The Goose Road

It's 1916 in the south of war-torn France. Even this far from the Front, the effects of war are felt. 14 year old Angelique and her mother are left to manage the family farm after Angelique's abusive father and adored brother Pascal are conscripted into the army. A series of disasters - violent weather, the requisitioning of farm animals, violent men, neighbourhood gossip, unpaid debts, the death of Angelique's father and her mother's subsequent breakdown - leaves the family on the brink of losing everything. To save them, Angelique embarks on an epic and desperate trek across France, accompanied by her Uncle Gustav and a flock of Toulouse geese. The Goose Road is a heartbreaking and moving story about war, from the perspective of one left behind. The Goose Road is an adventure story - Angelique and her geese undertake an epic journey on a quest against the odds. It is also a story about the horrors of war - how it brings out the worst, but also the best, in people. The futility of war is mirrored by Angelique grappling with the futility of her quest. But despite this, Angelique remains hopeful. She wants to believe that people are basically decent, she wants to trust, and to give the benefit of doubt. This is her greatest weakness, but also her greatest strength. There is an interesting postscript to the book, in which the author talks about how she was inspired to write the story by a chance viewing of a photograph. This would be a brilliant creative writing exercise to do with students - writing stories inspired by historical photos. This year marks the centenary of the end of The Great War. This book would be a great way to introduce a different perspective on the war to both History and English Literature classes. The Goose Road is an emotional rollercoaster, and a great read for anyone interested in history, war, adventure and stories with heart. 375 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Daniel Katz, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+