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Powell's Q&A, Q&A | October 16, 2009

Powell's Q&A: Gail Collins

1 comment By Gail Collins

[My new book] starts in 1960 with a woman named Lois Rabinowitz, who was evicted from Manhattan traffic court for attempting to pay a parking ticket while wearing slacks. This was... Continue »

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redrockbookworm, July 22, 2008 (view all comments by redrockbookworm)
Paul Gallico is not a novelist. His talent lies in his ability to tell beautiful and inspiring short stories that are a joy to read. The Snow Goose is one of my favorites and I have read and re-read it many times over my lifetime, each time gaining new insight into the author and his characters. At the risk of being accused of blasphemy, it is my opinion that The Snow Goose could have appeared as one of the parables told in the New Testament. It is a short story, a mere 6O or so pages, and tells the story of a physically deformed artist in his late 20's named Rhayader who has retreated from the world and taken up residence in an abandoned lighthouse near a marsh where he attempts to capture the beauty of his surroundings on canvas as well as provide sanctuary to the birds who seek shelter there over the winter months.

One day, a girl of about 12 named Frith, comes to him with an injured snow goose. Although frightened by his outward appearance, she overcomes her trepidation because she has heard of his desire to help the creatures of the marsh. Together they nurse the injured goose until it is able to fly north in spring. The following year the goose returns as does the young Frith. Over several years this cycle continues and the annual return of the bird acts as a catalyst in the developing relationship between the artist and the young woman. We see a lonely young man whose repugnant physical countenance has alienated him from society as he is slowly transformed by the restorative power of friendship and love. Over the years the birds' visits extend for longer periods and by the spring of 1940 it becomes apparent that the bird will remain at the lighthouse. World War II comes to the quiet marsh in a most unusual way and the story takes a different tack.

Although this book may be perceived as "chic-lit" it poses questions about the human spirit and the need for companionship that can be educational to all ages and both sexes. This small little book packs a great big wallop to the readers psyche and I heartily recommend it.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780394445939

Author:

Gallico, Paul

Publisher:

Knopf Publishing Group

Location:

New York :

Subject:

Literary

Subject:

Historical

Subject:

Fiction

Subject:

World war, 1939-1945

Subject:

Historical - General

Subject:

Historical fiction

Subject:

Geese

Subject:

Romans

Subject:

Dunkerque (France), Battle of, 1940 -- Fiction.

Subject:

World War, 19

Subject:

Dunkirk, Battle of, Dunkerque, France, 1940

Series Volume:

1173

Publication Date:

June 1941

Binding:

Hardcover

Language:

English

Illustrations:

Yes

Pages:

64

Dimensions:

7.34x5.36x.42 in. .33 lbs.