The Goose Road

by Rowena House

A debut novel about one girl's remarkable journey across France during WWI.

France 1916. Angélique Lacroix is haymaking when the postman delivers the news: her father is dead, killed on a distant battlefield. She makes herself a promise: the farm will remain exactly the same until her beloved older brother comes home from the Front. "I think of it like a magical spell. If I can stop time, if nothing ever changes, then maybe he won’t change either." But a storm ruins the harvest, her mother falls ill and then the requisition appears... In a last-ditch attempt to save the farm from bankruptcy, Angélique embarks on a journey across France with her brother's flock of magnificent Toulouse geese.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, War, Historical, Book Club, Realistic Fiction

384 pages, ebook

First published April 5, 2018

About the author

ROWENA HOUSE spent years as a foreign correspondent in France, Africa and then again in Europe before turning to fiction. She visited the WW1 battlefields of the Western Front repeatedly to research her prize-winning First World War short story, The Marshalling of Angelique’s Geese (WAR GIRLS, 2014) and again for her debut novel, THE GOOSE ROAD (Walker 2018).

Her fascination with the Great War, the trenches, and the appalling artillery battles of the Somme and Verdun began at school when studying the war poets, Wilfred Owen in particular. As an adult, she experienced war first-hand as a Reuter’s reporter in Ethiopia, and saw its terrible impact on civilians.

Now settled in the English countryside with her husband and son, Rowena holds a Master’s degree in rural economics and another in creative writing, and mentors fiction writers alongside her journalism and storytelling.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War One France, 1916. Angélique Lacroix is home on the families farm with her mother. News has just arrived from her brother Pascal who is fighting in Verdun that their father has been killed in battle. Angélique is not bothered by the news as she hated her father but quickly realised that the farm is now her brothers and she needs to look after it.

Unfortunately, after spending days cutting down the corn a storm arrives and near enough kills it all, then the army arrives and takes the families hens, pig, and cow. They now only have left their geese.

When Angélique’s mother explains that her father had a large gambling debt before he died that needs to be paid off or the bailiffs are coming for the farm she makes a plan with her uncle Gustav to take the geese to market but not just any market, Frevent market near where General Foch is who will pay top money for her geese, trouble is it is a long way to get there and Angélique has never herded geese before.

Can she get all her geese safety to the market and save her farm from the bailiffs?

The Goose Road is a beautiful story about one young girl’s determination to save her brother’s farm so that when he returns from fighting in the war he has a home to come back to.

Angélique will do anything for her brother, especially after the way their father treated him, including beating him. He was a wicked man who only thought about himself and even in death, his gambling addiction is causing the family pain and hardship. Her uncle Gustav comes to stay for a few weeks to see how he can help but when the army takes the families animals to feed the soldiers their hands are tied, they need money and fast.

As well as looking after the farm, mainly single-handedly as he mother gets sick, Angélique is also confused about her feelings for Rene, a local boy who wants to marry her when she is old enough but his mother states he can not marry a peasant girl. Rene had polio as a child and is disabled but he wants to do his bit in the war before Angélique can persuade him not too he leaves in the night, will he ever return to her?

All the characters are beautifully written and easy to visualise. Even the time period was in focus all the way through. It’s hard to imagine such hardship as well as a great war going on around you, plus being a child and having to do the work of adults, Angélique also has to dress as a boy for her journey as it is not safe for a young girl to be travelling so far even with her uncle.

This is an extraordinary book that certainly plays with your emotions. Who would have thought one young girl and a gaggle of geese could give such a spell-binding story, but they certainly can.

[Milda Vaškevičienė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puiki istorija ne tik paaugliams, bet ir suaugusiems. Jaudinantis romanas apie nepamirštamą mergaitės kelionę per Prancūziją pirmojo pasaulinio karo metais.
Istorija, kuri jautriai palietė ir sužavėjo.
Kare miręs tėvas, brangiausias brolis kariauja, o 14 metė Andželika likusi namuose su mama, stengiasi prižiūrėti ir išlaikyti šeimos ūkį. Tačiau ūkį viena po kitos užklumpa vis didesnės negandos. Mėgindama apsaugoti šeimos turtą, Andželika leidžiasi į kelionę per Prancūziją kartu su pulkeliu puikiųjų brolio Tulūzos žąsų...
Ir kiek čia visko nutinka, kiek išgyvenimų, nuotykių, nesėkmių ir vilties, tikėjimo, kad viskas bus gerai.
Ta diena ateina, kai karas baigiasi, tik reikia tikėti ir jos sulaukti...

[Bookread2day · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Marshalling of Angelique's Geese in War Girls by Rowena House is a collection of short stories about WWI as seen through the eyes of young women. The Goose Road is a novelization of that story. The Goose Road is quite a sad read. The story starts of with the mother that receives a letter with bad news Angelique's father is dead on a distant battlefield. Angelique tries to remember something nice about her father but she can't, all she can remember is his fists and his belt and his leather razor strop. While the soldiers are fighting on the front, Angelique has her own battle to win. Will they be able to keep the family farm running until her brother returns from the war? I would like to thank very dearly to Walker books for sending me brilliant historical fiction book to review.

[Jayne Downes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful and well written novel set in France during World War 1 about a 14 year old girl struggling to hold onto the family farm for her brother who is away fighting. After her father dies and leaves debts she decides to take a flock of geese to the front so she can get the best price for them and save the farm. She faces many hardships on the way- the author is very skilful in the way she portrays life in France during this time. A quality read.

[Chloe (thelastcolour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wonderful little book recommend by one of the ladies that i work with. it was a really touching story that brought tears to my eyes. would definitely recommend if you need something light to read. the characters were wonderfully written, i wish the story were longer!

[The Book Lender · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 Angélique and her mother are left to manage the family farm after Angélique’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 Angélique’s father and her mother’s subsequent breakdown - leaves the family on the brink of losing everything. To save them, Angélique 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 - Angélique 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 Angélique grappling with the futility of her quest. But despite this, Angélique 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.

The Goose Road is an emotional rollercoaster, and a great read for anyone interested in history, war, adventure and stories with heart.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affecting and inspiring.

The Goose Road presents a different perspective of The Great War: that of a young, female non-participant. Angélique is an ordinary teenager trying to keep her farm going. War zones are terrible places, and in France 1916, sometimes it was difficult to differentiate between the western front and a piece of farmland, and here readers will learn a lot about the suffering and hardships faced by everyday people.

We are presented with a strong backstory, but Angie’s journey with the geese supplies the action. As she (dressed as a boy) travels with Uncle Gustav, the author highlights a range of secondary characters—some who are helpful and kind, and others, opportunistic and uncaring. War can either bring out the best or worst in people. At the heart of the story is Angie, fiercely tenacious in her determination to ensure there will still be a farm for her brother Pascal, when he returns from war. Young readers will be satisfied with this conclusion.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Goose Road is a lovely young adult book by Rowena House. France 1916 Angélique Lacroix received sad news about her father and decided it was her place to ensure that the farm continued until her brother returned from the battlefield. Angélique Lacroix took her brother's Toulouse geese on a road trip across France when the farm was nearly bankrupt, not realising the dangers she would face. The readers of The Goose Road will continue to follow Angelique Lacroix to discover what happens.

Rowena House's debut novel, The Goose Road, is an enjoyable young adult book that engaged me from the first page. Rowena House did an excellent job capturing life in France during the First World War. I love Rowena House's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Goose Road is well-written and researched. I also like Rowena House's description of the settings of The Goose Road, which complemented the book's plot.

I recommend this book.

[Liz Derouet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, Angelique is a strong and smart young woman, determined to save the farm for her brother during a WWI in France, a very tough time for all.
I’ll be writing a review and book talk to share on my blog soon.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

One girl’s epic journey across France with her flock of Toulouse geese amid the terror and chaos of World War One is the subject matter of this debut novel by Rowena House. It is 1916. News has just arrived that 14-year-old Angelique Lacroix’s alcoholic father has died in battle. The only chance Angelique’s family have of surviving the financial strain and keeping their farm is if she walks her geese across France and sells them for a significant amount of money.

Rowena House’s historical novel, inspired by her winning short story entry “The Marshalling of Angelique’s Geese” in a competition run by Andersen Press in 2013, is both a historical journey into World War One affected France with the soon to arrive Spanish ‘Flu epidemic, and a charming personal story about a young girl dealing not only with the rearing of a beloved gosling to lead her geese onward on their treacherous journey, but also hunger, anger, violence, truth, and the unfathomable need for love in this world.

This book was a pure delight to read, which is surprising for me because I am one who normally shirks away from books involving war when I can. An easy page-turner with wonderful movement in the language.

Angelique’s journey is in turns inspiring and tear-jerking in ways I never thought I’d ever feel about geese. You yourself feel caught up in the journey, especially knowing that at the bittersweet end ownership and bonding with the geese must be sacrificed in order to save one’s home and family. Particularly, I will hold in my head forever the image of the tame geese wishing they could fly up in the sky with the wild geese they encounter on the way. Simply moving…

Full review on: http://booksellersnz.wordpress.com as officially posted 23 November 2018

[Becs · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is MY land these men are fighting for - my farm, my mother's home, my brother's inheritance. I am a peasant, a daughter of the rich soil of France, and I, too, have a home to defend".

That statement sums up this book so beautifully, and probably the thoughts and lives of so many during WWI who may not have fought in the battle, but were still fighting in their own way. Angelique is an amazing character to follow, having just lost her abusive father to the War, and her mother to her grief, Angelique must do what she can to keep her brothers farm going whilst he fights at the Somme. But with soldiers taking their livestock, and thus their money, Angelique and her mother are left only with their beautiful Toulouse geese. So Angelique hatches a plan - she will march her geese across France right to the very front where the rich generals are sure to pay a price high enough to free her of the debts her gambling father has left her family to clean up.

What I like so much about this book is that it gives the reader insight into this period almost secondhand, and so it reads as a less deliberate historical book than many of it's kind which makes it much easier to digest. It equally captures really cleverly how very strong people had to be to survive through such difficult times - Angelique really has to dig deep to keep on going. Angelique travels through France in 1916, through poverty stricken areas and travelling in cramped, dirty transportation with her geese. She encounters many individuals struggling through the War, and she herself is also an example (as are her geese I suppose) of the every-day turmoil that even those not fighting within the War were battling against.

For this reason, this isn't a happy story particularly - it showcases very well the tragedy of many poorer families, families awaiting letters from loved ones and families who have lost loved ones. Equally, Rowena House manages to integrate some theories regarding the "Spanish" Influenza which she showcases cleverly within some of the animals within the book - it's super interesting to try and trace back where this all started, and who or what may have initially infected the troops. I guess we'll never know!

The story moves quickly, with good pacing, although towards the end started to feel a little drawn out. This is, as I mentioned, quite a solemn book and this probably explains that, but it does have some areas which are injected with humour and, ostensibly, love for Angelique's funny little geese which are a great lift. I became very attached in fact to a couple of her feathered friends - so much so that I found it quite difficult to imagine them struggling through the long slog to the front or potentially becoming somebody's dinner!

A really insightful, cleverly written book which I will be thinking about long after finishing - particularly Napoleon (my favourite goose - and no, I'm not embarrassed to admit it!).

ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on StrupagI'm delighted to be today's stop on the blog tour for The Goose Road. The book is out today, so you can now get your hands on a copy! Or, be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of this post.

The Goose Road is the debut novel by Rowena House and is being published by Walker to coincide with the centenary of the end of the First World War.

I'm delighted to bring to you an extract from The Goose Road. But before that, I thought I'd share a bit of the synopsis and my own thoughts on the book.



 

 
My Thoughts
Living in the French countryside, Angélique and her mother are working hard to keep their family farm running while Angélique's father and brother, Pascal, are away, fighting for France.

Upon hearing of her father's death in combat, Angélique finds that she must raise funds in order to keep their beloved farm afloat for her brother's much-anticipated return home.

Having lost most of their livestock to the Requisition, all that remains are her brother's prized Toulouse Geese. With her mother grief-stricken, it falls to Angélique to find the funds to save what is now her brother's farm.  Fuelled by sibling love and determination, she decides to sell the geese. But in order to attain the kind of money she needs, she is going to have to risk her life and take her geese closer to the front lines.

So, accompanied by her Uncle, she sets off to cross wartorn France with her magnificent geese.

Blending fact with fiction, House has created a beautiful, memorable tale. Through the character of 14-year-old Angélique Lacroix we embark on a journey into the terrifying unknown, driven by the love of a sister for her brother.

It's a story that, although written for ages 12 and up, can be enjoyed by all. Angélique is a loveable character, a strong heroine who sets out to do what is right. Through her eyes we see the horrors of war, the toll it takes on survivors and the lives of the civilians struggling to survive. Personally, I appreciated the way the facts of the war were conveyed. I felt that it didn't shy away from any truths but was conveyed through the eyes of an innocent 14-year-old, thus making it perhaps more manageable for the target audience.

Angélique's love of animals stole my heart. I grew up helping on my father's croft, so I could absolutely appreciate Angélique's love for her livestock. I think House successfully portrays the importance of their animals, their livelihood and the impact that the Requisition had on small communities.

All in all, this is a powerful, beautifully written story. It'll simultaneously hurt and warm your heart, and I challenge you not to fall in love with Napolean Bonaparte the gander!

That's enough of my thoughts though. Walker Books have kindly provided me with an extract to share with you.

If you missed the first extract on the blog tour, be sure to check out Drinking Books to catch up.
Extract

My mourning dress is stiff and tight, a laced-up hand-me- down. Mother is almost invisible behind her long black veil. As we walk down the lane to the village through the warm, rosy dusk, I half expect a bat to blunder into her or a fox to stop and sniff the air as we pass.

Outside the church, the village widows flock around Mother like crows. There are Madame Villiard and Madame Arnauld, and poor young Madame Besançon, whose husband was just nineteen when both his legs were blown off at Verdun.

Old Madame Malpas draws me aside, wringing her bony hands and crying, “What’s to become of you, Angélique? You’ll very likely starve! La Mordue will go to rack and ruin without Monsieur Lacroix!”

“Pascal will be home soon,” I say. “Maman and I can manage till then.”

“Manage, child? When your corn’s still in the ground in August?”

“The farm men have been promised leave.” “And you expect the generals to keep their promises?” She sniffs loudly, then stumps off, calling to Mother,

“Madame Lacroix! What terrible news! Tell me, did he suffer?”

My best friend, Béatrice Lamy, hurries over to me.

“That woman!” she says, rolling her eyes. Then she kisses me on both cheeks and hugs me tightly. “This is unbearable, Angie. I can’t begin to imagine how you feel.”

Guilt prickles me because, just then, I’d been think- ing how much I hate wearing black and having to pretend to be sad. I wish I’d told her the truth before, but Mother always said the beatings would get worse if Father suspected we talked about him behind his back. And now it’s too late. I can’t speak ill of the dead, condemn a brave soldier Mort pour la France. What would

Madame Malpas say? “I’m fine, Bee,” I say. “Really, I am.” She cups my cheek in her hand. “You’re so brave,

Angie. I’d be in pieces if I’d lost Papa. How did you hear the news?”

I lean forward, hiding a smile, and whisper, “Pascal wrote.”

“Pascal!”

“Shhh, Bee. Not so loud.” I glance around, but the village women are too busy comforting Mother to take any notice of us. “Come on. Let’s talk inside.”

The cold stone church is empty. We sit in the front pew, the one allotted to the newly bereaved. Béatrice takes both my hands.

“Is Pascal safe?” she asks. “Is he hurt?” “I don’t know. Mother wouldn’t let me see his letter.” “Why not?” “Oh, you know. She’s upset.” “Of course. Silly question. I’m sorry.” Her eyes brim again with sympathy. Quickly I say, “Do you want to hear the good news?” “Good news?” Her eyes widen. I smile conspiratorially. “The farm belongs to Pascal now – the house, the land. Everything! It’s his.” “Oh.”

“Bee! Don’t you see what this means?” She shakes her head. “He can get married whenever he wants!” “Oh!” Her eyes widen further. “But ... Papa won’t let me. I’m too young.” “Pascal will wait, I know he will. And when you’re both ready you’ll live with us, and we’ll be sisters, a real family. Won’t that be wonderful?”

Her eyes shine, then she blushes. “I do love him so much.”

We start to hug, but just then the door opens and the village widows seep inside like shadows, a horde of veiled and silent wraiths.

“I should go,” Béatrice says. “No. Please stay.” “But your mother…”

“She won’t mind.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

I slip my arm through hers while we wait, each looking up at the brightly painted statue of Saint Joan of Arc, high on her pedestal. She’s wearing a full suit of armour, and spearing the devil through his blackened heart.

“I hate that statue,” Béatrice whispers.

“I don’t know,” I reply. “I rather like it.”

 
Giveaway
Thanks to Walker Books, I have two copies of this wonderful debut to give away to Strupag readers. To be in with a chance of winning simply enter via the rafflecopter entry form below. This giveaway is open to the UK only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Jurga Jurgita · Rating 4 out of 5]

📕Malonu, kad teiraujatės, kur prapuoliau su perskaitytų knygų apžvalgomis. Skubu pasiteisinti, jog skaitymo tempai šiuo metu ženkliai yra sulėtėję dėl tam tikrų pokyčių gyvenime, o ir šiaip pradėjau labai atsirinkti knygas, su kuriomis noriu susipažinti iš arčiau ir galbūt jas pasilikti savo namų bibliotekoje. Kadangi esu gan nemažai prikaupusi ir vaikams skirtos literatūros, tikėdamasi, kad augantis sūnus skaitys lygiai tiek pat, kiek ir aš būdama jo amžiaus. Todėl dažnai susimąstau, kad rinkdama jam tą gausią knygų kolekciją, labai retai kažką iš jos perskaitau ir pati. Tačiau kaip mama nepaprastai laukiu to laiko, kuomet susisėdę skaitysime jau abu. Tad kaskart paduodama knygą sūnui į rankas, laukiu, kuomet jis paprašys, jog paskaityčiau. O kol su nekantrumu viliuosi, kad tai įvyks greitu metu, čiupau pačią pirmą po ranka pasitaikiusią istoriją, kurią nusipirkau vos tik ji išvydo dienos šviesą. Ta laimingoji yra anglų korespodentės Rowena House romanas "Žąsų keliu".
📕Pirmiausia knyga patraukė dėmesį dėl to, jog pastarosios aprašyme yra akcentuojamas Pirmasis pasaulinis karas ir tik po to supratau, kad manęs laukia jaudinantis pasakojimas apie nepamirštamą mergaitės kelionę į Prancūziją. Smalsumas vis nedavė ramybės, kokia istorija slepiasi po tuo įstabaus grožio viršeliu, kad norėjosi kuo greičiau mesti buities darbus bei viską čia ir dabar sužinoti. Kadangi knyga yra beveik keturių šimtų puslapių ir šriftas ne iš didžiųjų, bet tai nesukėlė jokio diskomforto ir į ją panirau tą pačią minutę, vos tik atverčiau pirmąjį knygos puslapį. Nedrįsiu sumeluoti, bet tekstas tikrai pagaulus ir labai lengvai skaitosi, o pati istorija taip įtraukė, kad nueiti pasidaryti arbatos buvo lyg "misija-neįmanoma". Nepaprastai žavėjausi tuo, kad autorė sugebėjo suaugusį žmogų įklampinti į pasakojimą taip, jog, atrodė, nenori net minutei nuo jo atsitraukti, kol neperskaitysi paskutinio knygos sakinio. Man nepaprastai patiko ir tai, kad kūrinys skaitytoją nukelia į vaikystę ir visą aprašomą siužetą bandai suprasti vaiko protu, aprašomus įvykius matyti jo akimis. Galiu garantuoti, kad jei būčiau romaną skaičiusi maža, mano emocijos tikrai lietųsi per kraštus, o kilusioms mintims nebūtų pabaigos. Tačiau, kai visa tai jau skaitai suaugęs, tuomet ir pamąstymai yra visiškai kitokie.
📕Dvejojantiems dėl siužeto, būtinai noriu akcentuoti, jog tai nėra knyga vien tik apie Pirmąjį pasaulinį karą. Romane yra paliečiamos labai svarbios temos kaip šeima, draugystė, meilė, vertybės, asmenybės augimas, tinkamų sprendimų priėmimas. Didelė pagarba autorei už tai, kad ji sukūrė labai stiprius, tikroviškus personažus, meistriškai ir nesudėtingai atskleisdama jų išgyvenimus bei patiriamus jausmus. Pats pasakojimas tikrai yra jaudinantis ir kupinas netikėtų posūkių, kuriuose nagrinėjamas karo poveikis paprastam žmogui. Šis romanas man pasirodė įdomus dar ir tuo, kad kiek kitokiu kampu yra pristatoma Pirmojo pasaulinio karo pusė. Vietoj smurto, baimės, dėmesys yra sutelkiamas į skirtingų žmonių grupių politines pažiūras. Todėl kalbant apie knygos veikėjus, kiekvienas jų tarsi atlieka skirtingus vaidmenis. Anželika yra pagrindinė veikėja, kurios vaikiškas naivumas vėliau įgauna visai kitokią prasmę, kurią būtų galima pavadinti kaip visišku atsidavimu savo broliui ir kaip turint tokią auksinę širdį kaip josios, empatijos ir supratimo vedina galima pasiekti savo tikslą. Mergaitės tėvas reprezuotuoja karo aukas, nukentėjusias nuo alkoholizmo, o jos motina pristato aukas, netekusias artimųjų.
📕"Žąsų keliu" yra labai graži istorija apie jaunos merginos pasiryžimą išsaugoti savo brolio ūkį, kad grįžęs iš kovų kare jis turėtų namus. Stipriai jaučiasi ir autorės įdirbis, kuri nuodugniai ištyrinėjo Pirmojo pasaulinio karo archyvus, dokumentus, faktus bei rėmėsi savo kaip karo žurnalistės patirtimi, siekiant kuo tiksliau skaitytojui perteikti to meto įvykius, žmonių išgyvenimus. Tačiau, kad ir kokia jautri būčiau karo istorijoms, bet pastaroji manęs taip stipriai nepalietė, kaip tikėjausi ir norėjau. Atvirai pasakius, man tų minimų žąsų buvo kiek per daug, kurios tarsi pagrindinius įvykius nustūmė į antrą vietą. Sutinku, kad jos vaidina labai svarbų vaidmenį šiame pasakojime, bet man nuolatinis jų akcentavimas vos ne kiekviename sakinyje blaškė ir trikdė. Kas skaitysite pastarąjį romaną, turėsite puikią galimybę pasimėgauti ir nuostabiu autorės humoru, kuris vietomis privertė tikrai garsiai nusijuokti ar tyliai po anklode pakikenti, taip nepažadinant sūnaus iš gilaus pietų miego. Jei norite šią istoriją perskaityti ir jūs, tai tikrai nedvejokite ir čiupkite ją pirma pasitaikusia proga, nes meistriškai sukurtas pasakojimas ir nepaprastas kruopštumas detalėms sužavi ir prikausto skaitytojo dėmesį visu šimtu procentų. O norintiems trupučio užuominų apie kūrinio siužetą, pateikiu trumpą jo anotaciją.
📕Prancūzija, 1916-ieji. Keturiolikmetė Anželika Lakrua vartė šieną pievoje, kai paštininkas atnešė naujienas: jos tėtis žuvo kovos lauke. Mergina pažada sau, kad iki tol, kol mylimas brolis sugrįš iš karo, sugebės išlaikyti ūkį tokį, koks buvo prieš šiam išvykstant. Tačiau jį viena po kitos užklumpa vis didesnės negandos. Mėgindama apsaugoti šeimos turtą, Anželika leidžiasi į kelionę per Prancūziją kartu su pulkeliu puikiųjų brolio Tulūzos žąsų.
📕Abejoju, ar ši glausta knygos santrauka gali tiksliai jums nupasakoti, ko galima iš šios istorijos tikėtis. Tačiau perskaičius romaną, supratau vieną dalyką, kad nepaisant tų taip dažnai minimų žąsų, jis dovanojo labai mielas ir šiltas akimirkas, kuomet jas skaitant, norisi susisukti į pledą, mėgautis karšta aviečių arbata ir mintimis sugrįžti į tą laikotarpį, kai tokios istorijos buvo tiesiog deficitas. Todėl, kas ieškote kūrinio savo mažiesiems skaitytojams ir galbūt netgi sau, tai ši knyga būtų puikus pasirinkimas ir alternatyva, kai tiesiog norisi istorijos apie tai, kaip bendraamžiai sugeba kūrybiškai susidoroti su iškylančiomis problemomis bei tuo pačiu skatina ryžtingumą ir gebėjimą siekti savo užsibrėžto tikslo📕

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Read an 'uncorrected proof' copy)

I was really surprised how much I liked this book. It is set in 1916 France during WW1 (not the happiest of subjects) and our main character Angelique is trying to save her family farm from ruin, which involves a huge journey across France with a flock of Toulouse geese!

This book is very beautifully written and really immerses you in the time period. It portrays many troubling consequences of the war but through Angelique's eyes, enables the author (in my opinion) to give justice to the horrors but at a level suitable for a younger audience. The author also manages to soften these horrors with her love for her family and best friend Rene.

I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone (both child or adult ) who likes historical fiction and is intrigued by a famous event in history being presented from an unusual perspective (a goose girl is definitely one of them).

[Just_me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sent to my daughter from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. We read it together this is her review:

The Goose Road wasn't the easiest book to read because it makes you feel so many emotions but it is really, really good. It is set at 1916 during world war one in France and is about a family who own a farm but they nearly loose it. This book is about the journey Angelique goes on to save her farm and to honour her mother and brother.
I found the book really good, it had some scary bits, some sad bits and some happy bits too. I think girls and boys age 10 and above will enjoy this story.

[Hugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light novel about the heaviest burdens we carry

Unlike so much writing in English about France, The Goose Road never falters in evoking the French, treating them with respect and tenderness, as it does its other subjects: war, disease, death, vices and family divisions. Authentic on every level, this gripping tale even manages to engender a fondness for geese.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come...

[Alyce Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkably heartbreaking journey through the French countryside during WW1. Full review coming on Tuesday.

[Reuben Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review available here: http://jessiebellafreckle.tumblr.com/...

[Abigail O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Readlaxing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story line, but at times found the story rambling a bit. Over all I enjoyed the light read.

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very emotional book which may leave some sensitive readers feeling uneasy. It’s 1916 in France and Angélique hears that her father has died in the war. She worries about her brother Pascal, who is also serving, and is determined to make sure that he comes home to his family, to his farm. But when someone threatens to take the farm away from Angélique and her mother, she decides to do something drastic to save the home she loves. The home Pascal will return to. And to save it she must make a journey north, across France, taking her geese with her, on foot.

The story begins well and we learn about Angélique, her mother and the whole situation they live in quite quickly. We get to know a few of the other characters too and soon encounter news about her father’s death. The news leaves Angélique with mixed feelings considering the man her father was, and it was this extra storyline that helped draw me into the tale. It wasn’t difficult to get into this, it’s easy to read but as the story progresses things take a dark turn and you begin to read some of the true horrors that people went through during the First World War.

I’ve always enjoyed and really gotten into books set during war times and this one soon became interesting, but there was something about it that just didn’t feel as enticing as some other books. It took quite a few chapters into the story before I could say that I really wanted to keep reading on, that I couldn’t put it down. I’m not sure why but it just felt a bit difficult to relate to Angélique and her situation at the beginning. Towards the end of the book the story becomes more and more difficult to read. It becomes very sad and if you are a sensitive reader or a deep animal lover you might feel bad reading some of the chapters. The sort of things I read were expected and I have to commend the author for being honest about how things were and how people would feel, but there’s something just so sad about it, especially as you get to the ending.

The ending does end sort of well. It’s not a very happy ending for all characters, a mixed one instead. I did like the way the story did conclude some time after the events in the main part of the book, but the ending felt very short and I felt a bit annoyed that Pascal’s story wasn’t given more details. I won’t reveal what happens but after the last lines, I thought I’d turn the page to read one more chapter, but it just ends there, with little mention of some characters and no real conclusion to how life is for Angélique at that time. It just feels a bit disappointing, and I would have liked to hear something about geese, the farm or more about Pascal.

The story doesn’t have any offensive language but it does mention the bleak reality of war. There are descriptions of death and illness, and injuries, some are a bit graphic, and the overall tone gets sadder and more depressing the further you read on. I wouldn’t recommend children to read this, as I’m sure many could get upset, but teens and older who are prepared for a book that gives an honest view of war will enjoy it.

The author’s notes are worth reading, as you soon discover that many of the events in the book are based on real events that happened during that time. It made Angélique’s whole story feel more real and I found the bit about Napoleon and the potential things that could have happened very interesting.

Despite my criticisms I still recommend reading this. It was a lovely book that really does explore the First World War from the eyes of an ordinary French teenager. It’s not a happy book, and it will leave you feeling sad and possibly a bit annoyed at the ending – there really could have been more there – but overall a good book exploring this time period and very fitting considering the recent 100 year anniversary of the end of that war.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.

[whatbooknext · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1916. Angelique is 14 and is not sure how she should feel after hearing the worst news about her father fighting in WWI. Her mother is grief-stricken but Angelique only remembers her father’s anger. Her fears for her beloved brother Pascal overshadow her guilt over her father, and she vows to make sure their farm will be just as it was when Pascal left to fight. He must have somewhere safe and loving to return to.

But doing everything herself is almost impossible, and when Nature takes a swipe at them, and then the Army take even more, Angelique is at breaking point. There is even worse news to come – they will lose the farm if they don’t pay her dead father’s debts.

It’s a heart-breaking choice, but Angelique decides to sell Pascal’s Toulouse Geese. But the only way to get the best price is to take them to where the money is – the officers in the army. This means a long, cold and dangerous journey closer to the front.

Along the way they meet many people just as desperate to live as they are. She must keep her wits about her, and sum up all the courage she has.

The idea for this story came from a photograph the author saw on a TV documentary about the Spanish Flu pandemic – blamed on domestic birds like geese, chickens or ducks in 1916. It spread through the army who then spread it further when they returned home. (Angelique has no idea what is making her birds unwell along their journey.) Through thorough and meticulous research by the author, this story gives yet another face to war – that of those left behind, trying to hold onto hope for their loved ones while holding everything together at home. War took their fathers, uncles, brothers and sons, then their stock, their livelihood, farms and homes. Stunning.

[Hana (myjourneywithbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in France during World War I, the story follows Angelique Lacroix and the long, difficult journey she has to make across the country with a flock of geese in an attempt to save the family farm for her brother who is away at war.

Beautifully written and easy to read, Rowena House makes the telling of it seem effortless but I have no doubt a lot of careful research went into this book. I've read a lot of books set during the world wars but never one that takes place in France so this was a somewhat new experience. While this is a story about the world war, it is less about those doing the fighting and more about those that have been left behind, who have to deal with their own forms of suffering - fields unharvested and farms neglected because the menfolk aren't around to help, the fear of never seeing their loved ones again, the blatant stealing that goes on in the name of the Requisition.

Angelique herself is very likeable character, her very real thoughts and fears reaching out across the pages to hold me in her grasp. The journey she makes is an extraordinary one and I found it extremely difficult to put the book down till I had accompanied her to the end of the road.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in France during WW1, this is a moving story of a girl who must travel across the country in an attempt to sell her flock of geese in order to pay off farm debts.
The author has captured war-time very well for a YA novel; she doesn't try to sugar-coat scenes of death and the desperation of the people, but it is tempered with optimism and love of friends and family, animals and land.
The death of the geese and the uncle was terrible! Introducing the thread of the Spanish flu (expanded on in the afterword) adds to the devastation, but it's also horrible to think that those geese - or others like them - were responsible for such a terrible disease which spread throughout the world.

Overall, I would highly recommend this for a middle/high-school class studying the war (it would work as a class read-aloud). It is recommended for ages 12+, but it is confronting (hard for a WW1 novel not to be), so I would still like to know my reader before giving it out willy nilly.

If you like this one, try My Brother's Secret by Dan Smith, about a German boy who loves his role in the Hitler Youth, but ends up joining the Edelweiss Pirates.

[Nick Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it in two straight sittings, because this story of a young girl fighting to save her family farm in the depths of The Great War is just riveting. She’s threatened, abused, tricked, cheated and confronted by unbending bureaucracy. Yet she keeps fighting. She refuses to give up. And you keep racing through the pages to find out she’ll survive the latest setback. It’s also great to read a book with a young heroine who doesn’t resort to violence to solve her problems, but who uses her wits. That’s refreshing.

What’s also impressive is the way Rowena House evokes the cold, squalor and sheer misery of the war without once going near the trenches. Descriptions of disfigured veterans, deserted farms, starving factory workers and filthy trains pack an enormous punch, and make you realise that when a war does break out, it’s not always just the people on the front line who suffer. This is a great book.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the death of her abusive father Angelique vows to try and keep the family farm going until her brother returns from the war, and what an undertaking. her grief stricken mother is of very little help so Angelique sends for the help of her Uncle Gustav. In order to save the farm, mortgaged by the father to pay his gambling debts ( the pig and the cow have been Requisitioned) they decide to try and sell their geese to the highest bidder. They trek across France, an arduous journey, with many pitfalls along the way.

A harrowing story, beautifully narrated, giving a different perspective of life in France during World War 1.

Well worth reading.

[Iris ⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a 10 year old fantasy lover, I actually liked this! Rowena did a good job of dragging me into that timeline because I felt like I was there. It's not the best for people very sensitive to animals getting hurt as some geese do get slaughtered, but it's very brief. I loved reading Angelique's journey across the country even though it was different from what I normally read, and I thought the book was really entertaining. I would recommend this for someone more around the age of 12-13+ as it's a bit more mature and focuses more on sadness rather than happiness, but if your kid is a bit more into more mature books then this is perfect.

[madmuselleblu · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this book revealed profound questions about humanity during and post-war. We must not forget that we’re humans - with feelings and ambitions. How can one save this essential part of being a human being when forced to witness and commit horrid acts for the sake of winning a war? How can one not break into pieces when forced to break others? Is it ever possible to heal the wounds the war has left without inflicting new ones on others? It’s unsettling to think about how this anti-human act called “war” changes people and their worlds.

The author, Rowena House, explores different themes of life during a war, shaping an inspiring story about a girl determined to save her brother’s farm. Reading this book felt like taking part in a serious mission. Loved the time spent wandering in this world!

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rowena House’s debut YA historical novel is an interesting affair that looks at civilian life in France during World War I (something that gets little attention in the U.K. and which offers an original perspective on a well-worn subject, including the requisitions, wildcat strikes and profiteering) but the story itself is fairly predictable and I didn’t buy into Angélique’s naivety while the ending disappointed me given the absence of Pascal.