will tell the whole story of his immortal elven race, and will appeal to all fans of Tolkien and fantasy - this is a uniquely entertaining take on a fantasy staple perfect to bring new readers to Barclay.

 

Alden Bell
Allison Brennan
Paul Kearney
Karen Brooks
JR Mitchell
NK Jemisin
Holly Black
Chris Dolley
Alex Bell
Alison Goodman
  The Amulet of Samarkand
The Spook's Apprentice
Gardens of the Moon
A Game of Thrones
A Wizard of Earthsea
Ship of Magic
Assassin's Apprentice
The Colour of Magic
Duncton Wood
Tigana
  September 2, 2010 will see the publication of Steve Augarde's wonderful X-Isle in paperback. To mark the occasion Random House have very kindly given us three copies to give away as prizes in our latest competition.
Previous winners   Interview archive   Josh's top 8 fantasy list   Click here to enter!

Search

 

Pages

Show pages | Hide pages

Archive

Sub-genres

Meta