The Snow Goose

By: Paul Gallico

Narrated by: Steve Mackintosh, Georgia Groome, Deborah Findlay, Sam Dale

Length: 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Paul Gallico’s The Snow Goose by Nick Warburton, starring Steven Mackintosh.

When Open Book asked various authors to champion a favourite neglected classic on the programme, Michael Morpurgo chose The Snow Goose - perhaps no surprise, with his own story 'War Horse' depicting a friendship between a boy and his horse which takes them both into the horror of World War I.

In The Snow Goose, A wounded bird brings together a disfigured artist and a young girl on the eve of World War II. With Steven Mackintosh as Philip Rhayader, Georgia Groome as Fritha, Deborah Findlay as Mrs Farnes, and Sam Dale as the storyteller. Also featuring Michael Shelford, Malcolm Tierney, and David Seddon. Directed by Sally Avens.

©2011 Paul Gallico (P)AudioGo Ltd 2011

The Snow Goose

This is a wonderful story that I remember from my childhood and plays into the Dunkirk spirit. Britain beleagued and alone, saves her defeated army by sending out every craft on the south coast of England to bring them off the coast of France. A moment in history which is defining for the British. Paul Gallico writes a haunting book and the BBC brings it to life.

Phenomenal

I listened to this story last night and I was absolutely transported. It was so thrilling to listen to the wonderful story and the wonderful dramatic reading. I recommend this to everyone. A beautiful, very very touching story that is unforgettable.

The snowGoose

The beautiful tale by Paul Gallico is wnerfully nariated by a. Superb cast. This is the classic tale of a girl, a bird and a disabled man who are bonded together in a way that they do not understand

Salted caramel so beautifully bitter sweet

Where does The Snow Goose (BBC Radio 4: Classic Serial) rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Out of more that 1000 other books , in the top 5

Any additional comments?

A piece of salted caramel so beautifully bitter sweet that it will bring tears to your eyes or you have not heart. What a story of beauty and joy, the salt of tears and the warm enchanting conclusion your left with that your world in the end, no matter the problem will be OK. The story is like salted caramel. Or getting into a warm bed on a very cold night. It’s a delight, there, that’s all I can say. Get it. And enjoy a story, you will I assure you be sharing around your family for generations.

The Book is better

The book version had luscious prose and a sentimental but not cheesy story. The audible version is a dramatic reading so it is very much abridged. The actual book has a feeling of the grey, winter landscapes of Northern England. Philip Rhayader reminded me a little bit of Mr. Rochester although his personality is far nicer. Frith is a character very much like her surroundings with her wildness, fear and gentleness. The ending is tragic and yet is very beautiful.

well done and very enjoyable

What made the experience of listening to The Snow Goose (BBC Radio 4: Classic Serial) the most enjoyable?

The story was acted out.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Snow Goose (BBC Radio 4: Classic Serial)?

The most memorable moment was Philip leaving for Dunkirk

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accents were great

As a small boy my mother told me this story

These wonderful memories, as a small boy listening on the radio with my mother. Thank you

An old friend...

I have relished reading this for many decades. So I am especially delighted to discover and own this splendid audio version. I am an old man now, but this still brings me to tears at the end. I am grateful for each of them...

Love this it warms heart and soul

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! Is the only word for this story and how it was told excellently read and parted out

Atmospheric and touching

I love listening to this and have done many times as it's short enough and so very good.



The sound effects take you there straight away and the narrators do a superb job with the characters. It's a moving story.

A true classic.

A story with everything. A tale of hope and love that ends in loss and tradegy, matched with an excellent performance.

The snow goose

The most beautiful story wonderfully dramatized it is compelling listening and reading. I have loved this story for many many years, well worth your time to listen and read.

LOVED THIS ❤️

This is a very touching story that took me by surpirse as I was quite sniffly by the time it came to the end. Very sad in parts but altogether uplifting and personal. This is not a storyline I would normally bother listening to, but one day I just had the urge and bought it, I am glad I did. This is true English literature and why I love words & dramatic themes. A human story for those with a heart.

Masterful and moving

What did you like most about The Snow Goose (BBC Radio 4: Classic Serial)?

This is a classic of modern, ordinary writing -- neither high literature nor low. The story is moving and tugs at the heart-strings. It is a story that meets our need to belief that good underlies all things.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Snow Goose (BBC Radio 4: Classic Serial)?

The scene when the snow goose returns for the first time. The painting of Frith. The moment when the snow goose stays permanently. The scene when Frith returns as Philip is leaving for Dunkirk. The beach rescue scene. It is impossible to choose.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I have read the text, but the narration brings it to life (especially for someone who is not English/British in origin).